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Graduation Requirements

Student Retention
In the last five years, Simmons has enrolled 266 students in the various classes and has graduated 204. Over this period of time, 68 students left the program for various reasons, a retention rate of 77%.
Graduation Requirements
1. Satisfactory completion of all required courses. 2. An earned cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00. 3. A satisfactory attendance record. 4. All indebtedness to the Institute paid in full. 5. When applicable, certified copy of transcripts for transfer credit must be in student file. 6. All books returned to the library. 7. Student receiving finanacial aid must complete and exit interview. 8. Student must pass the National Board Examination. All students meeting the above requirements will be awarded the A.O.S. Degree in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences.
Awards
Awards may be given for Individual excellence in the following areas: Mortuary Arts Embalming Restorative Arts Mortuary Science (Anatomy, Chemistry, Pathology, Microbiology) Business Management Disciplines Social Science Disciplines Award of Excellence An award is given to the student, who best exemplifies the ideals of Funeral Service. Mu Sigma Alpha Award An award from the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science may be given to 10% of the graduating class. Contact Administration for eligibility details.
Graduate Placement
The Institute constantly updates a list of funeral homes that are looking for residents and other full-time employees. We make every effort to place all students in a residency position before graduation. However, it is the student's responsibility to contact prospective employers and prepare resumes. The Institute cannot guarantee the placement of all graduates. There is no charge for this service to the employers or to students. Graduates and other non-students who wish to obtain a compter printout of available positions may do so by sending a $5 donation to Simmons Institute to cover the costs of printing, postage, and handling. Of 29 graduates in 2005, 80% found work in funeral service. The Federated Funeral Directors of America recently reported that the average salaries for apprentices without living quarters are approximately $19,800. The average for a newly licensed employee was approximately $28,700. For an owner/manager the average salary was $43,000.


National Board Examination
The examination is administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board of the United States. Students who have satisfied all requirements for graduation from Simmons are eligible to take the National Board Examination, which in many states is either required or accepted as part of their licensing procedures. Effective January 2004, all students must take the National Board Examination as a requirement for graduation. A fee is charged by the Conference for this exam. Applications and fee information may be obtained from the Admissions Office. The annual passage rate of first-time takers on the National Board Examination (NBE) for the most recent three-year period (starting 2004) for this institution and all ABFSE accredited funeral service education programs is posted on the ABFSE web site (www.abfse.org). Passing rate for Simmons Institute first-time takers of the National Board Exam: 2004 - 86.67%, 15 students took the exam, 13 passed both sides the first time. 2005 - 52%, 27 students took the exam, 14 passed both sides the first time. 2006 - 57%, 23 students took the exam, 13 passed both sides the first time. 2007 - 70%, 23 students took the exam, 16 passed both sides the first time.
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Simmons Institute of Funeral Service 1828 South Avenue Syracuse, NY 13207 (315) 475-5142 (800) 727-3536 info@simmonsinstitute.com Website and Funeral Home Software Provided by Twin Tiers Technologies, Inc.