Distance Learning
Introduction to 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?
Students will need a device such as a laptop, PC, or MacBook with internet access and a working camera.
Students CANNOT use an iPhone, iPad, Android phone or Windows-based phone to attend class or take Quizzes and Exams.
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.
Click to 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?
Students who have completed the minimum number of credits may be eligible to begin their clinical experience. This consists of two courses, Clinical I and Clinical II. Each Clinical lasts a full term, or 10 weeks.
Clinical 1
Clinical I experience must be completed in a local funeral home. Students who are not already working in a funeral home at the beginning of their clinical experience must reach out to funeral homes in their area to secure a clinical site. It is solely the responsibility of the FMC student to obtain a clinical site for their clinical experience.
Once a clinical site has been established, the FMC Clinical Coordinator, or an FMC representative, will conduct a virtual site inspection of the establishment. The inspection is required to ensure that the clinical site is safe and appropriate for student clinical instruction and experience. Students are provided with the Site Inspection Form that will be utilized during the visit. During the inspection, the Clinical Coordinator will briefly meet with each student’s Preceptor to cover important expectations for the clinical experience.
Once the site inspection is completed, and all forms are completed, signed, and turned into the Clinical Coordinator, students may begin fulfilling their Clinical I requirements.
Clinical 1 Requirements
Before the term begins, a mandatory Clinical I Orientation will take place. Date and time to be determined by FMC.
Clinical I prerequisite requirements must be completed prior to the start of each student’s clinical experience. Prerequisite requirements include Clinical Site Inspections and Agreement forms.
Clinical I requirements must be completed by the end of the term before advancement to Clinical II.
Student case reports and required forms must be submitted to the Clinical Coordinator via Canvas.
Clinical II
Students must complete the majority of their Clinical II experience in a local funeral home. Most students complete Clinical II in the same location as Clinical I. Clinical site changes require a new site inspection, and all agreement forms to be completed prior to the start of clinical experience at a new location.
During the final week of Clinical II, students are required to attend Capstone Week on campus in Norwood, Massachusetts. Students will complete a Capstone Project which includes a Restorative Art intensive, wax head project and various labs that are geared towards the developing skills of future embalmers. Live instructors will be on-site for guidance and to facilitate this process. During Capstone Week, students will also complete their Certified Embalming, which will be arranged by the school.
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.
Clinical II Requirements
In order to successfully complete the course, all Clinical II requirements must be completed by the end of the term.
Student case reports and required forms must be submitted to the Clinical Coordinator via Canvas.
Week 10: Capstone Week On-Campus Intensive Project
Please note: All FINE Mortuary College students are required to complete the mandatory one-week Capstone Project on-site at FMC’s Norwood campus. This requirement is in accordance with the standards and policies of the ABFSE.
Additional Expenses and Information
Students are responsible for any travel and hotel accommodations incurred during their stay for the Week 10 Capstone Project. FMC students will receive a discounted rate when booking a room at The Courtyard by Marriott, Norwood. A discount code will be provided to students by the school. Local students may commute daily if they desire.
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 (if needed):
• 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
Students participating in Capstone Week are required to be at the school on time each day. Unless otherwise communicated, students should plan to be on campus daily at 9AM. Students will be provided with a Capstone Week Schedule approximately one month in advance to assist with scheduling and coordinating for the week.
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. Students may contact the Program Director with any food allergies so FMC can provide the appropriate accommodations.
On Campus Intensive Schedule
• The schedule will be given to you prior to your arrival.
• You are required to be on campus by 9am each day.
*Students who have already completed the Restorative Art class prior to Summer term, 2023 have met the requirements.