Forty participants attended the premier of the new CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program on August 7, 2014, marking the debut of a new standard of training for the crematory industry. The program was held during CANA’s Annual Conference in Washington, DC, an event that highlighted the association’s 100th Anniversary.
Inaugural faculty for the Crematory Operations Certificate Program were Larry Stuart, Jr. of Crematory Manufacturing & Service, Christopher Farmer, CANA Counsel and Michael Sheedy of Pinecrest Remembrance in Ottawa, ON. This continues the CANA tradition of training from practitioner, manufacturer, and attorney perspectives.
Attendees included crematory operators, funeral directors, owners, managers, students and state regulators. “I came because my boss sent me and my state requires certification. I didn’t think it would be fun, but it was and I learned great tips for improving our work processes,” one participant shared in the post-training evaluation.
Nine industry experts and five crematory manufacturers served as subject matter experts to develop the content of the new manual and presentation. The updated course focuses on history and terminology, equipment and operations, policies and procedures and reducing legal risk. Using images, games and case studies, participants are able to interact with and learn from each other as well as the faculty.
CANA has offered crematory operator certification in partnership with industry experts for 30 years. Additional Crematory Operations Certification Programs will be announced soon.
About CANA
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an International organization of over 1,300 members, composed of cremationists, funeral directors, funeral home operators and owners, cemeterians, industry suppliers and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
Website: http://www.cremationassociation.org
