Academics
Class Schedule
The structure of our program allows many of our students to go to school and work at the same time.
Our program consists of four 10-week terms per year. Terms begin in February, May, August, and November.
Each class meets once per week for 4 hours and 10 minutes at a time.
We offer a selection of class times each term, with classes being held mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
Programs
The Mortuary Science curriculum at FINE Mortuary College is a single purpose program focusing on all aspects of funeral service. A rigorous two-year program that includes the science, psychology, and business requirements of the funeral service profession.
The program provides academic and real-world experiences for tomorrow’s funeral service professionals. Once the academic requirements are completed, the student will earn a degree of the Associate of Applied Sciences in Funeral Service.
FINE Mortuary College, LLC and the Associate of Applied Sciences in Funeral Service are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233- 3747. Web: www.abfse.org.
Distance Education
HOW DOES DISTANCE EDUCATION WORK?
Distance education students enjoy being in a virtual classroom among peers and with a live instructor from the comfort of their own home. Once enrolled as a student, you will have access to Canvas where you can find your course information and the Zoom link for your class. You will join the class using the Zoom link at the scheduled day and time each week, bringing you into the virtual classroom setting. You will have a live instructor and it operates much like a traditional classroom, only on Zoom.
WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED?
You will need a laptop, PC, Mac, iPad, MacBook, or Surface Pro with internet access (we recommend a minimum of 50 Mbps) and a working camera to attend class and complete quizzes and exams. You CANNOT use a Chromebook, tablet, or phone (iPhone, Android or Windows based). You may not attend class on a cell phone. You cannot complete this class using a phone, the software used for quizzes, exams and other academic portions do not support phones, Chromebooks, or tablets.
ARE YOU READY TO LEARN IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT?
Online learning requires discipline. In order to be successful in the virtual classroom setting, you should be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. Take the DERA Assessment to determine your personal readiness level.
WHAT BOOKS AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE?
All required textbooks are available in digital format and are accessible via our internal Learning Management System. Books are viewable only: you cannot edit, highlight, print or download e-books. Students requiring hard copy books can order them online. Students who opt to purchase hard copy books online will be responsible for all associated costs.
HOW WILL I OBTAIN MY CLINICAL EXPERIENCE?
Once courses are complete, you will begin your clinical experience which consists of Clinical I and Clinical II. Each Clinical lasts a full term.
Clinical I: This entire clinical can be completed in a funeral home near you. If you are not already working in a funeral home to complete your clinical experience, we will have you reach out to several funeral homes in your area. Once a clinical site has been established, the Clinical Coordinator at FMC, or another representative will conduct a virtual site inspection. The form will be given to you ahead of time. Once the site inspection is complete, you may begin fulfilling your Clinical I requirements. A representative of the college will also meet briefly via Zoom with your preceptor to cover important facets of the expectations of the college for your clinical experience.
Clinical I Schedule
Week 1: Site Inspections/verifications
Week 6: Three (3) embalming cases due
Week 9: Two (2) embalming cases due
Week 9: Two (2) arrangement observations due
Week 9: Five (5) funeral observation reports due
All of your case reports and observation reports will be submitted on MorTraqr.
Clinical II: You can complete 90% of this clinical experience in a funeral home near you. Most students complete Clinical II in the same location as Clinical I (if your site changes, a new site inspection is needed). The last week (Week 10) of Clinical II will require your presence on campus. You will come to campus for a 1-week stay to complete your certified embalming, which will be arranged by the school. You will also complete a Capstone Project which includes a Restorative Art intensive during this time.
Clinical II Schedule
Week 1: Site inspections/verifications
Week 3: Two (2) embalming cases due
Week 3: Two (2) arrangement observations due
Week 6: Two (2) embalming cases due
Week 9: Mock arrangement (via Zoom with school faculty)
Week 10: Capstone Week – On-campus intensive
All of your case reports and observation reports will be submitted on MorTraqr.
For Week 10 of Clinical II, all* FINE Mortuary College students are required to complete a mandatory one-week Capstone Project on-site at FMC’s Norwood campus in accordance with our accrediting board’s standards and policies. Live instructors will be on-site for guidance and to facilitate this process.
This one-week stay will provide you with an in-depth study of Restorative Art and assist in teaching you the intricate details of re-creating facial features. During this week, students will also complete their embalming certification at a time and location that has been pre-determined by the school.
For Week 10 you will need to prepare for the arrangement and additional expenses:
Out-of-town students are responsible for travel and hotel accommodations. FMC students will receive a discounted rate when booking a room at The Courtyard by Marriott, Norwood. Discount code will be provided to students by the school. All participating students are required to be at the school on time each day.
Students will be responsible for transportation to the hotel upon arrival to the Boston area, as well as departure transportation from the school on Friday.
The college will provide the following transportation:
• To and from The Courtyard by Marriott, Norwood to the college campus
• To and from The Courtyard by Marriott, Norwood, or college campus to the clinical embalming site
The college will provide the following meals:
• Monday – Friday: continental breakfast provided by The Courtyard at Marriott
• Monday – Friday: lunch, and refreshments provided by FMC
• Monday and Thursday: dinner provided by FMC
On Campus Intensive Schedule
The schedule will be given to you on arrival and will consist of 5 full days:
9am – 4pm; Monday – Friday in an RA intensive lab, with one day designated (either morning 9am – 12pm; or afternoon 1pm – 4pm) for the certified embalming, and another 2-hour period designated for the Final Exam for Review class.
*Students who have already completed the Restorative Art class prior to Summer term, 2023 have met the requirements.
School Calendar

2022-2023 Calendar

2023-2024 Calendar

2024-2025 Calendar
Course Flow Chart
Level 1 Classes – Available to All Students - No Prerequisites Required
Classes | Credits | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|
1. Anatomy for Funeral Professionals | 3 | N/A |
2. Introduction to Chemistry and Microbiology | 3 | N/A |
3. Business Basics | 3 | N/A |
4. Funeral Directing | 3 | N/A |
5. Funeral Profession | 3 | N/A |
6. Introduction to the Social Science | 3 | N/A |
7. Applied Communications | 3 | N/A |
Level 2 Classes – Available Once Credit for All Prerequisite Classes Are Completed
Classes | Credits | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|
8. Anatomy for Funeral Professionals 2 | 3 | Anatomy for Funeral Professionals |
9. Microbiology/Sanitation/Public Health | 3 | Intro to Chemistry & Microbiology |
10. Embalming Chemistry | 3 | Intro to Chemistry & Microbiology |
11. Essentials of Accounting | 3 | Business Basics |
12. Marketing & Merchandising | 3 | Funeral Directing & Funeral Profession |
13. Law & Ethics | 3 | Business Basics and Funeral Directing |
14. Issues and Concerns of a Modern Funeral Professional | 3 | Funeral Directing |
15. Psychology of Grief | 3 | Introduction to Social Science |
Level 3 Classes – Available Once Credits for All Prerequisite Classes Are Completed
Classes | Credits | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|
16. Funeral Service Management | 3 | Business Basics & Essentials of Accounting |
17. Embalming | 3 | Anatomy for Funeral Professionals 2 and Embalming Chemistry |
18. Restorative Art | 3 | Anatomy for Funeral Professionals 2 |
19. Pathology | 3 | Anatomy for Funeral professionals 2 and Microbiology/Sanitation/Public Health |
20. Clinical Cooperative 1 | 5 | Must have earned 54 credit hours and completed Embalming and Restorative Art |
21. Clinical Cooperative 2 | 5 | Must have successfully completed Clinical Cooperative 1 |
22. Comprehensive Review | 3 | Must have completed all academic courses. Can be taken with Clinical Cooperative 2 or Applied Communications or Issues and Concerns of a Modern Professional. |
*Taking 9 credit hours per term is considered full-time.
**Associates of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service is 70 Credit hours

Student Spotlight
FINE Mortuary College, A Private Two-Year College, announces recipients of the Kathryn Cantillon-White Memorial Scholarship
FINE Mortuary College, in collaboration with Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home in Woburn, MA are happy to announce the winners of the Kathryn Cantillon-White Memorial Scholarship. Kathryn Cantillon-White, a 2011 graduate of FMC, passed away in 2015 from pregnancy complications. Her spirit, love and dedication as a funeral professional is the foundation of this award.
The five winners of $2,000 each are:

Heather Short
Heather Short is currently studying to become a Funeral Professional in honor of her late husband Phil. She has been serving the Marlborough community for the last…
Heather Short is currently studying to become a Funeral Professional in honor of her late husband Phil. She has been serving the Marlborough community for the last 20+ years as a physical therapist, personal trainer, and wife of a funeral director. When she isn’t helping people to get stronger and live healthier lives, she is supporting families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones at her family funeral home. Heather is the mother of 2 young men (Adam and Kevin) and works hard to support her boys and extended family.
Heather loves to spend time with her family and friends. When she has down time, she likes to sit around a fire at the ski slope, have friends over to the family lake house in addition to supporting her local community. As her boys continue to grow and become more independent, Heather is looking forward to traveling, going to concerts and becoming more involved with the funeral home.
Heather Short is currently studying to become a Funeral Professional in honor of her late husband Phil. She has been serving the Marlborough community for the last 20+ years as a physical therapist, personal trainer, and wife of a funeral director. When she isn’t helping people to get stronger and live healthier lives, she is supporting families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones at her family funeral home. Heather is the mother of 2 young men (Adam and Kevin) and works hard to support her boys and extended family.
Heather loves to spend time with her family and friends. When she has down time, she likes to sit around a fire at the ski slope, have friends over to the family lake house in addition to supporting her local community. As her boys continue to grow and become more independent, Heather is looking forward to traveling, going to concerts and becoming more involved with the funeral home.

Carissa Upton
Carissa Upton has been a student at FINE since February 2021. She currently works as an apprentice at Gillooly Funeral Home in Norwood, MA, where she enjoys working…
Carissa Upton has been a student at FINE since February 2021. She currently works as an apprentice at Gillooly Funeral Home in Norwood, MA, where she enjoys working with her colleagues to serve their families as well as expanding her knowledge in the funeral service occupation. When she’s not in school or work, Carissa enjoys cooking, crafting, watching scary movies, and taking care of her two beloved pets, Baby Face and Pistachio with her boyfriend Marc. Finally, she wants to thank her mother Carol for being a never-ending well of love and support.
Carissa Upton has been a student at FINE since February 2021. She currently works as an apprentice at Gillooly Funeral Home in Norwood, MA, where she enjoys working with her colleagues to serve their families as well as expanding her knowledge in the funeral service occupation. When she’s not in school or work, Carissa enjoys cooking, crafting, watching scary movies, and taking care of her two beloved pets, Baby Face and Pistachio with her boyfriend Marc. Finally, she wants to thank her mother Carol for being a never-ending well of love and support.

Jamie Messier
Jamie Messier is an Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer who believes in the power of what empathy and compassion for the families and their deceased…
Jamie Messier is an Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer who believes in the power of what empathy and compassion for the families and their deceased loved ones can do in the grieving and healing process. She began her journey in the funeral industry by first becoming a student at FINE Mortuary College and being hired as an apprentice for a wonderful family-owned funeral home, and now dreams of starting her own family-owned funeral home one day. Jamie Messier lives in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and volunteers with helping her son’s boy scout troop, and also helps with bringing donations to local animal rescues, and food to the local food pantries.
Jamie Messier is an Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer who believes in the power of what empathy and compassion for the families and their deceased loved ones can do in the grieving and healing process. She began her journey in the funeral industry by first becoming a student at FINE Mortuary College and being hired as an apprentice for a wonderful family-owned funeral home, and now dreams of starting her own family-owned funeral home one day. Jamie Messier lives in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and volunteers with helping her son's boy scout troop, and also helps with bringing donations to local animal rescues, and food to the local food pantries.

Sarah McCune
After working towards a BA in History from Simmons College and soon thereafter beginning my current career in restaurant and hospitality management…
After working towards a BA in History from Simmons College and soon thereafter beginning my current career in restaurant and hospitality management, I am excited and humbled to begin the next chapter of my professional life in the death care industry. In just my three terms at FINE Mortuary College I strongly believe that I have gained the knowledge and conviction needed to succeed in this invaluable field and I’m looking forward to securing a funeral home apprenticeship in Boston for the new year ahead. I give my sincerest thanks to the Cantillon-White family for providing FINE students such as myself with this opportunity in their loved one’s memory.
After working towards a BA in History from Simmons College and soon thereafter beginning my current career in restaurant and hospitality management, I am excited and humbled to begin the next chapter of my professional life in the death care industry. In just my three terms at FINE Mortuary College I strongly believe that I have gained the knowledge and conviction needed to succeed in this invaluable field and I’m looking forward to securing a funeral home apprenticeship in Boston for the new year ahead. I give my sincerest thanks to the Cantillon-White family for providing FINE students such as myself with this opportunity in their loved one’s memory.

Jennifer Roberts:
I’m a mother to 5 boys. I reside in Concord NH and am in my second year of mortuary school. I have a passion for helping people. I like to dance, draw, and act in…
I’m a mother to 5 boys. I reside in Concord NH and am in my second year of mortuary school. I have a passion for helping people. I like to dance, draw, and act in murder mystery plays. My husband and I like to spend vacations in Salem MA, and with our family swimming in NH lakes. Fun fact… I am a distant cousin to Vincent Price.
I'm a mother to 5 boys. I reside in Concord NH and am in my second year of mortuary school. I have a passion for helping people. I like to dance, draw, and act in murder mystery plays. My husband and I like to spend vacations in Salem MA, and with our family swimming in NH lakes. Fun fact... I am a distant cousin to Vincent Price.
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