MFDA Fall Conferences

Thank you for attending our 2025 MFDA Fall Conferences!

If you attended our conferences you should have received your CEU certificate via email at the end of the conference. If you haven't received it, please contact us at info@mnfuneral.org.

In late October we will have the Death Care Partner Updates session (4 Professional Practices or 4 TCS CEUs) and "The Four Horsemen of Arterial Embalming" by Carrie Rowell session (2 Body Prep CEUs) available to view on-demand virtually to receive your CEUs. We will send an email to members and link the on-demand virtual access here once it is ready.

(3 TCS CEUs are required for 2026 registration renewal with MDH).

Fees:

MFDA Members Death Care Partner Updates Session (4 Professional Practices or 4 TCS CEUs): FREE

MFDA Member Embalming Session (2 Body Prep CEUs): FREE

Non-Members Death Care Partner Updates Session (4 Professional Practices or 4 TCS CEUs): $200

Non-Member Embalming Session (2 Body Prep CEUs): $150

Description of "The Four Horsemen of Arterial Embalming" Session:

This 2-hour continuing education course, The Four Horsemen of Arterial Embalming, explores four critical challenges that can compromise the success of any embalming procedure. Representing the most common and destructive technical failures embalmers face, these “horsemen” are examined in depth with practical guidance for overcoming each one.

The course will cover:

Injection Issues: Understanding various injection types, pressure, rate of flow, and machine settings

Poor Distribution: Recognizing signs of uneven distribution and correcting anatomical blockages

Insufficient Drainage: Improving drainage efficiency and identifying obstacles to proper removal

Poor Chemical Selection/Use: Choosing and modifying fluids based on case conditions and body type

Through real-world examples, interactive discussion, and effective troubleshooting strategies, participants will enhance their technical skills and develop greater confidence in handling challenging cases. This session is designed for both new and experienced professionals committed to improving embalming outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the four primary technical challenges in arterial embalming.

Evaluate and adjust injection techniques, including various types and machine settings, to improve fluid delivery.

Diagnose distribution and drainage issues and apply corrective measures.

Select appropriate chemical formulations based on case analysis.

About Our Speaker:

Carrie Rowell is a Teaching Specialist in the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota and a part-time Traveling Funeral Director with Vertin Company. With a passion for both education and practice, Carrie bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world application in funeral service. Her work emphasizes the critical thinking and technical precision required in modern embalming.

Death Care Partner Presenters:

• Funeral Directors Life
• Healing Hearts Connection
• LifeSource
• Lions Gift of Sight
• MDH Mortuary Science Section
• MDH Office of Vital Records
• Minnesota Funeral Directors Association
• MFDA Legislative - Joe Sellwood
• University of MN Program of Mortuary Science