Level 2 certificate in Mortuary Support  

Total Qualification Time (TQT) 130 hours

There is a service requirement for a formal standardised level 2 qualification for other supporting staff working in mortuary environments (public and private mortuaries). In 2024 the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) announced the new national qualification for all mortuary support staff - the Level 2 Certificate in mortuary support. This qualification has been developed by the RSPH along with the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists (AAPT).

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This will be a discrete qualification although some elements may count as RPL should progression be made to the level 3 diploma APT qualification.

 

Assessment will be based around online multiple choice question (MCQ) exams and candidate submission of work-based assignments that include knowledge elements and the gathering of objective evidence pieces – this will be available for external scrutinizers and as such there is no requirement  for external portfolio assessors nor visits to local mortuaries.

 

 

Eligibility criteria

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Please read the following carefully:

 

• The candidate must be currently employed (or on a formal work experience or learning contract) in a public or NHS mortuary, - evidence of employment/ contract must be submitted with the application.

• The candidate will need to identify a work-based learning mentor within their work-place with additional support also being provided by the North Tees Training Centre.

• The candidate must be willing to participate in feedback sessions regarding the programme to allow North Tees Training Centre to maintain or improve quality of the teaching sessions.

• The candidate and the organisation must commit to fully completing the course. Some elements of the assessments will require the candidate to collect work-based evidence for submission with assignments. Organisation (s) are expected to allow provision and access for candidates to collect their work-based evidence and to provide competency training to enable the candidate to meet all learning objectives of this training.

• If there are any concerns / queries regarding eligibly criteria please contact us using the contact link below.

 

 

Course content

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The course will cover the following key areas relating to the mortuary, integrated into 3 online training modules, encompassing both theory and work-based learning elements and will include operational and preparation learning outcomes relating to the mortuary environment. 

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The theory elements are to be completed online via the North Tees Training Centre and require a minimum of three full time teaching days, three revision sessions and attendance to two online exams, with additional support / teaching via email, online and various distance learning tools being sent frequently such as module related self-assessment questions.

 

The three integrated theory and work-based modules are:

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• Unit 1 – Health and Safety and Infection Control for Mortuary Assistants (Assessment method:  MCQ exam)

• Unit 2 – Effective communication and teamwork for Mortuary Assistants (Assessment method:  MCQ exam)

• Unit 3 – Preparation and Operation of the Mortuary for Mortuary Assistants (Assessment method: Work-based assignments)

 

 

Course learning outcomes summary:

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Unit 1: Health and Safety and Infection Control for Mortuary Assistants

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1. Understand the growth, multiplication and life cycles of bacteria, fungi and viruses in mortuary settings, with reference to:

1.1 The types of bacteria, fungi and viruses commonly encountered in mortuary settings

1.2 The conditions necessary for the optimal growth and multiplication of bacteria and fungi

1.3 The life-cycles of bacteria, fungi and viruses commonly encountered in a mortuary setting.

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2.Understand the chain of infection and how microorganisms can spread between individuals in mortuary settings, with reference to:

2.1 Infestations that may develop in a mortuary setting

2.2 The ways in which microorganisms can spread between individuals

2.3 The impact of mortuary practice on the risk of infection and spread of disease

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3. Understand the potential risks and effects of hazards that can be present  in a mortuary setting, with reference to:

3.1 Biological hazards

3.2 Chemical hazards

3.3 Physical hazards

3.4 Radiological hazards

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4.Understand legislation roles and responsibilities in relation to health and safety in a mortuary setting, with reference to:

4.1 Key legislation related to health and safety in a mortuary setting

4.2 Key responsibilities for employers with respect to health and safety in a mortuary setting

4.3 Key responsibilities for employees with respect to health and safety in a mortuary setting

4.4 Procedures for reporting and reporting accidents in a mortuary setting

 

 

 

Unit 2: Effective communication and teamwork for Mortuary Assistants

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1. Understand the importance of effective communication with reference to:

1.1 The importance of effective communication within a team

1.2 The communication skills that are effective in working within a team

1.3 Barriers to successful communication that may affect a team and the strategies for overcoming them.

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2. Understand the role of effective communication in a mortuary setting, with reference to:

2.1 The types of communication employed within a mortuary setting

2.2 The individuals and groups that a Mortuary Assistant is likely to communicate with

2.3 Factors that may affect communication with the bereaved

2.4 The communication skills that can support communication with the bereaved

 

3.Understand the importance of effective teamwork, with reference to:

3.1The importance of effective teamwork within an organisation

3.2The teamwork skills that are effective in working within an organisation

3.3 Barriers to successful teamwork within a team and the strategies for overcoming them

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4. Understand the role of effective teamwork in mortuary settings, with reference to:

4.1 The aims and objectives of the team within a mortuary setting

4.2 The roles and contributions of different individuals to achieving aims and objectives

4.3 How to monitor own contribution to achieving the aims and objectives of the team

4.4 How to identify areas of development in own contribution to achieving the aims and objectives of the team

 

 

 

Unit 3: Preparation and Operation of the Mortuary for Mortuary Assistants

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1. Understand the scope of practice for the role of a Mortuary Assistant by being able to meet the following criteria:

1.1 Explain the scope of practice for Mortuary Assistants

1.2 Outline why it is important to recognise the scope of practice for Mortuary Assistants

1.3 Outline the legislation, standards and codes of practice that set the scope of practice for a Mortuary Assistant

1.4 Outline how to access support or guidance in fulfilling the role of a Mortuary Assistant

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2.Understand standing operating procedures for the preparation and operation of a mortuary by being able to meet the following criteria:

2.1 Describe standard operating procedures for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment

2.2 Outline standard operating procedures for the storage of equipment and materials

2.3 Describe standard operating procedures for the receipt and release of the deceased

2.4 Outline standard operating procedures for the maintenance and access of records

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3. Understand how to prepare for the visitation of the deceased, with reference to:

3.1 Outline standing operating procedures for preparing for the viewing of the deceased

3.2 Outline the importance of checking the identity of the deceased, relatives, friends, and carers prior to the viewing of a body

3.3 Explain why it is important to take account of any religious or cultural considerations when preparing a body for viewing

3.4 Explain why it is important to take protective measures when preparing a body for viewing

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4. Understand how to provide support to individuals viewing the deceased, with reference to:

4.1 Outline how to communicate information in a sensitive manner

4.2 Identify sources of support and guidance that individuals can be referred to if required

 

 

Course duration

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This course training will last approx. 9 months (see timetable below) starting in March and ending in December each year. The candidate will be taught each unit module separately (starting at unit 1 and finishing with unit 3) and will include a revision session for each to prepare for the final exam / assignment.

 

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Attendance

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Candidates will be required to attend the North Tees Centre delivered training [distance learning]  on 6 separate occasions throughout the academic year, and are also required to attend the two online multichoice examinations set by the RSPH within their workplace.

 

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Assessments

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The modules are assessed by way of the candidate completing assignment's and examinations – the work-based assignments are marked by the North Tees centre, examinations are marked independently by the RSPH.

 

2 x MCQ exams on:

• Mortuary Health and Safety / Basic Microbiology and infection control

• Effective Communication and Teamwork Skills

 

2 x work-based assignments on:

• Preparation and operation of a mortuary

• Preparing for visitation (s) of the deceased

 

There will be no formal external end point assessment or external assessor visit to local mortuaries – once the candidate has passed the x 4 assessment criteria above they will be awarded the RSPH level 2 qualification.

 

 

Fees and inclusions

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Last registration date for students is 31st January each year before commencement of the Centre programme in February.

 

 The total cost of this course is £1800.00 and includes the £500 registration and £100 scrutinisation fees payable to the RSPH, and  –

• Candidate RSPH examination fees (first attempt only for each unit)

• External verification fees

• Teaching and revision sessions (online) as detailed above – with SME support throughout the duration of their training.

• Online teaching material access and access to recorded sessions.

• Regular planned access to the course facilitators for support for both the candidate and the mentor / mortuary (if applicable).

• Lecture programme / notes from teaching modules.

• Regular assignment updates / self-assessment questions for each unit to monitor progress.

 

 

Course specific  notes:

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• Additional costs may be incurred if a candidate is required to retake any failed exams (£50 per resit)  as this attracts a further  RSPH fee. A maximum of x 2 resist allowed per exam.

• Regular non – attendance to online sessions may result in North Tees Centre being unable to support the candidate appropriately during the training period. This could result in the candidate being asked to leave the course with no refund of fees.

• A register will be taken of candidate online attendance for each teaching session.

• All fees must be paid in full prior to starting the course.

• Candidates must ensure their behaviour is appropriate at all times whilst attending / interacting with the centre and be reminded they are representing their respective organisation – concerns regarding a candidate’s behaviour will be discussed directly with their employers.

 

 

Additional course requirements:

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• Trust or home internet access to this website and training material contained within - please contact your IT department if this site is blocked by your organisational (informing them that access to this site is required for service reasons).

• IT or mobile device that can access video zoom meetings (web cam, microphone and audio also required).

• All assignments will need to be submitted electronically to the North Tees Centre (more details about the assignment requirements and criteria will be given once students attend the course) - candidates will require access to word processing software (e.g. Microsoft word) in order to produce assignments.

 

 

 

Online application for 2025: