Continuing Education Programs and Courses

Funeral Service

Funeral Service is certificate program delivered in cooperation with the Funeral and Cremation Services Council of Saskatchewan. If you are a compassionate person interested in helping people, this program can help you develop the skills you need to support individuals who are coping with death and provide essential services involved in the care of final arrangements for a loved one.

You will study a core component of courses followed by a specialty of embalming or funeral directing, or both. In the core program you will develop skills and gain knowledge in anatomy and physiology, computer skills, communication skills, jurisprudence and ethics, and acts, bylaws and regulations specific to the funeral industry.

Upon successfully completing the core courses, you will have the opportunity to complete the Embalmer Specialty as part of the Funeral Service certificate or the Funeral Director Specialty. You may choose to complete both specialties and receive a Funeral Service certificate for each of the specialties.

This program is available part-time and full-time by distance education delivery through continuing education at SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon. For complete program information, check the program page.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit may be options for receiving credit. For further information see the PLAR candidate guide (pdf) or the transfer credit page.

Arrange Funerals (FNRL 181)

You will gain an understanding of the processes involved in funeral services arrangements. You will also study memorialization options, processes for transportation and prearranging services.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Funeral Service students only

Fee: $355 30 hours/18 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-161	February 4, 2013 - June 7, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Basic Computer Operation (COMP 170)

You will be introduced to basic computer concepts. The course content includes computer components, hardware, software, working in a graphical user interface, file management, word processing and the Internet. The general skills you learn will prepare you for further courses, such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentation graphics.

Fee: $199 (online), $317 (print)
Additional costs: Required print material

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-489	March 18, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Register by Apr 5 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online
CRN: TBA	September 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013 Ongoing registration. NR, PNRE and PNRY students only. Call 1-866-goSIAST to register	Home Study (Print)

Business Practices and Processes in the Funeral Service Industry (FNRL 282)

You will study business practices pertinent to the funeral service industry. Particular consideration will be paid to funeral home budgets and financial statements, funeral service merchandising and sales, costing and pricing, advertising, and applicable federal and provincial regulations.

Fee: $355 45 hours/20 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-171	February 25, 2013 - July 12, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Core Work Experience (WORK 192)

You will spend one week in an approved funeral home in your community observing practices in providing care of body/remains, funeral arrangements and services. You will participate in related duties as assigned by your supervisor and will be expected to demonstrate professionalism at all times.

Prerequisites: You must have formally applied for admission and have been accepted into the Funeral Service program before registering for the practicum. Students cannot be guaranteed specific practicum sites or dates. It will depend on availability and suitability.

Fee: $156 30 hours/1 week

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 09-165	September 10, 2012 - June 14, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Saskatoon

Direct Funerals (FNRL 281)

You will examine the organization and direction of funeral services and visitations. You will also explore the various support services available.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Arrange Funerals, Funeral Service students only

Fee: $355 30 hours/18 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-163	February 4, 2013 - June 7, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Embalming (FNRL 280)

You will gain an understanding of the various types of embalming processes for the normal case. You will also examine procedures used in difficult and autopsied cases.

Prerequisites: Pathophysiology, Core Work Experience, Funeral Service students only

Fee: $670 75 hours/30 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-162	February 4, 2013 - August 30, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Family Systems (YCW 282)

You will examine patterns of marriage and family in Canadian society. You will explore the issues and challenges facing families and develop strategies to improve family function.

Wascana course is offered as facilitated study – a combination of independent study and classroom instruction.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Funeral Service students only

Fee: $355, 45 hours/20 weeks (print), $390 (Wascana), Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-671	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Funeral Service students only Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-344	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Youth Care Worker students only Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Funeral Service Core Practicum (PRAC 176)

You will spend two weeks in an approved funeral home and participate in assigned duties (such as the transfer of body/remains, case analysis of body/remains, non-embalming preparations and other duties) under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer and/or funeral director. You will be expected to demonstrate professionalism at all times.

Prerequisites: Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel, Jurisprudence and Ethics, Microbiology for Funeral Service, Medical Terminology (180), Psychology 1, Core Work Experience, Desktop Publishing (COAP 171)

Fee: $315 60 hours/2weeks

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 09-162	September 10, 2012 - June 14, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Saskatoon

Funeral Services Embalming Practicum (PRAC 277)

You will spend eight weeks in an approved funeral home and participate in all aspects of the embalming process under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer. You will also participate in restorative art procedures. You will be expected to submit case studies of all embalming and restorative art procedures to your supervisor. You will model professional attitudes and practices in all aspects of your assigned duties.

Prior to registration you must be assessed for practicum readiness by the practicum advisor

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Funeral Services Funeral Director Practicum (PRAC 278)

You will spend eight weeks in an approved funeral home and participate in funeral arrangements and directing funeral services under the direct supervision of a licensed funeral director. You will model professional attitudes and practices in all aspects of your assigned duties.

Prior to registration you must be assessed for practicum readiness by the practicum advisor

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Arrange Funerals, Direct Funerals, Business Practices and Processes in the Funeral Service Industry, Family Systems, Core Practicum (PRAC 176), completion of all FS core theory courses

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Interpersonal Communication (COMM 291)

The course provides an introduction to interpersonal communication theory and applications that are used in the workplace. Course content includes the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and non-verbal messages, listening skills, creating positive communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.

The online course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing access to course material at any time convenient for the student. High-speed internet is recommended.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience

Fee: $345 (online), $275 (print, Regina), Additional costs: Text(s) and required materials (Online: text purchase only)

CRN	Start Date	Location
	Call 1-866-goSIAST to register
CRN: 03-167	January 21, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Funeral Service students only Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	DVD
CRN: 03-543	January 21, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Food Service Worker students only Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	DVD
CRN: 03-981	April 15, 2013 - June 21, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online
CRN: 04-8	May 27, 2013 - August 30, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Interpersonal Skills in Funeral Service (PSYC 281)

You will learn to distinguish between “normal” and “complicated” grief and respond appropriately to both. Your skill in offering compassionate support to grieving clients will be enhanced through focused practice. Your proficiency in applying the most appropriate techniques to help individuals and families through difficult times will be improved through directed practice.

Fee: $355 45 hours/18 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-173	February 25, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (also called Anatomy and Physiology) (APHY 189)

This course introduces you to the study of the human body and how it functions efficiently. The content you will study is of critical importance for the promotion and maintenance of health.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Funeral Service students only

Fee: $385 40 hours/20 weeks 40 hours/16 weeks Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-168	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Funeral Service students only Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-774	March 5, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-775	April 23, 2013 - August 16, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 03-573	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Therapeutic Recreation students only Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Introduction to Desktop Publishing (COAP 171)

Your studies will introduce you to basic skills in the use of desktop publishing software for designing, editing and delivering different documents. You will learn the fundamentals of design for simple desktop publishing.

Up-to-date Windows computer and browser are required

Fee: $199

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-552	March 18, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Register by Apr 5 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint (COMP 179)

You will receive instruction and practice in creating, modifying and delivering a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint. You will enhance the presentation by adding charts, tables, visual elements, multimedia, transition effects and animations. You will study how to present, distribute and customize presentations.

Fee: $199

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-503	March 18, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Register by Apr 5 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online

Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel (COMP 172)

Your studies will introduce you to the purpose and uses of a word processor and electronic spreadsheet. You will develop the basic skills of creating, editing and formatting documents and spreadsheets.

Fee: $199

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-493	March 18, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Register by Apr 5 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online

Jurisprudence and Ethics (ETHC 184)

You will gain an understanding of the acts, bylaws and regulations that govern funerals. The course content includes information about the professional and ethical practices that are important in this profession.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Orientation to Funeral Services, For Funeral Service program students

Fee: $400 45 hours/20 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-169	January 28, 2013 - June 14, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Medical Terminology (180) (MTER 180)

You will learn the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms from which medical terms are derived. You will also learn medical abbreviations.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, For Funeral Service students only

Fee: $110 10 hours/9 weeks
Additional costs: Text, manual and medical dictionary (e.g. Tabor’s)

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-547	April 2, 2013 - May 31, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)
CRN: 04-39	May 27, 2013 - July 26, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Microbiology for Funeral Service (MICR 185)

You will be introduced to the concepts of microbiology in relation to health and the process of disease in humans. You will explore the fundamentals of micro organisms in relation to the interaction with host, impact on environment, human disease and funeral service practice.

Equivalent Course: Microbiology for the Health Sciences (NEPS 212)

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (also called Anatomy and Physiology), For Funeral Service students only

Fee: $315 30 hours/18 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-166	February 4, 2013 - June 7, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Orientation to Funeral Services (ORTN 199)

You will receive an orientation to the funeral services profession. Topics will include the history, varying traditions and religious practices that influence arrangements. You will also gain an understanding of the nature of employment within the funeral services profession.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Funeral Service program students only

Check back soon for course offering dates.

Pathophysiology (PATH 186)

The course content provides you with an introduction to the study of various disease processes that can affect body structure and function. You will also examine disease processes as they affect specific body systems.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Funeral Service program students only

Fee: $400 45 hours/20 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-164	March 11, 2013 - July 26, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Psychology 1 (PSYC 160)

In the course you will be introduced to the study of psychology as a science. You will explore the study of human behaviour by examining concepts including: perception, sensation, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, personality, and the relationship between health and stress.

Fee: $487 34 hours/16 weeks (Wascana)
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-445	February 11, 2013 - May 31, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Psychology of Grief (PSYC 280)

You will discuss the emotional and psychological needs of the bereaved as well as appropriate communication skills and attitudes. You will be introduced to communication with and attitudes appropriate to grieving clients.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Funeral Service program students, Psychology (PSYC 160)

Fee: $400 45 hours/20 weeks (Kelsey)
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-165	February 18, 2013 - July 5, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Restorative Arts (FNRL 180)

You will study restorative art processes using appropriate cosmetics, instruments and appliances. You will also examine processes for the difficult and autopsied cases.

Prerequisites: Core Work Experience, Funeral Service students only

Fee: $400 45 hours/20 weeks
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-160	February 11, 2013 - June 28, 2013 Register in Saskatoon or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Sociology 1 (SOCI 160)

In this course, you will learn about the process of socialization, and discuss how culture affects the totality of our lives. You will examine social deviance and social control and look at the social dynamics of racial, ethnic, and minority groups in our society. The processes and effects of social stratification will be discussed.

Fee: $487 39 hours/16 weeks
Online intersession course Apr 16-Jun 8 is only 8 weeks in length.
Print intersession course Apr 16-Jun 8 is only 8 weeks in length.
Additional costs: Text(s) and required print materials

CRN	Start Date	Location
CRN: 03-458	February 4, 2013 - May 24, 2013 Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online
CRN: 03-457	April 15, 2013 - June 7, 2013 This intersession course is 8 weeks in length. Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Online
CRN: 03-447	April 15, 2013 - June 7, 2013 This intersession course is 8 weeks in length. Register in Regina or call 1-866-goSIAST	Home Study (Print)

Written and Oral Communications (COM 101)

You will receive instruction and practice in written and oral communication skills needed for the professional workplace. You will review the principles of effective writing, prepare oral presentations and practice common forms of business communication. Communicating a professional image will be emphasized.

Check back soon for course offering dates.

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