Grade 13 · a vocational technology learning center, by urbanicityFuneral Service / Mortuary Science
10 courses · 3,600 clock hours · 12–24 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career
Shared first block for every VoTechWorks program. OSHA 10 (30 for construction management), first aid/CPR/AED, applied trade math and measurement, technical reading and writing, digital literacy, and career readiness. Completed before students enter the skills lab and clinical site unsupervised.
Outcomes- Hold an OSHA 10 card and current CPR/AED certification
- Convert, measure and estimate with trade units, fractions, percentages and basic geometry
- Read a specification, code excerpt or manual and write a clear technical report
- Use email, spreadsheets, and the program's digital job-management tools
- Present a resume, portfolio and interview answers to an employer panel
Course text
Shared first block for every VoTechWorks program. OSHA 10 (30 for construction management), first aid/CPR/AED, applied trade math and measurement, technical reading and writing, digital literacy, and career readiness. Completed before students enter the skills lab and clinical site unsupervised.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: OSHA 10: introduction, rights, hazard recognition; First aid, CPR and AED; Applied trade math I: units, fractions, conversion; Applied trade math II: geometry, ratio and estimating; Technical reading and writing; Digital literacy for the trade; Career readiness: resume, portfolio, interview.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OSHA 10: introduction, rights, hazard recognition | 10 | theory | Complete the OSHA 10-hour outreach course. |
| OSHA outreach materials | OSHA card issued |
| 2 | First aid, CPR and AED | 8 | practice | Respond to a collapse, bleed, burn or choke until help arrives. |
| Manikins, AED trainer, first-aid kit | AHA/Red Cross card issued |
| 3 | Applied trade math I: units, fractions, conversion | 20 | theory | Convert, add and scale measurements used in the trade. |
| Trade math workbook, tape measures, calculators | Quiz ≥ 70% |
| 4 | Applied trade math II: geometry, ratio and estimating | 20 | theory | Lay out from a drawing and estimate quantity, time and cost. |
| Drawings, estimating sheets | Estimate within 10% of the key |
| 5 | Technical reading and writing | 30 | theory | Read a specification or manual and write a clear technical report. |
| Spec excerpts, report template | Report rubric ≥ 3/4 |
| 6 | Digital literacy for the trade | 30 | lab | Use email, spreadsheets, and the trade's job-management tools. |
| Lab computers/tablets, the job app | IC3/MOS-style practical passed |
| 7 | Career readiness: resume, portfolio, interview | 30 | practice | Present yourself to an employer panel. |
| Portfolio templates, employer volunteers | Panel pass |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 and first-aid written exams | Written exam | 25% | OSHA card issued; CPR/AED card issued | Authorized outreach trainer exam plus AHA/Red Cross skills check. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Applied math & measurement exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% | Timed exam: conversions, layout math, estimating from a drawing or recipe/order. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Technical report | Project | 25% | Rubric ≥ 3 of 4 on every criterion | A written report on a real task from the trade: problem, standard, method, result. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Employer panel interview | Oral / panel | 25% | Panel pass | Resume, 3-minute portfolio walk-through, and interview with two employer advisors. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
Embalming
Competency course in Embalming for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in Embalming and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Outcomes- Explain the principles, terminology and standards that govern Embalming
- Select and safely use the tools, equipment and materials for Embalming
- Perform the core tasks of Embalming to the standard, within time, without rework
- Identify faults, hazards and non-conformities in Embalming work and correct them
- Document Embalming work in the clinical log to industry format
Course text
Competency course in Embalming for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in Embalming and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Why it matters. In Funeral Service / Mortuary Science, embalming is not a chapter to pass through but a skill an employer will pay for on day one; every credential exam in this program tests it directly or assumes it. The course runs in skills lab, against scope of practice and infection control, with the clinical instructor as the standard of judgment.
How the course runs. 12 blocks of about 30.5 hours: orientation and safety first, then the tools and the vocabulary, then the standard that governs the work. Guided practice becomes independent practice; measurement and inspection teach the student to judge their own work; the fault lab teaches what failure looks like before it happens on a job. A timed production run and the documentation block close the loop, and the course ends with the written exam and the observed skills demonstration.
What competent looks like. The student can explain embalming, set up for it safely, perform it to the standard within time, spot and correct what is wrong, and write it up so that a stranger could verify the work.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation and safety for embalming | 30.5 | theory | State the hazards of embalming work and the controls for each; pass the safety brief. |
| PPE set, hazard cards, the program safety manual | Safety quiz 100% (retake until perfect); PPE donned correctly on demand |
| 2 | Tools, materials and terminology of embalming | 30.5 | demo | Name, select and care for the tools and materials of embalming; use the trade vocabulary correctly. |
| Full tool kit for embalming, material samples, tool cards | Oral check: 20 tools/terms named and their use stated |
| 3 | Reading the standard: what governs embalming | 30.5 | theory | Locate and apply the parts of scope of practice and infection control that govern embalming. |
| The code/standard excerpt, spec sheets, case file | Written check: 10 look-ups from the standard, 8 correct |
| 4 | Fundamentals I: guided practice in embalming | 30.5 | practice | Perform the core tasks of embalming step by step under direct supervision. |
| Practice stock/consumables, step checklists, the log | Checklist completed with instructor initials on every step |
| 5 | Fundamentals II: independent practice in embalming | 30.5 | practice | Perform the core tasks of embalming to the standard with the instructor observing, not assisting. |
| Task tickets, rubric, timer, practice stock | Rubric ≥ 3/4 on every line; time within 150% of the standard |
| 6 | Measurement, layout and quality checks in embalming | 30.5 | lab | Measure, lay out and inspect embalming work; decide accept/reject against tolerance. |
| Measuring instruments, drawings/orders, sample set | Inspection lab 9/10 correct with correct reasons |
| 7 | Faults, hazards and rework in embalming | 30.5 | lab | Identify defective or unsafe embalming work, explain the cause, and correct it. |
| Fault samples, diagnosis sheets, rework stock | Rework accepted by the clinical instructor on inspection |
| 8 | Production run: embalming to standard, timed | 30.5 | practice | Complete a realistic embalming job to standard within the allotted time and materials. |
| Job packet, materials at estimated quantity, timer | Job accepted; time and material within estimate |
| 9 | Documentation: the log and the report in embalming | 30.5 | theory | Record embalming work in the industry format so a stranger could verify it. |
| Report template, the certifying body's hours form | Report accepted by instructor; hours form correctly completed |
| 10 | Skills-check rehearsal for embalming | 30.5 | assessment | Rehearse the skills demonstration under exam conditions. |
| Skills checklist, timer, rehearsal stock | Rehearsal pass with zero critical misses, or a remediation plan on file |
| 11 | Advanced application and special cases in embalming | 30.5 | practice | Apply embalming to the non-standard situations met on real jobs. |
| Special-case packets, materials | Plan approved; special-case job accepted |
| 12 | Written exam and skills demonstration: embalming | 30.5 | assessment | Pass the course's written exam and the observed skills demonstration. |
| Exam, checklist, all tools and stock for the demonstration | Written ≥ 75%; demonstration competent on every critical step with zero safety faults |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embalming: written exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% | Theory, terminology, standards and safety for Embalming. Multiple choice plus short calculation/interpretation items drawn from the certification body's task list. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Embalming: skills demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Competent on every critical step; zero safety faults | Observed, timed performance of the core tasks of Embalming against a checklist. A critical-step miss or a safety fault stops the assessment; re-attempt after remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Embalming: clinical log | Log | 15% | Complete, signed, ≥ 90% attendance of lab hours | Daily entries: task, standard, method, result, time; instructor sign-off. Serves as hours evidence for the licensing/certifying body. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Embalming: safety audit | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/fail — must pass | Unannounced audit of PPE, housekeeping, lockout/guarding, and hazard communication while performing Embalming work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
Restorative art
Competency course in restorative art for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in restorative art and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Outcomes- Explain the principles, terminology and standards that govern restorative art
- Select and safely use the tools, equipment and materials for restorative art
- Perform the core tasks of restorative art to the standard, within time, without rework
- Identify faults, hazards and non-conformities in restorative art work and correct them
- Document restorative art work in the clinical log to industry format
Course text
Competency course in restorative art for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in restorative art and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Why it matters. In Funeral Service / Mortuary Science, restorative art is not a chapter to pass through but a skill an employer will pay for on day one; every credential exam in this program tests it directly or assumes it. The course runs in skills lab, against scope of practice and infection control, with the clinical instructor as the standard of judgment.
How the course runs. 12 blocks of about 30.5 hours: orientation and safety first, then the tools and the vocabulary, then the standard that governs the work. Guided practice becomes independent practice; measurement and inspection teach the student to judge their own work; the fault lab teaches what failure looks like before it happens on a job. A timed production run and the documentation block close the loop, and the course ends with the written exam and the observed skills demonstration.
What competent looks like. The student can explain restorative art, set up for it safely, perform it to the standard within time, spot and correct what is wrong, and write it up so that a stranger could verify the work.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation and safety for restorative art | 30.5 | theory | State the hazards of restorative art work and the controls for each; pass the safety brief. |
| PPE set, hazard cards, the program safety manual | Safety quiz 100% (retake until perfect); PPE donned correctly on demand |
| 2 | Tools, materials and terminology of restorative art | 30.5 | demo | Name, select and care for the tools and materials of restorative art; use the trade vocabulary correctly. |
| Full tool kit for restorative art, material samples, tool cards | Oral check: 20 tools/terms named and their use stated |
| 3 | Reading the standard: what governs restorative art | 30.5 | theory | Locate and apply the parts of scope of practice and infection control that govern restorative art. |
| The code/standard excerpt, spec sheets, case file | Written check: 10 look-ups from the standard, 8 correct |
| 4 | Fundamentals I: guided practice in restorative art | 30.5 | practice | Perform the core tasks of restorative art step by step under direct supervision. |
| Practice stock/consumables, step checklists, the log | Checklist completed with instructor initials on every step |
| 5 | Fundamentals II: independent practice in restorative art | 30.5 | practice | Perform the core tasks of restorative art to the standard with the instructor observing, not assisting. |
| Task tickets, rubric, timer, practice stock | Rubric ≥ 3/4 on every line; time within 150% of the standard |
| 6 | Measurement, layout and quality checks in restorative art | 30.5 | lab | Measure, lay out and inspect restorative art work; decide accept/reject against tolerance. |
| Measuring instruments, drawings/orders, sample set | Inspection lab 9/10 correct with correct reasons |
| 7 | Faults, hazards and rework in restorative art | 30.5 | lab | Identify defective or unsafe restorative art work, explain the cause, and correct it. |
| Fault samples, diagnosis sheets, rework stock | Rework accepted by the clinical instructor on inspection |
| 8 | Production run: restorative art to standard, timed | 30.5 | practice | Complete a realistic restorative art job to standard within the allotted time and materials. |
| Job packet, materials at estimated quantity, timer | Job accepted; time and material within estimate |
| 9 | Documentation: the log and the report in restorative art | 30.5 | theory | Record restorative art work in the industry format so a stranger could verify it. |
| Report template, the certifying body's hours form | Report accepted by instructor; hours form correctly completed |
| 10 | Skills-check rehearsal for restorative art | 30.5 | assessment | Rehearse the skills demonstration under exam conditions. |
| Skills checklist, timer, rehearsal stock | Rehearsal pass with zero critical misses, or a remediation plan on file |
| 11 | Advanced application and special cases in restorative art | 30.5 | practice | Apply restorative art to the non-standard situations met on real jobs. |
| Special-case packets, materials | Plan approved; special-case job accepted |
| 12 | Written exam and skills demonstration: restorative art | 30.5 | assessment | Pass the course's written exam and the observed skills demonstration. |
| Exam, checklist, all tools and stock for the demonstration | Written ≥ 75%; demonstration competent on every critical step with zero safety faults |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restorative art: written exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% | Theory, terminology, standards and safety for restorative art. Multiple choice plus short calculation/interpretation items drawn from the certification body's task list. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Restorative art: skills demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Competent on every critical step; zero safety faults | Observed, timed performance of the core tasks of restorative art against a checklist. A critical-step miss or a safety fault stops the assessment; re-attempt after remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Restorative art: clinical log | Log | 15% | Complete, signed, ≥ 90% attendance of lab hours | Daily entries: task, standard, method, result, time; instructor sign-off. Serves as hours evidence for the licensing/certifying body. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Restorative art: safety audit | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/fail — must pass | Unannounced audit of PPE, housekeeping, lockout/guarding, and hazard communication while performing restorative art work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
Funeral directing
Competency course in funeral directing for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in funeral directing and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Outcomes- Explain the principles, terminology and standards that govern funeral directing
- Select and safely use the tools, equipment and materials for funeral directing
- Perform the core tasks of funeral directing to the standard, within time, without rework
- Identify faults, hazards and non-conformities in funeral directing work and correct them
- Document funeral directing work in the clinical log to industry format
Course text
Competency course in funeral directing for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in funeral directing and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Why it matters. In Funeral Service / Mortuary Science, funeral directing is not a chapter to pass through but a skill an employer will pay for on day one; every credential exam in this program tests it directly or assumes it. The course runs in skills lab, against scope of practice and infection control, with the clinical instructor as the standard of judgment.
How the course runs. 12 blocks of about 30.4 hours: orientation and safety first, then the tools and the vocabulary, then the standard that governs the work. Guided practice becomes independent practice; measurement and inspection teach the student to judge their own work; the fault lab teaches what failure looks like before it happens on a job. A timed production run and the documentation block close the loop, and the course ends with the written exam and the observed skills demonstration.
What competent looks like. The student can explain funeral directing, set up for it safely, perform it to the standard within time, spot and correct what is wrong, and write it up so that a stranger could verify the work.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation and safety for funeral directing | 30.4 | theory | State the hazards of funeral directing work and the controls for each; pass the safety brief. |
| PPE set, hazard cards, the program safety manual | Safety quiz 100% (retake until perfect); PPE donned correctly on demand |
| 2 | Tools, materials and terminology of funeral directing | 30.4 | demo | Name, select and care for the tools and materials of funeral directing; use the trade vocabulary correctly. |
| Full tool kit for funeral directing, material samples, tool cards | Oral check: 20 tools/terms named and their use stated |
| 3 | Reading the standard: what governs funeral directing | 30.4 | theory | Locate and apply the parts of scope of practice and infection control that govern funeral directing. |
| The code/standard excerpt, spec sheets, case file | Written check: 10 look-ups from the standard, 8 correct |
| 4 | Fundamentals I: guided practice in funeral directing | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of funeral directing step by step under direct supervision. |
| Practice stock/consumables, step checklists, the log | Checklist completed with instructor initials on every step |
| 5 | Fundamentals II: independent practice in funeral directing | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of funeral directing to the standard with the instructor observing, not assisting. |
| Task tickets, rubric, timer, practice stock | Rubric ≥ 3/4 on every line; time within 150% of the standard |
| 6 | Measurement, layout and quality checks in funeral directing | 30.4 | lab | Measure, lay out and inspect funeral directing work; decide accept/reject against tolerance. |
| Measuring instruments, drawings/orders, sample set | Inspection lab 9/10 correct with correct reasons |
| 7 | Faults, hazards and rework in funeral directing | 30.4 | lab | Identify defective or unsafe funeral directing work, explain the cause, and correct it. |
| Fault samples, diagnosis sheets, rework stock | Rework accepted by the clinical instructor on inspection |
| 8 | Production run: funeral directing to standard, timed | 30.4 | practice | Complete a realistic funeral directing job to standard within the allotted time and materials. |
| Job packet, materials at estimated quantity, timer | Job accepted; time and material within estimate |
| 9 | Documentation: the log and the report in funeral directing | 30.4 | theory | Record funeral directing work in the industry format so a stranger could verify it. |
| Report template, the certifying body's hours form | Report accepted by instructor; hours form correctly completed |
| 10 | Skills-check rehearsal for funeral directing | 30.4 | assessment | Rehearse the skills demonstration under exam conditions. |
| Skills checklist, timer, rehearsal stock | Rehearsal pass with zero critical misses, or a remediation plan on file |
| 11 | Advanced application and special cases in funeral directing | 30.4 | practice | Apply funeral directing to the non-standard situations met on real jobs. |
| Special-case packets, materials | Plan approved; special-case job accepted |
| 12 | Written exam and skills demonstration: funeral directing | 30.4 | assessment | Pass the course's written exam and the observed skills demonstration. |
| Exam, checklist, all tools and stock for the demonstration | Written ≥ 75%; demonstration competent on every critical step with zero safety faults |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral directing: written exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% | Theory, terminology, standards and safety for funeral directing. Multiple choice plus short calculation/interpretation items drawn from the certification body's task list. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Funeral directing: skills demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Competent on every critical step; zero safety faults | Observed, timed performance of the core tasks of funeral directing against a checklist. A critical-step miss or a safety fault stops the assessment; re-attempt after remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Funeral directing: clinical log | Log | 15% | Complete, signed, ≥ 90% attendance of lab hours | Daily entries: task, standard, method, result, time; instructor sign-off. Serves as hours evidence for the licensing/certifying body. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Funeral directing: safety audit | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/fail — must pass | Unannounced audit of PPE, housekeeping, lockout/guarding, and hazard communication while performing funeral directing work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
Grief
Competency course in grief for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in grief and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Outcomes- Explain the principles, terminology and standards that govern grief
- Select and safely use the tools, equipment and materials for grief
- Perform the core tasks of grief to the standard, within time, without rework
- Identify faults, hazards and non-conformities in grief work and correct them
- Document grief work in the clinical log to industry format
Course text
Competency course in grief for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in grief and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Why it matters. In Funeral Service / Mortuary Science, grief is not a chapter to pass through but a skill an employer will pay for on day one; every credential exam in this program tests it directly or assumes it. The course runs in skills lab, against scope of practice and infection control, with the clinical instructor as the standard of judgment.
How the course runs. 12 blocks of about 30.4 hours: orientation and safety first, then the tools and the vocabulary, then the standard that governs the work. Guided practice becomes independent practice; measurement and inspection teach the student to judge their own work; the fault lab teaches what failure looks like before it happens on a job. A timed production run and the documentation block close the loop, and the course ends with the written exam and the observed skills demonstration.
What competent looks like. The student can explain grief, set up for it safely, perform it to the standard within time, spot and correct what is wrong, and write it up so that a stranger could verify the work.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation and safety for grief | 30.4 | theory | State the hazards of grief work and the controls for each; pass the safety brief. |
| PPE set, hazard cards, the program safety manual | Safety quiz 100% (retake until perfect); PPE donned correctly on demand |
| 2 | Tools, materials and terminology of grief | 30.4 | demo | Name, select and care for the tools and materials of grief; use the trade vocabulary correctly. |
| Full tool kit for grief, material samples, tool cards | Oral check: 20 tools/terms named and their use stated |
| 3 | Reading the standard: what governs grief | 30.4 | theory | Locate and apply the parts of scope of practice and infection control that govern grief. |
| The code/standard excerpt, spec sheets, case file | Written check: 10 look-ups from the standard, 8 correct |
| 4 | Fundamentals I: guided practice in grief | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of grief step by step under direct supervision. |
| Practice stock/consumables, step checklists, the log | Checklist completed with instructor initials on every step |
| 5 | Fundamentals II: independent practice in grief | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of grief to the standard with the instructor observing, not assisting. |
| Task tickets, rubric, timer, practice stock | Rubric ≥ 3/4 on every line; time within 150% of the standard |
| 6 | Measurement, layout and quality checks in grief | 30.4 | lab | Measure, lay out and inspect grief work; decide accept/reject against tolerance. |
| Measuring instruments, drawings/orders, sample set | Inspection lab 9/10 correct with correct reasons |
| 7 | Faults, hazards and rework in grief | 30.4 | lab | Identify defective or unsafe grief work, explain the cause, and correct it. |
| Fault samples, diagnosis sheets, rework stock | Rework accepted by the clinical instructor on inspection |
| 8 | Production run: grief to standard, timed | 30.4 | practice | Complete a realistic grief job to standard within the allotted time and materials. |
| Job packet, materials at estimated quantity, timer | Job accepted; time and material within estimate |
| 9 | Documentation: the log and the report in grief | 30.4 | theory | Record grief work in the industry format so a stranger could verify it. |
| Report template, the certifying body's hours form | Report accepted by instructor; hours form correctly completed |
| 10 | Skills-check rehearsal for grief | 30.4 | assessment | Rehearse the skills demonstration under exam conditions. |
| Skills checklist, timer, rehearsal stock | Rehearsal pass with zero critical misses, or a remediation plan on file |
| 11 | Advanced application and special cases in grief | 30.4 | practice | Apply grief to the non-standard situations met on real jobs. |
| Special-case packets, materials | Plan approved; special-case job accepted |
| 12 | Written exam and skills demonstration: grief | 30.4 | assessment | Pass the course's written exam and the observed skills demonstration. |
| Exam, checklist, all tools and stock for the demonstration | Written ≥ 75%; demonstration competent on every critical step with zero safety faults |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grief: written exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% | Theory, terminology, standards and safety for grief. Multiple choice plus short calculation/interpretation items drawn from the certification body's task list. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Grief: skills demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Competent on every critical step; zero safety faults | Observed, timed performance of the core tasks of grief against a checklist. A critical-step miss or a safety fault stops the assessment; re-attempt after remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Grief: clinical log | Log | 15% | Complete, signed, ≥ 90% attendance of lab hours | Daily entries: task, standard, method, result, time; instructor sign-off. Serves as hours evidence for the licensing/certifying body. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Grief: safety audit | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/fail — must pass | Unannounced audit of PPE, housekeeping, lockout/guarding, and hazard communication while performing grief work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
Law & ethics
Competency course in law & ethics for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in law & ethics and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Outcomes- Explain the principles, terminology and standards that govern law & ethics
- Select and safely use the tools, equipment and materials for law & ethics
- Perform the core tasks of law & ethics to the standard, within time, without rework
- Identify faults, hazards and non-conformities in law & ethics work and correct them
- Document law & ethics work in the clinical log to industry format
Course text
Competency course in law & ethics for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in law & ethics and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Why it matters. In Funeral Service / Mortuary Science, law & ethics is not a chapter to pass through but a skill an employer will pay for on day one; every credential exam in this program tests it directly or assumes it. The course runs in skills lab, against scope of practice and infection control, with the clinical instructor as the standard of judgment.
How the course runs. 12 blocks of about 30.4 hours: orientation and safety first, then the tools and the vocabulary, then the standard that governs the work. Guided practice becomes independent practice; measurement and inspection teach the student to judge their own work; the fault lab teaches what failure looks like before it happens on a job. A timed production run and the documentation block close the loop, and the course ends with the written exam and the observed skills demonstration.
What competent looks like. The student can explain law & ethics, set up for it safely, perform it to the standard within time, spot and correct what is wrong, and write it up so that a stranger could verify the work.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation and safety for law & ethics | 30.4 | theory | State the hazards of law & ethics work and the controls for each; pass the safety brief. |
| PPE set, hazard cards, the program safety manual | Safety quiz 100% (retake until perfect); PPE donned correctly on demand |
| 2 | Tools, materials and terminology of law & ethics | 30.4 | demo | Name, select and care for the tools and materials of law & ethics; use the trade vocabulary correctly. |
| Full tool kit for law & ethics, material samples, tool cards | Oral check: 20 tools/terms named and their use stated |
| 3 | Reading the standard: what governs law & ethics | 30.4 | theory | Locate and apply the parts of scope of practice and infection control that govern law & ethics. |
| The code/standard excerpt, spec sheets, case file | Written check: 10 look-ups from the standard, 8 correct |
| 4 | Fundamentals I: guided practice in law & ethics | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of law & ethics step by step under direct supervision. |
| Practice stock/consumables, step checklists, the log | Checklist completed with instructor initials on every step |
| 5 | Fundamentals II: independent practice in law & ethics | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of law & ethics to the standard with the instructor observing, not assisting. |
| Task tickets, rubric, timer, practice stock | Rubric ≥ 3/4 on every line; time within 150% of the standard |
| 6 | Measurement, layout and quality checks in law & ethics | 30.4 | lab | Measure, lay out and inspect law & ethics work; decide accept/reject against tolerance. |
| Measuring instruments, drawings/orders, sample set | Inspection lab 9/10 correct with correct reasons |
| 7 | Faults, hazards and rework in law & ethics | 30.4 | lab | Identify defective or unsafe law & ethics work, explain the cause, and correct it. |
| Fault samples, diagnosis sheets, rework stock | Rework accepted by the clinical instructor on inspection |
| 8 | Production run: law & ethics to standard, timed | 30.4 | practice | Complete a realistic law & ethics job to standard within the allotted time and materials. |
| Job packet, materials at estimated quantity, timer | Job accepted; time and material within estimate |
| 9 | Documentation: the log and the report in law & ethics | 30.4 | theory | Record law & ethics work in the industry format so a stranger could verify it. |
| Report template, the certifying body's hours form | Report accepted by instructor; hours form correctly completed |
| 10 | Skills-check rehearsal for law & ethics | 30.4 | assessment | Rehearse the skills demonstration under exam conditions. |
| Skills checklist, timer, rehearsal stock | Rehearsal pass with zero critical misses, or a remediation plan on file |
| 11 | Advanced application and special cases in law & ethics | 30.4 | practice | Apply law & ethics to the non-standard situations met on real jobs. |
| Special-case packets, materials | Plan approved; special-case job accepted |
| 12 | Written exam and skills demonstration: law & ethics | 30.4 | assessment | Pass the course's written exam and the observed skills demonstration. |
| Exam, checklist, all tools and stock for the demonstration | Written ≥ 75%; demonstration competent on every critical step with zero safety faults |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law & ethics: written exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% | Theory, terminology, standards and safety for law & ethics. Multiple choice plus short calculation/interpretation items drawn from the certification body's task list. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Law & ethics: skills demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Competent on every critical step; zero safety faults | Observed, timed performance of the core tasks of law & ethics against a checklist. A critical-step miss or a safety fault stops the assessment; re-attempt after remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Law & ethics: clinical log | Log | 15% | Complete, signed, ≥ 90% attendance of lab hours | Daily entries: task, standard, method, result, time; instructor sign-off. Serves as hours evidence for the licensing/certifying body. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Law & ethics: safety audit | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/fail — must pass | Unannounced audit of PPE, housekeeping, lockout/guarding, and hazard communication while performing law & ethics work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
Business
Competency course in business for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in business and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Outcomes- Explain the principles, terminology and standards that govern business
- Select and safely use the tools, equipment and materials for business
- Perform the core tasks of business to the standard, within time, without rework
- Identify faults, hazards and non-conformities in business work and correct them
- Document business work in the clinical log to industry format
Course text
Competency course in business for the Funeral Service / Mortuary Science program. Instruction moves from demonstration to supervised practice to independent performance in the skills lab and clinical site, measured against scope of practice, infection control and the state board rules. Students assess, perform and document real work in business and keep a clinical log signed off by the instructor.
Why it matters. In Funeral Service / Mortuary Science, business is not a chapter to pass through but a skill an employer will pay for on day one; every credential exam in this program tests it directly or assumes it. The course runs in skills lab, against scope of practice and infection control, with the clinical instructor as the standard of judgment.
How the course runs. 12 blocks of about 30.4 hours: orientation and safety first, then the tools and the vocabulary, then the standard that governs the work. Guided practice becomes independent practice; measurement and inspection teach the student to judge their own work; the fault lab teaches what failure looks like before it happens on a job. A timed production run and the documentation block close the loop, and the course ends with the written exam and the observed skills demonstration.
What competent looks like. The student can explain business, set up for it safely, perform it to the standard within time, spot and correct what is wrong, and write it up so that a stranger could verify the work.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation and safety for business | 30.4 | theory | State the hazards of business work and the controls for each; pass the safety brief. |
| PPE set, hazard cards, the program safety manual | Safety quiz 100% (retake until perfect); PPE donned correctly on demand |
| 2 | Tools, materials and terminology of business | 30.4 | demo | Name, select and care for the tools and materials of business; use the trade vocabulary correctly. |
| Full tool kit for business, material samples, tool cards | Oral check: 20 tools/terms named and their use stated |
| 3 | Reading the standard: what governs business | 30.4 | theory | Locate and apply the parts of scope of practice and infection control that govern business. |
| The code/standard excerpt, spec sheets, case file | Written check: 10 look-ups from the standard, 8 correct |
| 4 | Fundamentals I: guided practice in business | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of business step by step under direct supervision. |
| Practice stock/consumables, step checklists, the log | Checklist completed with instructor initials on every step |
| 5 | Fundamentals II: independent practice in business | 30.4 | practice | Perform the core tasks of business to the standard with the instructor observing, not assisting. |
| Task tickets, rubric, timer, practice stock | Rubric ≥ 3/4 on every line; time within 150% of the standard |
| 6 | Measurement, layout and quality checks in business | 30.4 | lab | Measure, lay out and inspect business work; decide accept/reject against tolerance. |
| Measuring instruments, drawings/orders, sample set | Inspection lab 9/10 correct with correct reasons |
| 7 | Faults, hazards and rework in business | 30.4 | lab | Identify defective or unsafe business work, explain the cause, and correct it. |
| Fault samples, diagnosis sheets, rework stock | Rework accepted by the clinical instructor on inspection |
| 8 | Production run: business to standard, timed | 30.4 | practice | Complete a realistic business job to standard within the allotted time and materials. |
| Job packet, materials at estimated quantity, timer | Job accepted; time and material within estimate |
| 9 | Documentation: the log and the report in business | 30.4 | theory | Record business work in the industry format so a stranger could verify it. |
| Report template, the certifying body's hours form | Report accepted by instructor; hours form correctly completed |
| 10 | Skills-check rehearsal for business | 30.4 | assessment | Rehearse the skills demonstration under exam conditions. |
| Skills checklist, timer, rehearsal stock | Rehearsal pass with zero critical misses, or a remediation plan on file |
| 11 | Advanced application and special cases in business | 30.4 | practice | Apply business to the non-standard situations met on real jobs. |
| Special-case packets, materials | Plan approved; special-case job accepted |
| 12 | Written exam and skills demonstration: business | 30.4 | assessment | Pass the course's written exam and the observed skills demonstration. |
| Exam, checklist, all tools and stock for the demonstration | Written ≥ 75%; demonstration competent on every critical step with zero safety faults |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business: written exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% | Theory, terminology, standards and safety for business. Multiple choice plus short calculation/interpretation items drawn from the certification body's task list. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Business: skills demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Competent on every critical step; zero safety faults | Observed, timed performance of the core tasks of business against a checklist. A critical-step miss or a safety fault stops the assessment; re-attempt after remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Business: clinical log | Log | 15% | Complete, signed, ≥ 90% attendance of lab hours | Daily entries: task, standard, method, result, time; instructor sign-off. Serves as hours evidence for the licensing/certifying body. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Business: safety audit | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/fail — must pass | Unannounced audit of PPE, housekeeping, lockout/guarding, and hazard communication while performing business work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
Capstone Project
An integrated, assessed piece of real work that draws on every trade course in Funeral Service / Mortuary Science: planned, estimated, executed and documented by the student, reviewed by an employer advisor. Capstones are shown in the Student Yard or the Museum of VoTech where the work allows.
Outcomes- Plan and estimate a complete job from a specification
- Execute the job to standard within the estimate
- Present the finished work and its documentation to an employer panel
Course text
An integrated, assessed piece of real work that draws on every trade course in Funeral Service / Mortuary Science: planned, estimated, executed and documented by the student, reviewed by an employer advisor. Capstones are shown in the Student Yard or the Museum of VoTech where the work allows.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Capstone brief and specification; Capstone build I; Capstone build II; Capstone presentation and defense.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capstone brief and specification | 108 | theory | Read the capstone specification and plan the job. |
| Capstone spec, estimating sheets | Plan and estimate approved |
| 2 | Capstone build I | 108 | practice | Execute the first half of the capstone to standard. |
| All materials per estimate | Mid-point inspection passed |
| 3 | Capstone build II | 108 | practice | Complete the capstone to standard within the estimate. |
| As above | Work complete; package complete |
| 4 | Capstone presentation and defense | 108 | assessment | Present the finished work and its documentation to the panel. |
| Presentation space, the finished work | Rubric ≥ 3/4 on every criterion |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capstone: finished work + documentation | Project | 60% | Rubric ≥ 3 of 4 on every criterion | Employer advisor + instructor score the finished work against the specification, the estimate, and the documentation package. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Capstone: portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | Complete | Photos/drawings/logs of every course skills demonstration plus the capstone, in the program portfolio format. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Capstone: defense | Oral / panel | 20% | Panel pass | 15-minute presentation and questions from the panel. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
Clinical Practicum
Supervised clinical hours at an affiliated facility, meeting the hour and skills requirements of the licensing body for Funeral Service / Mortuary Science. Preceptor-evaluated; hours logged for the board.
Outcomes- Perform the trade's tasks in a real workplace under supervision
- Meet employer expectations for attendance, safety and conduct
- Log hours and tasks in the format the certifying body accepts
Course text
Supervised clinical hours at an affiliated facility, meeting the hour and skills requirements of the licensing body for Funeral Service / Mortuary Science. Preceptor-evaluated; hours logged for the board.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Placement orientation; Supervised work: weeks 1–2; Supervised work: weeks 3–4; Supervised work: final weeks.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Placement orientation | 162 | theory | Know the site, its rules, and the competency list you will be evaluated on. |
| Site handbook, competency list, hours log | Induction signed |
| 2 | Supervised work: weeks 1–2 | 162 | field | Perform entry tasks under close supervision. |
| Hours log | Log current; supervisor initials |
| 3 | Supervised work: weeks 3–4 | 162 | field | Perform the trade's routine tasks with normal supervision. |
| Hours log, evaluation form | Mid-point evaluation satisfactory |
| 4 | Supervised work: final weeks | 162 | field | Meet employer expectations for a new hire on the competency list. |
| Evaluation form, hours verification | Final evaluation satisfactory on every competency; hours verified |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preceptor clinical evaluation | Clinical evaluation | 70% | Satisfactory on every competency | Mid-point and final evaluation by the site supervisor on the program competency list. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Hours & task log | Log | 30% | Required hours complete and verified | Signed log of hours and tasks; verified by the registrar for the board/certifying body. Complete · Verified |
Certification Exam Preparation
Structured preparation for National Board Exam (ICFSEB); State Funeral Director/Embalmer License: content review mapped to the exam blueprint, timed practice exams, practical-exam rehearsal, and registration/eligibility paperwork with the registrar.
Outcomes- Score ≥ 80% on two timed mock exams
- Complete the eligibility application and hours verification
- Rehearse the practical exam format to time
Course text
Structured preparation for National Board Exam (ICFSEB); State Funeral Director/Embalmer License: content review mapped to the exam blueprint, timed practice exams, practical-exam rehearsal, and registration/eligibility paperwork with the registrar.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: The exam blueprint; Mock exam I and review; Practical exam rehearsal; Mock exam II and registration.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The exam blueprint | 45 | theory | Map the credential exam blueprint to what you have learned. |
| Published blueprint, study plan template | Study plan on file |
| 2 | Mock exam I and review | 45 | assessment | Sit a timed full-length mock and review every miss. |
| Mock exam, answer keys | Score recorded; review complete |
| 3 | Practical exam rehearsal | 45 | practice | Rehearse the practical/skills portion to the exam's time and format. |
| Practical exam materials | Rehearsal within time, no critical misses |
| 4 | Mock exam II and registration | 45 | assessment | Sit the second mock and complete exam registration. |
| Registration forms, hours evidence | ≥ 80%; registration submitted |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mock certification exam (×2) | Mock certification exam | 100% | ≥ 80% on both | Full-length timed mocks built from the certifying body's published blueprint; second attempt after targeted review. Score · Time management |
External credential: National Board Exam (ICFSEB); State Funeral Director/Embalmer License
The program completion credential(s). Sat at the school's authorized testing center or the body's test site; results recorded in the student record and reported in the annual outcomes report. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
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