Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) is a non-profit educational institution offering both on-campus & online mortuary programs. www.pims.edu
The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science has been providing training for students entering funeral service for over seventy years. When first established in 1939, the new training institute was known as the Pittsburgh School of Embalming. The co-founders included three educators, Dr. Otto S. Margolis and Professor John Rebol formerly affiliated with the Cleveland School of Embalming, and Dr. Emory S. James, Instructor in the Anatomy Department of the Ohio State Medical School in Columbus, Ohio.
The inaugural class of sixty students enrolled for a nine-month curriculum September 18, 1939 and graduated June 23, 1940. The excellent dedication and cooperation of the students, which still exists today, resulted in outstanding academic achievement as well as the completion of several traditional projects for the new school. These endeavors included the development of the logo or school seal, school motto, and the Alma Mater. The Motto, "Scientia, Sollertia, Servitium," translated from Latin means, "Knowledge, Skills, Service," which expresses in part the objectives of the Institute. The lyrics of the Alma Mater were written by a student, Geraldine K. Johnson from Berlin, Pennsylvania, and the music was composed by her uncle, Alfred H. Johnson, a member of the faculty.
The many modifications in the mortuary science curriculum, as well as the broader objective and increased responsibilities justified the change of the name from the Pittsburgh School of Embalming to the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1945. The Pittsburgh Institute remained as a private educational institution.
On the weekend of August 19-20, 1989, the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science moved its facilities from its original site to 5808 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the Shadyside area of the city. The new location remains within easy access of the various cultural opportunities which Pittsburgh presents. The move has resulted in greatly expanded space which allowed for larger classrooms and library facilities, contemporarily designed state-of-the-art preparation room and restorative art laboratory, model casket selection room and funeral merchandise center and computer laboratory.
As Pittsburgh Institute entered the new millennium, a new initiative to reach out to the non-traditional student was announced. PIMS would be offering its core Diploma program "at a distance." Internet. The first class of PIMS OnLine is admitted for classes starting January 29, 2001.
Change is no stranger to Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science as it continues into the twenty-first century updating its services to its public and to the field of funeral service. It continues to remain a model for other funeral service education programs to follow.
The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (P.I.M.S.) offers an extensive program designed to prepare students for the many challenges they will encounter as funeral service professionals. The diversified curriculum continually evolves to address the changing needs and expectations associated with contemporary funeral services. In fact, much of what has been included in the Institute's curriculum will soon be required on a national basis.
P.I.M.S. continues to provide thorough training in the mortuary arts and sciences. This training includes a theoretical understanding as well as personalized practical instruction by licensed funeral directors and embalmers. The school not only utilizes the facilities in its own building but also works in cooperation with the Allegheny County Coroner's Office to enhance the student's exposure to a wide range of applied experiences.
The curriculum is also changing to reflect the current and future trends in the funeral profession. There is an appreciation of the complexities confronting today's funeral practitioner in such diverse areas as business management and accounting, psychology and counseling, marketing and public relations, and others. A computer science course is also available, as well as a Professional Seminar Series designed to keep the student abreast of the different facets influencing the funeral service profession.
The faculty members exhibit a wide range of interests and come from very different backgrounds both within the funeral profession and within their own areas of expertise. This allows for an individualized learning experience whereby the student becomes acquainted with the skills required of the funeral professional. The students are encouraged to actively participate in this experience and are supported in this effort by the faculty and the administration.
The Institute strives to provide relevant information on all topics surrounding the last rites industry thereby allowing both students and licensees to make informed choices within their chosen profession. In addition to this, an attempt is made to instill a sense of social consciousness which stresses the growing responsibilities and obligations of the funeral service professional. Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science aspires to provide its graduates with the resources and the confidence to represent funeral service as a professional caregiver providing a valuable contribution to the community.
Diploma Program (Embalming and Funeral Directing)
Associate in Specialized Business Degree (Funeral Service Management)
Associate in Specialized Technology Degree (Funeral Service Arts and Sciences)
PIMS also has bachelor degree options, inquire for more information by contacting PIMS at 412-362-8500 or at [email protected]
