Education online

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES FOR FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS

Online. On-Demand. Affordable. Cremation-centric CE.
CANA is your source for continuing education hours that fit your schedule. Pause the course when you need to and pick it back up when you have the time. Plus, at just $15 per credit hour, you get the professional development you need for a price you can afford.
A variety of cremation-related topics are available through our online learning management system.
To register for any of the classes listed below, click here.

COURSE CATALOG

Click the course title to see details about the program, or scroll to see the full listing.
* Bundle & Save: Purchase these three courses together and save! $60 for five hours of funeral directing continuing education. Hours approved by the APFSP and most states.

CERTIFIED CREMATION SPECIALIST TRAINING

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Anyone can claim they are a cremation specialist. What sets CANA-Certified Cremation Specialists apart is the training they receive to treat everyone with the same level of care, service, and compassion. Guided by CANA experts, take eight courses over four months to help raise the level of service for every family and earn your title. Learn more.

CREMATORY OPERATIONS

CANA is the expert in All Things Cremation, and crematory operations is no exception. Whether you need human or pet certification, we've got you covered with the online versions of our courses that provide continuing education credit. Click the titles below to learn more about your options for getting certified, or re-certified, online.
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The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy

The Multicultural Death and Grief Care Academy (MCDGCA) offers innovative, heart-centered, and culturally inclusive courses designed to empower death care and grief professionals. Whether you’re an embalmer, funeral director, death doula, end-of-life medical practitioner, grief care provider or an organization looking to expand your cultural competence, these courses provide the knowledge and tools to enhance your professional and personal practices.
All courses and training are approved for CE credit through Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP).
CANA Members save 20% on these four training series available in accessible online formats, live workshops, and interactive experiences to take the next step toward cultural understanding, professional growth, and compassionate care. Visit thegravewoman.com to register and apply the members-only coupon code (available by logging into your member portal).
See the Multicultural Death and Grief Care Academy's full course catalog here.
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ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Short and sweet, these targeted courses provide you with practical information in a bite-size format. Experience cutting-edge online education through interactions, case studies and scenarios. No boring narrated presentations here! These engaging courses qualify for continuing education in most states. Click the course title to purchase that course.

AFTERCARE: AN INTRODUCTION

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Aftercare programs mean different things to different businesses. For some it is a way to sell preneed. For others it is an extension of the service they already provide to families during a time of grief. In this course you’ll explore the meaning and importance of having an aftercare program, both for your families and your business. Additionally, you will review available resources and approaches for providing aftercare.
​
Price: $30/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 2.0 CE Hours
Register: Aftercare: An Introduction
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Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Interactive course module
  2. Participant guide
  3. Final Assessment
​Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Recognize the value of aftercare for the family and for the firm.
  2. Identify the various approaches and resources for providing aftercare for families.
​Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Case studies
  • Learner interactions
​Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
​Course Evaluation: Learners will complete a survey after taking the final assessment, evaluating the applicability and quality of the course and content.
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COMMUNICATION SKILLS FUNDAMENTALS

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How you communicate with families can make or break their experience with you. And the words you use are only a small part of the experience - tone, body language and listening are even more important to getting your message across in they way you intend. This online course focuses on the fundamentals of effective communication.

Price: $15/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 1.0 CE Hours
Register: Communication Skills Fundamentals
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Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Self-paced, interactive course module
  2. Downloadable/printable Participant Guide
  3. Final Exam
​Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Identify the physical and psychological aspects of public speaking.
  2. Practice techniques for speaking in public (large groups and small groups).
  3. Describe how body language and outward traits affect how the message is received.
  4. Identify the elements of verbal and nonverbal communication.
​Learning Modules:
Module 1: Psychological Aspects of Public Speaking
Module 2: Physical Aspects of Public Speaking
Module 3: Verbal Communication
Module 4: Listening Skills
Module 5: Overcoming Objections
​Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Reading Assignment
  • Learner interactions
  • Writing reflections
​Knowledge Assessment Method: A 15-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
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COMPLYING WITH THE FTC FUNERAL RULE

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​Though compliance and how to manage compliance is left up to each business, there are certain provisions of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule that apply to everyone. The purpose of this course is to provide guidance related to those provisions. Additionally, this course will provide questions to help you manage compliance specific to your business.
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Price: $15/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 1.0 CE Hours
Register: Complying with the FTC Funeral Rule
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Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Interactive course module
  2. Participant guide
  3. Final Assessment
​​Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Describe the purpose of the FTC Funeral Rule and identify how to access the rule for reference purposes.
  2. Describe how to apply the rule to business practices.
  3. Evaluate current company policies and identify any that are in violation of the Funeral Rule.
Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Case studies
  • Learner interactions
Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
​Course Evaluation: Learners will complete a survey after taking the final assessment, evaluating the applicability and quality of the course and content.
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ETHICS IN FUNERAL SERVICE

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Funeral directors hold the value of life in such high regard that death does not change their care for the dead's physical remains. Ethics is something we practice every time we answer the call to serve a family whose world has been changed forever by the loss of a loved one. If ethics were as simple as doing the right thing, ethics boards, committees, and reviews wouldn't exist. This course will define ethics and explore topics related to personal and professional conduct within funeral service.
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Price: $30/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 2.0 CE Hours
Register: Ethics in Funeral Service
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The content of this course is divided into four modules, with the final module consisting of the course exam. Module 1 will explore the meaning of ethics and different tests that can be used for making ethical decisions. Module 2 will examine common situations funeral directors face where ethical decisions must often be made. Module 3 will ask you to consider your response to several questions and then use those responses to craft your personal code of ethics.
​Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Interactive course module
  2. Participant guide
  3. Final Assessment
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Define ethics.
  2. Identify different approaches for making ethical decisions.
  3. Identify common situations where funeral directors will be faced with ethical decisions.​
  4. Write a personal code of ethics.
​Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Case studies
Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
​Course Evaluation: Learners will complete a survey after taking the final assessment, evaluating the applicability and quality of the course and content.
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PRESENTATION WITHOUT PRESERVATION

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This course is designed to give you an understanding of non-invasive or limited invasive preparation methods to allow families to view the deceased without advanced embalming techniques.
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Price: $15/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 1.0 CE Hours
Register: Presentation without Preservation
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Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Interactive course module
  2. Participant guide
  3. Final Assessment
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Explain the value of viewing the body.
  2. Identify and apply preparation techniques that can be done without using invasive embalming techniques (disinfection, preparation, restorative arts).
  3. Be familiar with OSHA guidelines and regulations for handling dead bodies.
Instructional Methods Included:
  • Reading Assignment
  • Learner interactions
Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
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THE CREMATION CHOICE

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Cremation is a form of disposition—but also so much more in the minds of funeral professionals and consumers. This course will explore the latest research from CANA to better understand consumer and professional attitudes toward cremation. Taking this class will help you understand the cremation customer, challenge your biases, and find new ways to serve your community's needs.

Price: $30/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 2.0 CE Hours
​Register: The Cremation Choice
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The content of this course is divided into six lessons and the course exam. Lesson one focuses on the current cremation statistics and trends; lesson two examines the characteristics of the cremation consumer; lesson three looks at the different reasons why people choose cremation; lesson four evaluates variables that affect the cremation experience; lesson five looks at ways to present options; lesson six uncovers popular service locations.
​Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Interactive course module
  2. Participant guide
  3. Final Assessment
​Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Describe characteristics of cremation consumers.
  2. Explain at least six reasons why people choose cremation.
  3. Identify personal biases that may impact work with families.
  4. Explain at least four variables that impact satisfaction with the cremation experience.
  5. Describe different presentation styles that may be used to discuss options and identify the presentation techniques that work best for you.
  6. Explain what types of venues consumers are selecting for memorial services and why. Identify ways the funeral director can remain involved in services not held at the funeral home.
Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Case studies
  • Learner reflections
  • Learner interactions
Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
Course Evaluation: earners will complete a survey after taking the final assessment, evaluating the applicability and quality of the course and content.
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THE POWER OF PRESENCE: AN INTRODUCTION

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How you handle interactions with a family has a big impact on how they perceive and receive your business. So, you first have to understand how those families are feeling and what you should say. That’s where The Power of Presence comes in.
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Price: $30/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 2.0 CE Hours
Register: The Power of Presence: An Introduction
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Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Self-paced, interactive course module
  2. Downloadable/printable Participant Guide
  3. Final Exam
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Recognize the importance of listening skills during all phases of working with families.
  2. Identify the practice of accepting and engaging with the family’s grief experience.
​Learning Modules:
Module 1: When Grief Overwhelms (45 min)
Module 2: The Power of Presence (1 hr, 15 min)
​Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Reading Assignment
  • Learner interactions
  • Writing reflections
​Knowledge Assessment Method: A 15-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
​Course Evaluation: Learners will complete a survey after taking the final assessment, evaluating the applicability and quality of the course and content.
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THREE TOOLS FOR IMPROVING YOUR BUSINESS

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Free for CANA Members! Your employees are your number one asset, and unfortunately, not all business owners and managers recognize this. The funeral profession sees up to 30% of graduates leaving the profession after five years. Reasons cited for this include long hours, low pay and poor company culture. All of these reasons are in your control. In this course, we’ll first examine how culture and competencies go hand in hand when it comes to hiring, developing and retaining your people. Then, you’ll learn strategies for evaluating and developing your staff.
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Price: Free for CANA Members; $15 for non-members
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 1.0 CE Hours
Register: Three Tools for Improving Your Business
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Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Interactive course module
  2. Participant guide
  3. Final Assessment
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
  1. Articulate the value and importance of identifying competencies for all job positions.
  2. Create an effective job description.
  3. Identify two tools for evaluating employees and identifying skill gaps.
​Instructional Methods Included:
  • Narrated screens
  • Learner interactions
  • Guided reflection
​Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
Course Evaluation: Learners will complete a survey after taking the final assessment, evaluating the applicability and quality of the course and content.
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BUNDLE & SAVE!

NEW! Purchase all three courses below at a discount – $60 for five hours of funeral director continuing education. Hours approved by the APFSP and most states.

CREMATION ARRANGEMENT CONFERENCE BEST PRACTICES

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As consumer preferences change, it is imperative that you provide what your cremation customers want. Learn how you can communicate with cremation families during the arrangement conference to ensure they walk away with peace of mind, knowing their loved one will be memorialized in a way that best represents the life that person lived.

​You’ll focus on preparing for success by learning about cremation marketing tools. Learn conference essentials, like how to get started, how to collect the story, how to create value through tributes, the significance of final placement, and more. Finally, discover how to provide solutions by exploring the design of personalized tributes, product options that enhance the tribute, and quality product displays.
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Price: $30/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 2.0 Continuing Education Hours, approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) and many states that permit online education states. Check with your state licensing board.
Register: Cremation Arrangement Conference Best Practices
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Items Included:
  1. Interactive course
  2. Printable participant guide (contains all the technical content from the course)
  3. Final Assessment
Learning Outcomes:
  1. Describe various ways to prepare for successful arrangement conferences before the family ever walks through the door, including cremation marketing, interacting with phone shoppers, and maintaining the funeral home environment.
  2. Provide at least one example of a statement that can be used to establish the goal of the arrangement conference.
  3. Name at least three examples of how you can engage a family in conversation to collect information, that both required by law and needed to best serve the family.
  4. Describe best practices for presenting service (tribute) and permanent memorialization options.
  5. Describe best practices for presenting product options.
Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Reading
  • Learner interactions
  • Case-based scenarios
  • Quizzing
Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
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CREMATION PHONE SHOPPERS: YOUR BEST FIRST IMPRESSION

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When you answer the next cremation phone shopper call, do you know what to say to convert them to a customer? Or will you turn them away by not giving them the right information? This course will teach you how to effectively answer and handle the next phone shopper call.
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Price: $15/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 1.0 Continuing Education Hours, approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) and many states that permit online education states. Check with your state licensing board.
Register: Cremation Phone Shoppers: Your Best First Impression
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Learning Outcomes:
  1. Describe how to create an ideal phone inquiry experience.
  2. Explain how to educate consumers about cremation offerings.
  3. Communicate the value and uniqueness of your offerings.
  4. Secure new business.
​Items Included in the Course:
  1. Interactive course (~1 hour)
  2. Printable participant guide (contains all the technical content from the course)
  3. Reading Assignment
  4. Final Assessment
Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Reading
  • Learner interactions
  • Case-based scenarios
  • Quizzing
Knowledge Assessment Method: A 12-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
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CREMATION & THE ENVIRONMENT

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This course focuses on the environment as related to cremation, and will cover the concept of recycling in cremation, the legal considerations for recycling, and emissions in cremation.

Price: $30/person
Continuing Education Credit: Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 2.0 Continuing Education Hours, Approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) and many states that permit online education states. Check with your state licensing board.
Register: Cremation & the Environment
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Items Included in the Course Package:
  1. Cremation & the Environment Interactive Course
  2. Printable participant guide (contains all the technical content from the course)
  3. Final Assessment
​Learning Outcomes:After completing this course, you should be able to:
  1. Identify components that are removed both pre- and post-cremation.
  2. Explain the suggested guidelines for recycling, including compliance, disclosure, procedure, procedure and compensation.
  3. Identify which components of recycling occur at your facility, and which occur at the recycler’s facility.
  4. Describe your options in the recycling marketplace.
  5. Determine whether or not your business should recycle metals from cremated remains.
  6. Describe the legal aspects regarding recycling.
  7. Explain the ethical implications that should be considered before beginning a recycling program.
  8. Minimize visible emissions from the cremation process.
  9. Describe the key findings of the 1999 US EPA Emission Study.
  10. Explain how mercury emissions from cremation impact the environment.
Instructional Methods Included:
  • Video
  • Reading
  • Learner interactions
  • Quizzing
Knowledge Assessment Method: A 10-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.
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You can also see other education opportunities CANA is offering near you on our general education page.
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