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Serving Funeral Professionals for Over 135 Years |
Continuing Education |
VFDA is pleased to offer continuing education courses for VFDA Members and Non-Members. Questions? Please contact VFDA at communications@vfda.net |
Wilbert Funeral Services supports funeral professionals seeking CEU hours with our complimentary online program, WilbertEDU. Biweekly webinars occur on Thursday at 1:00 PM Central. Register to attend scheduled webinars or sign-up to receive WilbertEDU announcements
December 2025December 4 Embalming Ethics Ethics in embalming go beyond simply following laws—they guide how embalmers care for the deceased, support families, and maintain professional integrity. In this session, David Tackett, CFSP, will explore real-world ethical challenges in the prep room, from avoiding shortcuts to handling property responsibly, fluid and vessel selection, staff training, and balancing management’s expectations. Through case scenarios and best practice recommendations, participants will learn how to navigate difficult situations while upholding the highest standards of care. December 18 Deathcare for Pets: What’s Now, What’s Next? The pet deathcare profession is growing fast, but it’s also complex and often unregulated. This webinar explores why pet disposition matters, from industry trends and recent headlines to changing expectations around cremation and cemeteries. We’ll review state-by-state examples, discuss the rise of pet funeral homes, and share best practices for handling pet cremated remains. Attendees will gain practical guidance on cremation options, cemetery standards, and what human deathcare licensees need to know when serving families with pets. * Not approved for CE credit in the following states: Tennessee, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania. | January 2026January 22 Back to Basics 101 This webinar is designed to build confidence in the prep room and reinforce the value of open-casket viewing. Michelle will present step-by-step techniques for disinfecting, preserving, and restoring remains affected by mild trauma, burns, and decomposition. Attendees will learn practical approaches to soft-tissue repair, waxing, and airbrush cosmetics. Whether you’re new to embalming or experienced, you’ll leave with useful skills, renewed confidence, and Michelle’s guiding message: “Something is possible if you’re willing to try.” * This is a two hour webinar. Attendees must be in session a minimum of 100 minutes to receive continuing education credit. | February 2026February 5 Compassion Without Collapse: How Funeral Professionals Can Avoid Burnout As funeral professionals, you carry emotional, physical, and organizational responsibilities that can take a profound toll. This webinar addresses the unique factors that contribute to burnout in funeral service, how it affects your work and well-being, and offers realistic, actionable strategies to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a healthier, more supportive workplace. February 19 For the Answer is in the Numbers This webinar takes a data-driven look at the current state of cremation in the United States, including how the pandemic influenced cremation growth and death rates in 2024. Barbara Kemmis will examine national trends, regional variations, and insights from CANA’s Milestone Project, including the Cremation Growth “Speedometer” and the influence of Roaming vs. Rooted communities. Participants will also review findings from recent qualitative research on the cremation experience, comparing professional perspectives with the lived experiences of grieving families. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways on how to base business decisions on real data, understand where their funeral home sits on the cremation continuum, and re-evaluate personal and professional assumptions about families who choose cremation. |
March 2026March 19 The Cremation of Sam McGee: A Profile of the Modern Cremation Consumer This engaging presentation uses the character of Sam McGee to illustrate the attitudes, expectations, and behaviors of today’s cremation consumer. Through a modern profile of who this consumer is, what they value, when and where funeral professionals are most likely to encounter them, and why they can be difficult to reach, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to serve this growing segment with relevance and compassion. The session offers practical strategies to connect with, communicate to, and meet the needs of the 21st-century cremation family. |
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 About VFDA Founded in 1887, the Virginia Funeral Directors Association advocates for and elevates the funeral profession by providing members with relevant training, resources and networking opportunities; serving the citizens of Virginia with consumer support and education; and representing funeral service at all levels of local and state government. | Become a Member Join the Virginia Funeral Directors Association and connect with dedicated professionals committed to excellence in funeral service. Explore exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and a supportive community—together, we elevate our profession across Virginia. | Contact Us: 8100 Three Chopt Rd Suite 226,Richmond, VA 23229 Phone: (804) 264-0505 Email: communications@vfda.net |
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