Bereavement Studies Certificate Returns

February 10, 2020

Hudson Valley Community College is again opening enrollment for its 30-credit Bereavement Studies certificate program, which is designed for those seeking advanced training in assisting the bereaved and the dying.

The certificate program, established at the college in 2009, was deactivated several years ago, but Mortuary Science Department Chair Lori Purcell said the college now hopes to tap into new markets for those who may be interested in the certificate.

“Health care and social service professionals often deal with death and dying on a daily basis as part of their jobs,” she said. “The courses we’re offering in the certificate provide an excellent foundation for gaining a better understanding of the social and cultural aspects of how people deal with death and dying.”

Purcell said the college will be targeting end-of-life volunteers, police officers, nurses, nursing assistants, those in religious orders, social workers and funeral service professionals.

Instructor Timothy Copeland, alongside other Mortuary Science and Bereavement Studies faculty, will teach many of the certificate’s courses. Copeland has extensive experience in the thanatology field.

All courses in the certificate program are offered online.

This certificate is designed to meet students’ professional needs and is not accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Students graduating from this program are not eligible to take the National Board Examination or any state board examination for which graduation from an ABFSE-accredited program is required.

For more information about the certificate program, contact the Mortuary Science Department.