NFDA Endorses CANA Crematory Operators Certification Program

Program will satisfy new training requirements for crematory operators in Virginia

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) announced its endorsement of the Cremation Association of North America's (CANA) Crematory Operators Certification Program, which can help crematory owners ensure they are running a safe, effective, compliant and ethical crematory.

In particular, NFDA encourages its members in Virginia, which recently instituted new training requirements for crematory operators, to participate in one of the two CANA certification programs being held in their state next month. All crematory operators in the state of Virginia must obtain certification through an approved program no later than July 8, 2010. The CANA Crematory Operators Certification Program, which was developed in cooperation with the Matthews Cremation Division, meets Virginia's newly enacted requirements and provides a sound education for crematory operators.

A common sense approach is not enough to ensure proper operational procedures, and crematory staff need education and training to operate efficiently and safely. Those who attend CANA's Crematory Operators Certification Program will: gain a better understanding of current industry and operator terminology; obtain insight concerning recordkeeping and its importance; become a “watchdog” regarding authorization forms; learn the latest in operating procedures; discover how to cremate “problem cases” without fear; become more of an environmentally-friendly operator; and, new this year, get an update regarding current litigation issues.

Two CANA Crematory Operators Certification Programs will be held in Virginia; one will be held September 23 at the Salem Civic Center in Roanoke; the other will take place September 25 at the Sheraton Richmond West Hotel in Richmond. These dates are reserved for individuals from the state of Virginia in order to meet the new requirements enacted by the state. NFDA members in Virginia will receive a discounted registration price of $325 (NFDA members will need to provide their member number during the registration process).

For crematory operators attending programs in Virginia, CANA has added a bonus session with Regulatory Support Services, Inc., which will cover new regulations by the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers and help attendees understand how they apply.

CANA is hosting two additional Crematory Operators Certification Program this year: September 18 at Mount Ida College in Newton, Mass., and November 18 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater Beach, Fla. NFDA members are eligible for a special discounted registration price of $395 for these programs (NFDA members will need to provide their member number during the registration process in order to receive the discounted rate).

NFDA members who would like more information about any of the upcoming Crematory Operators Certification Programs or to register should visit the CANA Website, www.cremationassociation.org [1], or call 312-245-1077.

The CANA Crematory Operators Certification Program is endorsed by the Funeral and Memorialization Information Council as the leading authority in conducting certification. CANA has conducted certification programs throughout the country for more than 20 years and has certified thousands of operators in the United States, Canada and around the world. Matthews Cremation Division has been providing environmentally-safe, UL-listed cremation systems to the cremation industry for more than 50 years. The combined industry knowledge of Matthews and CANA ensures this program covers every topic through careful instruction by thoughtful, experienced cremation specialists.

NFDA is the world's leading funeral service association, serving 19,000 individual members who represent more than 10,200 funeral homes in the United States and internationally. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Division office in Washington, D.C., NFDA informs, educates and advocates to help members enhance the quality of service they provide to families. For more information, visit www.nfda.org [2].