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. Students may complete their online courses and work experience within their home community. The Funeral Service diploma is the credential preferred by funeral home employers. Students are prepared to license as a Funeral Director and as an Embalmer.

Duration of the Program

Program requirements for diploma completion can be completed in 12 months. Students have six (6) 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 course work.

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, giving students an opportunity 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 to secure 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.

Police Information Check

Students preparing for work experience courses may be required to provide a current Police Information Check to their Funeral Home employer, at their own expense. It is each employer’s decision to accept or reject a student for work experience placement based upon the results of a 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 courses may be required to provide a non-graduated Class 5 driver’s license to their Funeral Home employer, at their own expense. It is each employer’s decision to accept or reject 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.

Personal Protective Equipment

Students participating in the embalming practicum are required to purchase personal protective equipment, at their own expense. The personal protective equipment will be available for purchase at the MRU Bookstore.

Immunizations

Proof of up-to-date immunization status is required for the Embalming Practicum and Embalmer Work Experience, and is the responsibility of the student. All associated costs are the responsibility of the student. Failure to maintain a current immunization status will result in immediate withdrawal from the embalming practicum course. Immunizations may take 6-months to complete so students are advised to plan accordingly.

Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer CPR Level C

At the time of the Embalming Practicum and the Embalmer Work Experience, students will be required to provide proof of current Standard First Aid with CPR C. Evidence of certification is to be provided prior to the beginning of the embalming practicum and must be valid for the duration of the course. Failure to maintain current Standard First Aid with CPR C certification will result in immediate withdrawal from the embalming practicum. All associated costs are the responsibility of the student.

WHMIS

At the time of the Embalming Practicum and the Embalmer Work Experience, students must present evidence of valid WHMIS certification. The certification must be valid for the duration of the embalming practicum course.

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 your primary or first language is not English). In addition, applicants must present evidence of funeral-related experience. Official transcripts from all high school and post-secondary institutions attended are required.