The Independent Funeral Group’s Continuing Education Program Is Taking Off—And They’re Taking Their Support for Funeral Service One Step Further
MARYVILLE, TN — One year ago, The Independent Funeral Group launched its online Continuing Education Program with a simple goal: provide funeral professionals with affordable, relevant, accessible education, taught by people who live the realities of funeral service every day.
Now, that program is continuing to grow, offering live, interactive online courses taught by experienced practitioners and endorsed industry partners. Several states have approved them as “in-person” continuing education credits, allowing funeral professionals to meet licensing requirements without losing valuable time away from their firms. The program is also now offering courses approved through The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practitioners, for attendees earning CFSP credits.
What began with practical topics such as OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and point-of-view crematory safety training has expanded into a broad educational platform designed to serve professionals at every stage of their careers. Future courses will include embalming techniques, reconstruction and restorative art, crematory operations and maintenance, and behind-the-scenes looks at the critical work performed by medical examiners and coroners.
“As practitioners ourselves, we know how difficult it can be to get away from work for continuing education,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, Ed.D., Executive Director of The Independent Funeral Group. “We wanted to create an affordable, easy solution that respects your time and responsibilities, and offers you meaningful education that applies to your daily work.”
The program is offered free of charge to member firms of The Independent Funeral Group and all their staff. For non-members, courses are available for just $25 per credit hour.
“One of the many benefits of being a member of The Group is that all our licensed staff get their continuing education for free. It saves us time, productivity, and money,” said Daniel Ownby, President of the Board of The Independent Funeral Group.
Recognizing that many funeral professionals hold licenses in multiple states, The Group reports continuing education credits to all participating states that accept provider reporting, typically within 24 hours of the course. Whether an attendee holds a single license or multiple, The Group works to simplify the process and remove administrative burdens from funeral homes and practitioners.
And now The Independent Funeral Group is taking its support for funeral service one step further—
From the first offered course in June of 2025, The Group will be donating $5.00 for each attendee at every course to the funeral directors’ association of the attendee’s home state—whether the attendee is a member and participating for free, or a non-member paying for their credit.
“A lot of our members are very active in their state associations, and this is a way we can show our support for the important work they do,” said Dr. Kuchnicki. “State associations advocate for our profession. They provide valuable resources, and they strengthen funeral service across the country. District meetings and state conventions are always going to be important places for education and community inside the industry—this is meant to accompany that, not replace it. We believe supporting state associations is an investment in the future of funeral service.”
The initiative reflects The Group’s belief that education should do more than fulfill licensing requirements—it should strengthen the profession as a whole.
“Whether you need state licensing credits, CFSP credits, or are an apprentice just looking to learn and grow, we have courses for everyone,” added Dr. Kuchnicki. “We will keep working to offer credits in as many states as possible, and to provide education that’s practical, relevant, and accessible.”
As funeral service continues to evolve, The Independent Funeral Group remains committed to finding solutions that help practitioners succeed, while supporting the organizations and communities that support them.
For more information about upcoming courses, state approvals, or membership benefits, visit tifg.net.
About The Independent Funeral Group
Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has supported independently owned and operated funeral homes through educational opportunities, strategic partnerships, industry resources, and a nationwide network of funeral professionals. Founded by practitioners for practitioners, The Group’s purpose remains simple— “Our mission is to help you achieve yours.”
