National Diploma in Embalming (Level 5)
START DATES
BLOCK ONE: 25 FEBRUARY – 28 MARCH 2013
BLOCK TWO: 30 SEPTEMBER – 17 NOVEMBER 2013
DURATION
54 WEEKS (MODULAR BASIS)
LOCATION
WELLINGTON CBD CAMPUS
COURSE CODE
ND1329
FEES
Domestic: $3,918 International: $12,826
The programme places an emphasis on the theory and practice of embalming and the art of restoring the human body
to its usual appearance. Along with the study of embalming, students will complete modules in specialist subjects
including anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology and chemistry.
National Diploma in Funeral Directing (Level 5)
START DATES
BLOCK ONE: 28 JANUARY – 15 FEBRUARY 2013
BLOCK TWO: 9 SEPTEMBER – 27 SEPTEMBER 2013
DURATION
54 WEEKS (MODULAR BASIS)
LOCATION
WELLINGTON CBD CAMPUS
COURSE CODE
ND1330
FEES
Domestic: $3,596.50 International: Available on application
Designed to provide participants with an in-depth knowledge of the procedures required to successfully arrange, deliver
and direct a funeral, as well as the administrative tasks related to a funeral. Due to the sensitive nature of the industry,
an emphasis is placed on behavioural science, including the psychological, social and cultural behaviour related to death
and dying and the interpersonal skills required when dealing with the bereaved.
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Entry Requirements
The nature of Funeral Directing and Embalming means that the people employed in this field require a degree of
maturity and must be certain that this career is for them.
All students must meet the following entry criteria:
• be at least 20 years of age before commencing the programme;
• be employees of a funeral company;
• have at least 12 months relevant experience as a before commencement;
• nominate an approved clinical supervisor.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this programme, but applicants must demonstrate that they
have a reasonable likelihood of success. The funeral company is required to provide WelTec with written confirmation of
the student's level of workplace experience and their overall suitability for the profession.
International applicants require a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in reading and writing. Or
equivalent
FAQs
What are the entry requirements?
See above. These programmes have ‘restricted entry’ which means you must meet the entry requirements as they are
stated.
What other conditions of entry are there?
You need to have guaranteed access to a funeral home and ‘client base’. You also require a nominated workplace
Clinical Supervisor.
Who can be my workplace Clinical Supervisor?
They need to hold the qualification that they are supervising you for and be approved by the Industry Training
Organisation (ITO). We require them to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
What does the 12 months work experience need to include?
It needs to be ‘hands-on’ experience, not just observation. We are looking for someone who is a ‘supervised assistant’.
If you are applying for the Funeral programme you 12 months experience must be in Funeral Directing field. The same
applies for Embalming.
What confirmation do you need from my Employer?
Your employer needs to confirm;
• The length and type of your work experience you have done
• That you have had interaction with the deceased and related clients
• That they can support you for the length of the programme.
• Your suitability for the profession.
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What things am I recommended to have?
It is recommended to hold a current first aid certificate, a full drivers licence and have basic word processing/computing
skills.
For Embalming you need to have evidence of vaccination/inoculation against Hepatitis A and B, Polio, Tetanus and
Tuberculosis. Contact the Programme Coordinator for more information.
How often is the Programme offered?
We take a maximum of 20 students into each strand once a year. The programme can start between January and March
and is in line with industry needs.
How long is the Programme?
The programme length is 42 weeks in Year 1 and 12 weeks in Year 2. A total of 15 months should be expected and
applicants need to take their completion of study requirements and work obligations into account.
How is the Programme delivered?
Year 1 is made up of block courses and work placement (in existing employment with Clinical Supervisor). Embalming
students have 2 x 6 week block courses and Funeral students have 2 x 3 week block courses. Year 2 is entirely work
placement based.
6 week Embalming
Block Course
3 Week
Funeral
Course
(Jan – Feb)
(Feb-Mar)
Between block courses
Work-book and assignment work
in co-ordination with Supervisor in
Work Placement. Capturing
evidence of everyday work.
(Mar-Sep)
6 week Embalming
Block Course
3 Week
Funeral
Course
Final
Marking
(Sep-Oct)
(Oct-Nov)
(1 week)
Some variation may occur to accommodate industry needs.
Is it hard to gain a work placement?
The market is down at the moment and the labour market in this field is tight.
How can I get a work placement?
It is up to the applicant to secure their own placement before applying for the programme. We suggest you try your
local businesses with face to face contact (often an employer is looking for this sort of drive). If you don’t live in a main
centre, you may need to look outside your area or region.
Can International students apply for this course?
We will assess applicants on a case by case basis.
Are there textbooks to purchase?
Embalming students have four textbooks at approximately $200 each.
Funeral students have one textbook at approximately $200.
Are there course materials to purchase?
Embalming students need to have scrubs that are supplied by WELTEC for approximately $150. They also require
appropriate gumboots (white, rubber soled), eye and respiratory protection.
Embalming and Funeral students require professional attire.
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