Nevada‘s New Mortuary science Program Tackles Funeral Services Labor Shortage
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LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A significant hurdle for aspiring mortuary science professionals in Nevada for decades has been teh lack of accessible educational pathways within the state.This shortage, exacerbated by a nationwide demand for funeral service workers, has spurred a crucial initiative by the College of Southern Nevada (CSN).
James McCoy,CSN’s vice president of academic affairs,highlighted the issue: For decades,those interested in pursuing jobs in the death care services had too pursue education opportunities outside of Nevada,
he said,explaining the limitations this placed on local staffing. the National Funeral Directors association (NFDA) documented a significant labor shortage in 2022,a crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in funeral service worker employment by 2033, underscoring the ongoing need for qualified professionals.
Recognizing this critical need, Palm Mortuaries adn Cemeteries partnered wiht CSN to create a solution. After nearly eight years of collaboration and a generous donation from Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries, CSN announced the opening of applications for its inaugural mortuary science program.
“As we saw the death toll rising across the world related to the pandemic, our local funeral homes and funeral homes across the world were realizing we don’t have enough [of a] qualified workforce in this space,” said McCoy. “That reinvigorated CSN to work with much more momentum and in partnership with the local industry employers to get this done.”
The new Funeral Services program, a Limited Entry Program starting in Fall 2025, will train students in funeral arranging, embalming, and funeral directing.The first cohort will consist of ten students. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this demanding field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers (typically requiring an associate’s degree) was $51,030 in May 2023, while funeral directors earned a median annual wage of $75,660.
CSN collaborated with local funeral service providers to develop an extensive curriculum. The two-year associate’s degree program will include standard mortuary science coursework, laboratory work, and crucial clinical experience through apprenticeships with Southern Nevada funeral homes.
Shannon Nordyke, general manager at Palm mortuaries and cemeteries, detailed the hands-on opportunities students will receive. Students will shadow staff during funeral arrangements and services, and will also gain practical experience in preparing the deceased for services at Palm’s facilities.
“The new Funeral Services program at CSN is a game-changer for our community, equipping future professionals with the skills and compassion needed to serve families with dignity and care,” said Celena dilullo, president of Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries. “This program will strengthen the local funeral services industry by fostering a new generation of licensed professionals dedicated to honoring life and supporting families in their time of need.”
Nordyke explained the dual nature of mortuary work: preparing the deceased and supporting grieving families. She noted the differences in licensure requirements between Nevada and other states, such as Iowa where she received her education, highlighting the program’s importance in standardizing training. Nevada offers separate licensure for embalming, funeral arranging, and funeral directing through the state’s Funeral and Cemetery Services Board.
“We’re excited about the program as it’s going to make it so that it gives students that chance to be able to go to school to learn our industry,” said Nordyke. “It’s such a value to our industry as we’re going to have those students who are going to be coming to us. They’re going to have the basic foundation of the education of the industry.”
Nordyke also emphasized the cultural sensitivity training included in the curriculum, a vital aspect of providing compassionate care. The program, located in the School of Health Sciences, building A of the CSN Charleston Campus, will utilize state-of-the-art equipment, including high-fidelity simulation mannequins, replacing the more costly and less practical use of cadavers.
The program has received approvals from the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, Northwest Commission for Colleges and Universities, and the department of Education, and will seek accreditation with the American Board of Funeral Service Education. CSN is currently accepting applications for both students and instructors. The deadline for student applications is June 1, 2025.
Nevada’s Landmark Mortuary Science Program: Laying the Foundation for a Stronger Funeral Services Workforce
World Today News — In Conversation with Dr.Emily harrison, Mortuary Science Expert
As Nevada confronts a pressing shortage in funeral service professionals, the College of Southern Nevada breaks new ground by launching a pioneering mortuary science program—a game-changing initiative set to reshape the landscape of funeral services. Dr. Emily Harrison, an expert in the field, provides her insights on this transformative moment for the industry.
The Labor Shortage Challenge: A Century in the Making
World Today News: With a documented labor shortage in funeral services, what factors have historically contributed to this persistent issue, notably in Nevada?
Dr. Emily Harrison: The challenge of short supplies in funeral service professionals, long recognized by bodies such as the National Funeral Directors Association, stems from several intersecting issues. Historically, the path to entering this field has been quite arduous, primarily because aspiring professionals had to seek education out of state. This geographical barrier discouraged manny potential candidates, thereby hampering local workforce advancement.Furthermore, cultural sensitivities around death and mourning have often made these careers appear daunting to new entrants. Nevada, unlike some states, lacked structured local training pathways, a factor that is now being addressed with this innovative program.
Forging Pathways: The CSN Approach
World Today News: How does the College of Southern Nevada’s new mortuary science program aim to address these longstanding workforce shortages?
Dr. Emily Harrison: The CSN initiative represents an essential response to longstanding gaps in the industry. The program, developed in collaboration with local industry leaders like Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries, aims to offer complete education and real-world training right here in Nevada. by providing a streamlined, accessible path to licensure through its Limited Entry Program, CSN is arming a new generation of professionals with the skills necessary to meet the nuanced demands of funeral services. This approach not only localizes training but also assimilates critical apprenticeships, ensuring students gain hands-on experience essential for success.
Creating Industry Leaders: Skill Development and Cultural Sensitivity
World Today News: Could you elaborate on the significance of the program’s original curriculum design, particularly in cultural sensitivity training?
dr. Emily Harrison: Absolutely. Cultural sensitivity training is an integral component of modern funeral service education, acknowledging that families come from diverse backgrounds with varying customs surrounding death and mourning. CSN’s program places a strong emphasis on equipping students with the empathy and cultural awareness necessary to serve communities with utmost respect and dignity. Real-world applications include hands-on opportunities where students learn to navigate funerals with sensitivity to different bereavement rituals.This facet of the curriculum is not only transformative for students but also enhances the industry’s capacity to support grieving families meaningfully during profound life moments.
A New Era for Mortuary Science in Nevada
World Today News: What long-term impacts do you anticipate the program will have on Nevada’s funeral service industry and broader community?
Dr.Emily Harrison: the establishment of this program marks the begining of a renaissance in funeral services across the state, fostering homegrown talent and promoting innovation within the industry. By standardizing training, we not only elevate the professional qualifications of funeral service workers but also enrich the support systems available to communities in mourning. Over time, this program is poised to ensure that high-quality funeral services remain available locally, thereby strengthening community bonds and supporting families more effectively.
Dr. Emily Harrison underscores the profound promise this mortuary science program holds for Nevada’s future. As we witness the unfolding of this new educational pathway, it offers a beacon of hope and advancement in addressing pressing labor shortages while visually crafting a compassionate foundation for those navigating life’s most solemn chapters.
This conversation not only illuminates the challenges but also celebrates the strides made towards a future where local educational opportunities align harmoniously with industry needs, thus fostering an environment where students and professionals alike are empowered to serve with dignity and compassion.
Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media with #NevadaMortuaryScience. Your insights could help shape the future of this vital community conversation.