2009 Mississippi Curriculum Framework: Postsecondary Funeral Service Technology. (Program CIP-12.0301 - Funeral Service and Mortuary Science)

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate effectively; think creatively, solve problems, and make decisions; and interact with each other and the technologies in the workplace. Vocational-technical programs must also adopt these practices in order to provide graduates who can enter and advance in the changing work world. The curriculum framework in this document reflects these changes in the workplace and a number of other factors that impact local vocational-technical programs. The curriculum required for educating prospective funeral service professionals is a structured series of course experiences. This program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (3432 Ashland Avenue, Suite U, St. Joseph, MO 64506; 816.233.3747). The goal of the program is to provide training that prepares students for entry-level positions after graduation and licensure. The curriculum is designed to provide students the following: (1) Ethical and professional knowledge in funeral service education; (2) Exposure to career options available within the funeral service field; and (3) Experiences in the application of ethical and professional skills while emphasizing aspects of public health. The Funeral Service Technology program is a 2-year program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The industry standards are taken from the American Board of Funeral Service Education Accreditation Manual. Appended are: (1) American Board of Funeral Service Education Standards; (2) Related Academic Standards; and (3) 21st Century Skills. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 2 footnotes.)