Program Overview
The Funeral Services program has been named an approved distance learning (online) program by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). This approval means that qualified students may now take all courses online, except for the two clinical laboratory embalming courses and the Laboratory part of the Restorative Art class. These laboratory classes are offered at the embalming lab and the funeral services program classroom located at FSCJ’s North Campus. There may be special attendance opportunities for the embalming laboratories available for students from outside the service area based on conditional approval by the Program Director. All students will need to come to campus to certify embalming competencies.
Program Mission
The mission of the FSCJ Funeral Services Program is to educate students in all phases of funeral service and prepare graduates for entry‑level employment and professional licensure through academic instruction, laboratory education, ethical conduct, and service to families and communities.
Program Goals
The Funeral Services Program seeks to:
- prepare competent entry‑level funeral service professionals
- prepare graduates for state and national licensure pathways
- promote ethical and professional conduct
- support public health and safety principles
- prepare students for National Board Examination success
- develop communication and leadership skills
- encourage lifelong professional development
- promote compassionate service to families and communities
Additional Information
Program Roadmap
Quick Facts
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Program Code:
2161
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Degree:
Funeral Services (A.S.)
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Total Credits:
72 Credits
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Online Program:
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Financial Aid Eligible:
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Additional Costs: Approximately $7,551
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Program Contact
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Catalog
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Return to Areas of Study
2161
Funeral Services (A.S.)
72 Credits
Outcomes
- Demonstrate professional conduct consistent with ethical funeral service practice.
- Apply principles of public health, sanitation, and safety in funeral service operations.
- Perform embalming and restorative procedures consistent with professional standards.
- Conduct funeral arrangement conferences and assist families in making informed decisions.
- Apply federal and Florida laws governing funeral service practice.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with families, coworkers, and the public.
- Demonstrate competency in funeral service management and business operations.
- Participate appropriately in funeral, memorial, cremation, and disposition procedures.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to grief, cultural diversity, and religious practices.
- Demonstrate readiness for National Board Examination preparation and entry‑level professional practice.
Program Graduation Rates
National Board Examination Statistics
National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at abfse.org in the Directory of Accredited Programs.
PROGRAM INFORMATION – Florida State College at Jacksonville
| Year | Total enrolled | # of New Students | # of Grads | Timely Grad* | Graduation Rate** | Did not finish*** | Overall % Employed | Employed In FS |
| 2025 | 45 | 22 | 19 | 19/19 | 83% | 1 | 100% | 79% |
| 2024 | 44 | 23 | 20 | 17/20 | 95% | 0 | 100% | 75% |
| 2023 | 40 | 21 | 11 | 10/11 | 79% | 2 | 100% | 100% |
*Timely graduation = complete program in 1½ times designated program length.
**Graduation rate reflects cohort graduation rate (% of students from original cohort completing in the designated year)
***Left before completing the program; did not finish.
NATIONAL BOARD STATISTICS – Florida State College at Jacksonville
| Arts | Takers | School Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | Sciences | Takers | School Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | |
| 2025 | 14 | 93% | 78% | 2025 | 10 | 80% | 70% | |
| 2024 | 14 | 79% | 78% | 2024 | 8 | 88% | 73% | |
| 2023 | 9 | 56% | 78% | 2023 | 4 | 75% | 69% |
School pass rate is based on 1st time test takers within one year of graduation.
Accreditation
The Funeral Service associate degree program at Florida State College at Jacksonville is 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
Career Opportunities
Certifications and Licenses
After successfully completing the program, students will be eligible to take the National Board examinations.
Note: If you are considering employment in a state other than Florida, please visit https://www.fscj.edu/academics/license-disclose to determine if this program will meet the selected state’s requirements to sit for licensure or certification testing.
Program Notice
Application Deadline(s)
The application deadline is May 15 of each year with classes starting in the fall term.
Application Requirements
Applicants must take 7-credit hours of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of C or better and a minimum combined grade point average of 2.0 prior to the application deadline for the Funeral Services program and prior to beginning the Professional coursework (FSE prefix) phase of the Funeral Services program. Submit current Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI/A2 Elsevier A2 Preadmission Test Scores). Note: A complete HESI/A2 administration is required and is made up of nine (9) sub-tests that must be completed in one sitting. Scores are taken from a single complete administration that is most advantageous to the applicant. A minimum score of 65% is required on the grammar, reading comprehension and vocabulary sub-tests.
Refer to the Funeral Services page in the College Catalog for additional admission requirements.
Florida Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services
Florida Department of Financial Services
Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0361 Phone: (850) 413-3039 Toll-Free in Florida: (800) 323-2627
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Join Florida State College at Jacksonville Funeral Services (A.S.) program today.
Questions? Contact admissions.