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College of Cremation Services

      
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College of Cremation Services
Dean Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE

Cremation doesn't have to mean "no service" or "no memorialization." You'll discover how to better serve families, improve cremation operations and increase your company's cremation-related revenues. You'll also earn three types of certifications: operator, administrator and arranger.

Please note, this college offers a one-day registration is now available for those who wish to attend only the Certified Crematory Operator program. Click here for details.
 

CREMATION CERTIFICATIONS

The ICCFA cremation certification program is open to employees of all cemeteries, funeral homes, crematories and related businesses. Students completing the ICCFAU College of Cremation Services will receive three certification designations:

ICCFA Certified Crematory Operator: Currently required for crematory licensure in a number of states, this program is provided in concert with Matthews Cremation Division and covers all aspects of crematory operation and maintenance. A 12-chapter Operations Manual is provided. 6 hours CE.*
ICCFA Certified Crematory Administrator: This certification covers the business and liability aspects of providing cremation services. Instructors for this segment include a nationally renowned attorney and authority on cremation liability; a compliance officer from a multi-ownership corporation; a nationally recognized accounting specialist; and an expert in zoning, environmental and equipment installation issues. 4.5 hours CE.*
ICCFA Certified Cremation Arranger: This segment will provide an interactive learning experience in understanding cremation consumers, arranging and creating meaningful tribute services, creating unique options for memorialization and effectively communicating all of this with families. The instructors for this segment have proven track records and real-world experience. 8.5 hours CE.*

In addition to the classes, students will participate in a bus tour to a local Memphis cemetery, crematory and funeral home and will engage in a closing summary discussion of lessons learned, for an additional 4.5 CE* credits.

* CE availability contingent on individual state approvals.

Friday, July 19

2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Registration and Check-in

4:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Orientation

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
University Reception

6:00 p.m.
University Dinner

 

Saturday, July 20

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast

8:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Introductions
Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Crematory Operator Curriculum
(sponsored by Matthews Cremation Division)
Ron Salvatore and Richard Thomas
You will recieve an extensive Operations Manual and training on:

  • professional terminology
  • incinerator terminology
  • principles of combustion
  • cremation and the environment
  • incinerator criteria and design
  • basics of operating cremation equipment
  • general maintenance and trouble shooting
  • forms and record keeping
  • handling and exposure control

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Operator Curriculum (cont'd)

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Operator Curriculum (cont'd)

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Break

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Operator Curriculum (cont'd)

5:00 p.m.
Dinner

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Annual Sports Tournament
Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game of volleyball.

 

Sunday, July 21

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Administrator Curriculum: Zoning/NIMBY/Equipment
Ron Salvatore
One of the highest-rated portions of the ICCFA College of Cremation Services, this curriculum covers:

  • adding a crematory to your operation
  • municipality zoning hurdles to installation
  • timing, from ordering to being fully operational
  • costs to purchase/maintain equipment
  • facility requirements
  • considerations in selecting a crematory supplier

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Administrator Curriculum: Avoiding Cremation Liability
Poul Lemasters, Esq.
This session will review areas of concern when dealing with the cremation customer and provide guidelines for avoiding liability. What are some best operating practices to incorporate into your standard operating procedure? Where are the areas of greatest risk in the operation of a crematory? What can you do to minimize your exposure?

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Crematory Tour: A Real-World Look at All Aspects of a Cremation Provider
Mark Ballard, Winston Hoover IV
Our tour host operates five funeral homes, two cemeteries and a service center in a market with a 20 percent cremation rate. The service center operates two cremation units performing more than 100 cremations per month. In addition, the service center has a flower design shop and handles all administration for this operation. We will travel by bus and have the benefit of a guided tour of these SCI facilities. Every year, the value of this tour, the presentation and the SCI hospitality receive excellent reviews. 

5:00 p.m.
Dinner

 

Monday, July 22

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Administrator Curriculum: Go Ahead. Don't Bother. I Dare You!
Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE
Jim Starks will wow you with a riveting, real-world presentation on operations and compliance. Failure to properly manage the risk of providing cremation services and/or operating a crematory is an invitation for disaster. Learn the steps you need to take to minimize potential problems and liabilities from an expert who has handled compliance and risk management issues for hundreds of funeral homes and crematories.

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Administrator Curriculum: The Financial Realities of the Death Care Industry in 2012
David Nixon
David Nixon has been serving the industry since 1979 and has created thousands of budgets for clients ranging from 40 to 1,500 events per year. In this session, he will discuss:

  • today's economic picture
  • threats and opportunities
  • pricing strategies to excel
  • commercial courage

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Arranger Curriculum: Consumer Educational Seminars: Connecting Celebrant Ceremonies, Cremation and Hospice
Ernie Heffner, CFuE
Educating the public requires a comprehensive plan, a meaningful message, a system for consistent implementation and thoughtful preparation. This session provides an outline for taking a proactive approach toward 21st century death care services and specifically toward better meeting the needs of families who choose cremation. You'll examine:

  • the correlation between no ceremony cremation and the celebrant option
  • how celebrant ceremonies can boost market share
  • the investment required for training and educating the public
  • operational logistics and time commitments for celebrant ceremonies
  • where to expect pushback and who may need attitude adjustments
  • creating seminars and the subject matter to include in your presentations
  • seminar time commitments, invitation options, best times and locations
  • speakers, staffing requirements, equipment needs and handouts

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Break

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Arranger Curriculum: Funeral Arrangements
Mike Hays
Mike Hays is passionate about funeral and cremation services and is a recognized authority in dealing with and understanding cremation consumers. In this session, he will share his expertise on the cremation arrangement conference and planning process. He'll identify procedures to help eliminate misunderstandings and winning ways that will enhance your client families' satisfaction and loyalty.

6:00 p.m.
Dinner

7:00 p.m.
Cryptones concert

 

Tuesday, July 23

Class pictures will be taken on Tuesday

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Arranger Curriculum: "I Don't Want a Funeral, I Want a Cremation"
Julie A. Burn, CCrE, CSE
What do people expect from today's providers? What mistaken assumptions do providers make? Is there a psychological difference between burial clients and cremation clients? How can a provider effectively understand and relate to both? We'll take a look at products that people hate, products that people embrace and what makes the difference.  

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Arranger Curriculum: What Is Your GRASP On Cremation Consumers?
Néctar Ramírez
Many funeral service professionals have a preconceived notion that families who choose cremation do not want to have memorial services. Batesville's consumer research supports the theory that families who are effectively presented with all of their options for memorialization will choose better than the funeral professional would choose for them. The GRASP approach to the cremation arrangement conference uses a probing model designed to fully engage the family in making the irrevocable decisions that are made when a death occurs. GRASP also challenges the funeral service professional to offer service options for the cremation family similar to what they currently offer the burial family.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Arranger Curriculum: Know Your Cremation Consumer
Doug Gober
Doug Gober is one of our industry's most motivational speakers. He will share ground-breaking research on what today's cremation consumers are looking for and what you can do to meet and beat their expectations.

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Break

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Arranger Curriculum: ICCFA Cremation Code of Ethics
Mark Krause, CFuE
What does it mean to be a first-class and consumer-friendly cremation provider? What makes cremation arrangements more complicated than burial arrangements? What is the attitude difference for the arranger and the customer? Also, how can you go above and beyond? Why might a retort have an oriental carpet in front of the unit? How are appointments like paintings, silk plants and comfortable furniture important around a crematory? What is the connection between food service and cremation service?

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Graduation/Reception for Students Completing Four Years

 

Wednesday, July 24

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Bringing It Together: Open Forum
Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE
We'll revisit areas of importance that were covered this week, allowing you to:

  • share problems and solutions
  • clarify topics covered
  • ask questions on implementation
  • build future networking with fellow students and faculty
  • better understand what the ICCFA has to offer for cremation

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Diploma