Offered by KAIVE
Program Overview
The Certificate in Mortuary Science program at KAIVE provides foundational training in the care, handling, and preservation of human remains. It prepares students to work professionally in mortuaries, hospitals, and funeral homes, ensuring that deceased persons are treated with dignity, respect, and high sanitary standards.
This 1–2 year program combines classroom instruction, anatomy-based study, and hands-on practical exposure in real mortuary environments. Students gain essential skills in embalming, preservation, hygiene management, and ethical funeral service support, laying a strong foundation for careers in mortuary and funeral service operations.
Program Objectives
By the end of the Certificate in Mortuary Science program, students will be able to:
- Perform basic embalming and preservation procedures.
- Handle and prepare human remains with care, professionalism, and hygiene.
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and infection control in mortuary settings.
- Maintain accurate mortuary records and support administrative duties.
- Observe cultural, legal, and ethical standards in funeral service operations.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and grieving families.
- Assist in postmortem procedures under supervision.
Key Learning Areas
The program blends theory and practical experience to equip students with essential mortuary operation skills.
Core Modules Include:
- Introduction to Mortuary Science
- Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology and Infection Control
- Principles of Embalming and Preservation
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Hygiene
- Funeral Service Law and Ethics
- Grief Psychology and Communication Skills
- Mortuary Record Keeping and Administration
- Cultural and Religious Death Practices
- Practical Attachment / Clinical Training
Practical Training
Students undergo hands-on clinical attachments in accredited hospital mortuaries and funeral homes. Training involves:
- Assisting in embalming and preservation of human remains.
- Maintaining cleanliness, safety, and order in mortuary environments.
- Learning proper identification, storage, and transfer procedures.
- Supporting mortuary documentation and administrative tasks.
- Applying infection control measures and ethical practices in real scenarios.
These attachments ensure that graduates gain the confidence and competence to work effectively in the field upon completion.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Certificate in Mortuary Science program are well-prepared for employment or further studies.
Career Roles:
- Mortuary Attendant / Assistant
- Funeral Home Assistant
- Embalming Assistant
- Pathology Support Worker
- Public Health Aide (Mortuary Operations)
Employment Sectors:
- Hospitals (public and private)
- Funeral service providers
- Pathology laboratories
- Crematoria and cemetery management services
- Humanitarian or disaster response agencies
Why Study at KAIVE?
- Hands-On Experience: Real-world training in hospital and funeral service mortuaries.
- Qualified Trainers: Experienced mortuary and health professionals.
- Professional Ethics: Focus on compassion, respect, and confidentiality.
- Modern Facilities: Access to well-equipped training mortuaries.
- Career Progression: Graduates can advance to the Diploma in Mortuary Science or related health programs.
Program Duration
Duration: 1–2 Years
Mode: Full-Time
Assessment: Written exams, practical evaluations, and internship reports.
Eligibility Criteria
- KCSE Mean Grade of D (Plain) and above.
- Pass in Biology or Chemistry is an added advantage.
- Must be emotionally mature, disciplined, and able to handle sensitive environments professionally.