Shaping the Future of Mortuary Professionals

Did you know that your funeral home can help create and determine the future of the funeral industry?

First taking root in 1918 as the Los Angeles College of Embalming and Sanitation, the Mortuary Science Department at Cypress College has educated thousands of California embalmers and funeral directors, in addition to many practitioners nationwide since the program’s move to Cypress College in 1977. Funeral service education, as well as the program at Cypress College, has grown to include all aspects of funeral service - from embalming to making arrangements for disposition- as well as cremation and cemetery operations, laws and regulations, and much more. Since 2017, programs accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) require students to participate in hands-on learning of various aspects of funeral service to complete their accredited funeral service education curriculum. The Cypress College Mortuary Science program is looking for funeral homes to assist second semester students with these requirements.

While some funeral directing tasks are accomplished on campus, it takes the willingness of funeral directors to further mentor and educate the next generation. As part of their off-campus lab work, students will need to participate in and observe a minimum of 5 arrangement conferences and 5 funeral services; take part in receiving the initial call to the funeral home; transferring of remains; observe funeral and disposition arrangements, plus other basic operations of the mortuary.

With just a few hours a week over a 16-week semester, students can gain this required and invaluable internship with your mortuary, and you can impart your knowledge and experience to help a future funeral professional. Payment is not required, and students are covered by the school district’s insurance and liability coverage. Over 75 funeral homes in Southern California have been a part of this rewarding experience over the years. With a site visit, a little training on being a preceptor, and an affiliation agreement, you will be on your way to an impactful mentorship! It all starts with a quick call or email to Professor Lori Collins.

We encourage anyone interested in participating as a preceptor for the Cypress College of Mortuary Science program to contact Lori for more information, or with any questions you might have. You can reach her at: lcollins@cypresscollege.edu or 714-484-6008.

Here’s to the future!

“My firm and I have participated in the Funeral Directing Clinical Program since its start in 2017. My staff and I have found this to be of mutual benefit to both us and the students. I have hired several students (this way), with many moving on to find success as apprentice embalmers, licensed embalmers, funeral arrangers and funeral directors.” - Bill Collins, Mortuary Manager of Miller Mies Downey Mortuary.