Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title: 	Florida Funeral Director
Career Cluster: 	Human Services

College Credit Certificate	
CIP Number	0312030102	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	31 credit hours	
CTSO	SkillsUSA 	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Funeral Services AS degree program (1312030100).  

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Human Services career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Human Services career cluster. 

The program is designed to prepare students for employment as Funeral Directors, Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this occupation.  

The content includes but is not limited to mortuary administration, funeral law, public health and sanitation, stress management, employability skills, leadership and human relations skills, and safety.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure
This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 31 credit hours.

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related AS and AAS degrees.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Take care of the dead in a manner which recognizes the inherent dignity of human-kind.
02.0	Identify the privileges of and be able to, through professional practices, fulfill the responsibilities of licensure.
03.0	Interpret and communicate the purposes, procedures, and values of funeral services.
04.0	Counsel people regarding funeralization.
05.0	Plan, implement, and direct a funeral according to the sociological, psychological and theological needs of the person being served.
06.0	Identify and comply with the laws pertaining to funeral service practice and public health.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Florida Funeral Director
CIP Number: 	0312030102
Program Length: 	31 credit hours

This certificate program is part of the Funeral Services AS degree program (1312030100).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Take care of the dead in a manner which recognizes the inherent dignity of human-kind.  The student will be able to:	
01.01	Give evidence of respect for human remains.	
01.02	Demonstrate acceptance of racial and cultural diversity.	
02.0	Identify the privileges of and be able to, through professional practices, fulfill the responsibilities of licensure.  The student will be able to:	
02.01	Identify the privileges and their limitations accorded the licensee with regard to caring for the dead, and serving the living.	
02.02	Identify the responsibilities of the funeral director to those who have called him with regard to:
•	Providing services and merchandise as selected.
•	Explaining the financial aspects of the funeral, and pricing method used.
•	Explaining death benefits and/or burial allowances.
•	Notifying the clergy of the death, if appropriate.
•	Coordinating with the clergy on religious aspects of the funeral.
•	Explaining merchandise and related representations regarding final disposition.
•	Preparing a Statement of Goods and Services Selected pertaining to services, selected merchandise, supplemental items and cash advances.
•	Explaining applicable laws, rules and regulations.
•	Referring families for professional counseling as appropriate.	
02.03	Identify the responsibilities of the funeral director to the profession with regard to:
•	Costs, procedures, and communication when transferring human remains to another funeral establishment.
•	Public education regarding funeralization.	
02.04	Identify the responsibilities of the funeral director to the clergy in the matter of the policies, rules and regulations of religious organizations.	
02.05	Perform the following tasks applicable to the state in which he/she intends to gain a license:
•	State the limitations placed upon the practice of the funeral director/embalmer.
•	Summarize the law, rules and regulations pertaining to:
o	The transportation of the dead.
o	Requirements and specifications of the funeral home, including the preparation room.
o	Define terms specified in the license laws, rules and regulations.
o	Identify the qualifications required of applicants for funeral director/mortician license.
o	Identify the grounds for issuance, revocation, suspension or refusal to renew or issue licenses.
o	Identify requirements for the conducting of funerals.
o	Identify the procedures for filing a complaint concerning a violation of the licensing law.
o	Identify provisions regarding reciprocity, endorsement and emergency licensing.	
03.0	Interpret and communicate the purposes, procedures, and values of funeral services.  The student will be able to:	
03.01	Identify the purposes which the funeral serves for the family, friends, church, occupational associates, and community of the deceased.	
03.02	Identify the values of the funeral.	
03.03	Define common terms used in funeral services.	
03.04	Identify the psychological purposes and values of the funeral.	
03.05	Identify the sociological purposes and values of the funeral.	
03.06	Organize and be prepared to discuss the purposes and values of the funeral.	
03.07	Identify the philosophical purposes and values of funeral service.	
04.0	Counsel people regarding funeralization.  The student will be able to:	
04.01	Identify the major financial considerations that confront a bereaved family.	
04.02	Identify the times or situations during which a funeral director will make use of counseling.	
04.03	State the areas of counseling normally covered during funeralizations.	
04.04	Describe the process of funeralization.	
04.05	Describe contemporary opinions regarding psychology of death, grief, and bereavement.	
04.06	Describe how the manner and cause of death affects the psychological needs of the bereaved.	
04.07	List the information of importance to obtain during each type of counseling situation.	
04.08	Identify and appraise the basic personal and personality problems that may appear during counseling situations.	
04.09	Classify and analyze the various forms of funeral rites.	
04.10	Describe contemporary opinions regarding sociology of death, grief, and bereavement.	
04.11	Describe three or more types of counseling techniques applicable to funeral services and give reasons for the use of each in individual circumstances.	
04.12	Describe recent developments pertaining to the theologies of death, grief and bereavement.	
04.13	Describe the effects of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act on funeralization.	
04.14	Identify and describe stages of dying.	
05.0	Plan, implement, and direct a funeral according to the sociological, psychological and theological needs of the person being served.  The student will be able to:	
05.01	Develop a warm, friendly and tactful attitude towards the family at the first meeting.	
05.02	Identify the items of information which are necessary to complete the following forms:
•	Obituary
•	Death certificate via the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS)
•	Social Security forms (SSA, 719, SSA 721)
•	Veteran's forms (Marker, Flag, Burial Allowance)
•	Burial/Transportation permits
•	Release/Authorization forms	
05.03	Identify the person(s) who are qualified to give permission for release of the deceased from a hospital, or to sign the hospital death record, if required.	
05.04	Identify the information to be secured from, and given to, the family upon initial family contact.	
05.05	Describe the multiple steps required between initial notification of death and removal of the deceased.	
05.06	Identify person(s) who qualify to authorize autopsy and embalming, and to approve the purpose and disclosure statement.	
05.07	Identify the items and considerations usually included in the arrangement conference.	
05.08	Identify the types of death certificates and their uses.	
05.09	Identify the appropriate times usually considered necessary to meet the funeral needs of those being served.	
05.10	Identify the consideration normally involved in setting the order for the processional and recessional of a funeral service including casket, casket bearer, children, clergy, friends, fraternal orders, funeral directors, honorary bearers, next of kin, relatives, and service organization.	
05.11	Describe the multiple steps required between initial notification of death and removal of the deceased when the bereaved are not present at the time of death, regardless of the place or manner of death - including, but not limited to, the funeral director's determination of the need for a personal conference and/or counseling of the bereaved prior to the funeral arrangement conference.	
05.12	Identify the items of clothing ordinarily required for the deceased.	
05.13	Describe the proper techniques and equipment employed in the dignified removal of remains under diverse conditions.	
05.14	Identify the reasons which require a discussion involving the family, the officiating clergyman, and the funeral director regarding visitation hours, time of funeral, and other aspects of the service.	
05.15	Identify the purpose of the Burial-Transit Permit.	
05.16	Write obituary and death notices.	
05.17	Identify the purpose and content of pre-selection counseling.	
05.18	Identify the participants functioning in funeral service and explain their duties.	
05.19	Describe considerations involved in the dignified movement of casketed remains.	
05.20	State considerations for determining the order of the funeral procession.	
05.21	Coordinate a variety of committal rites when these are a part of a funeral.	
05.22	Identify the psychological and sociological value of the funeral arrangement conference.	
05.23	Identify methods of dealing with inter-personal conflicts among family members.	
05.24	Discuss dismissal procedures for leaving the grave site.	
05.25	Explain the problems involved in harmonizing the colors of caskets in the funeral setting.	
05.26	Describe the various types of floral arrangements and the considerations involved in their placement.	
05.27	Identify requirement/procedure pertaining to cremation, calcination and burial at sea.	
06.0	Identify and comply with the laws pertaining to funeral service practice and public health.  The student will be able to:	
06.01	Identify legally:
•	The basis of a funeral director's liability for the negligence of a volunteer driver in a funeral procession.
•	The legal duty of a funeral director regarding permits required by law.
•	The duty of the funeral director for compliance with the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rules.
•	The duty of the funeral director for compliance with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (1975).
•	The duty of the funeral director for compliance with the provisions of Federal Wage and Hour Laws.	
06.02	Describe status of a funeral bill as a charge against the estate.	
06.03	Identify:
•	The conditions under which a funeral director must have permission before permitting an autopsy in their establishment, and state whether that permission may be qualified, restricted or revoked.
•	The legal duty of the funeral director regarding the personal effects of a decedent.
•	The extent of control a funeral director has over a funeral, and their legal duties to those attending a funeral or viewing a body at their funeral home.
•	Why a funeral director should be familiar with the law of disinterment.
•	The circumstances under which exhumation is permitted in criminal cases, and in civil cases.
•	The liability of the funeral director for the custody of the remains.	
06.04	Identify:
•	The proper position the funeral director should take when survivors of a decedent disputes the exercise of the right of disposition.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.