General Information
Mount Royal’s Funeral Programs prepare students for an entry-level position in the funeral service profession. The majority of courses are delivered online, and students learn from expert instructors in an interactive environment. In many cases, the work experience courses can be completed in the community of your choice, however, relocation may be required to find a suitable placement. Students who intend to complete work experience courses outside of Alberta will need to contact their provincial regulatory body for advice on eligibility and if any restrictions may apply.
The Funeral Service diploma is the credential preferred by funeral home employers. Students are prepared to be licensed as a Funeral Director and as an Embalmer.
Program Duration
Program requirements for diploma completion can be completed in 12 months. Students have six calendar years from the date of initial registration in the Funeral Service diploma to complete all requirements. Students seeking an extension beyond six (6) years may be required to complete additional coursework.
Residency Requirements
Normally, 50% of the academic work completed toward the award of a Mount Royal parchment must be completed at the University, except where written approval has been given by the dean/director of the appropriate faculty. In addition, the embalming practicum and work experience components of the Funeral Service programs must normally be completed as a student of Mount Royal.
Work Experience
The work experience courses are designed to provide an extension of the learning process in a relevant work environment, allowing students to further develop their skills alongside funeral service professionals. The work experience courses are typically offered each semester and may often be completed at the same time as the academic courses.
Students are responsible for securing their own work experience placement. Given the fluctuating nature of the labour market, opportunities may vary, and students should be prepared to relocate. Any student who exhibits professional misconduct before or during the work experience placement may be required to withdraw from the program.
Post-Admission Program Requirements
Post-admission program requirements are non-academic requirements that must be completed after a student is admitted to the program and prior to taking embalming practicum and work experience courses. Post-admission program requirements must remain current for the duration of the program, and all associated costs are the responsibility of the student. The program will provide students with more information on the requirements, including all applicable deadlines. The post-admission program requirements include the following:
Mask Fit Testing
All students participating in the embalming practicum must be fitted for N95 masks. Mask fit-testing is valid for two years unless there has been weight gain or loss greater than 4.5 kilograms, or following nasal fracture or facial scarring, in which case, refitting is required sooner. Mask fit testing is provided to students as part of the embalming practicum course. Students can also provide evidence of a current mask fit test to the program team, and students must have their mask size with them for practical experiences.
Personal Protective Equipment
Students participating in the embalming practicum are required to purchase personal protective equipment at their own expense. Personal protective equipment will be available for purchase at the Cougars Campus Store.
Immunization & Blood Serology Testing
Proof of up-to-date immunization status and blood serology testing to confirm immunity is required for the duration of the program and is the responsibility of the student. All associated costs are the responsibility of the student. Failure to maintain a current immunization and blood serology testing status may result in immediate withdrawal from practical courses.
Standard (Intermediate) First Aid and CPR Level C
Students will be required to provide proof of current Standard (Intermediate) First Aid and CPR Level C. Evidence of certification is to be provided after admission to the program and by the advertised deadline. Certification must be valid for the duration of the program. Failure to maintain the current Standard (Intermediate) First Aid with CPR C certification may result in immediate withdrawal from practical courses. All associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
WHMIS
Students must present evidence of valid WHMIS certification. The certification must be valid for the duration of the program. All associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
Additional Work Experience Requirements
Work experience locations may require additional requirements. All associated costs are the responsibility of the student. Documentation of these additional requirements may be requested by and provided to the work experience location by the student. These may include:
Police Information Check
Students preparing for work experience may be required to provide a current Police Information Check to their work experience location, at their own expense. Each location decides to accept or decline a student for work experience placement based on the results of police information or other background checks. Please refer to the statement regarding police information and other background checks in this calendar.
Non-Graduated Class 5 Driver’s License
Students preparing for work experience may be required to provide a non-graduated Class 5 driver’s license to their work experience location, at their own expense. Each location decides to accept or decline a student for work experience placement if they do not have a non-graduated Class 5 driver’s license. This may also impact the student’s ability to complete the program requirements for graduation or to gain employment in the funeral profession.
Driver’s Abstract
Students preparing for work experience may be required to provide a driver’s abstract to their work experience location, at their own expense. Each location decides to accept or decline a student for work experience placement if they do not have an acceptable driver’s abstract. This may also impact the student’s ability to complete the program requirements for graduation or to gain employment in the funeral profession.
General Admission Requirements
Applicants are not required to meet the General Admission Requirements for Mount Royal University programs. Applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement if their first language (learned and understood) is not English. Applicants are not required to provide transcripts from any high school or post-secondary institutions unless they intend to use them to meet English Language Proficiency.
In addition, applicants must present evidence of funeral-related experience.
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