Pre-Funeral Service, Associate in Applied Science

Program Overview

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The Pre-Funeral Service Associate in Applied Science degree at Northampton Community College prepares students for careers in the funeral service profession. The program provides a foundation for academic success in the Funeral Service program and covers topics such as grief counseling, communication skills, and funeral service principles. Graduates may pursue careers as funeral directors, funeral service assistants, grief counselors, or cemetery managers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Pre-Funeral Service Associate in Applied Science degree at Northampton Community College is designed to prepare students with the business and science course backgrounds required for admission to the Funeral Service Education program.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide a foundation for academic success in the Funeral Service program
• Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice
• Utilize critical thinking skills while solving problems in each course
• Apply principles and theories including Anatomy, Chemistry, Microbiology, Accounting, Computer Skills, Business Communication, Business Law, and Funeral Service Sociology and Psychology

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Description:

This two-year degree prepares students for careers in the funeral service profession. Funeral service professionals provide support to the bereaved, arrange and direct funeral ceremonies, prepare bodies, sell funeral-related services and merchandise, and assist survivors with various tasks, including filing claims for death benefits and providing post-death counseling.

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Outline:

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Course Schedule:

• First Semester:
• College Success (1 credit)
• Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits)
• English I (3 credits)
• Mathematics Elective (3 credits)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• Second Semester:
• Human Biology (4 credits)
• Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
• English II (3 credits)
• Business Elective (3 credits)
• Third Semester:
• Accounting for Non-Accountants (3 credits)
• OR Financial Accounting I (3 credits)
• Microbiology for Allied Health (4 credits)
• Business Law I (3 credits)
• Principles of Sociology (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)
• Fourth Semester:
• Business Communications (3 credits)
• Chemistry of Life (4 credits)
• On Death and Dying (3 credits)
• Responding to the Bereaved (3 credits)
• Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT) (3 credits)

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Assessment methods may include:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Projects

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Assessment Criteria:

Students will be assessed on their:

• Knowledge of funeral service principles and practices
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Compassion and empathy

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

Teaching methods may include:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Hands-on activities
• Case studies
• Simulations

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Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty who are experts in their fields.

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Unique Approaches:

The program may incorporate unique approaches, such as:

• Field trips to funeral homes and cemeteries
• Guest lectures from funeral service professionals
• Experiential learning opportunities

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

Graduates of the program may pursue careers as:

• Funeral directors
• Funeral service assistants
• Grief counselors
• Cemetery managers

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Opportunities:

The program can open doors to opportunities in:

• Funeral homes
• Cemeteries
• Crematoriums
• Grief counseling centers