03/14/2025

Child Abuse Requirement

By: Dr. Joseph A. Marsaglia - Dean Emeritus of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science

Abused children are in urgent need of an effective child protective service to prevent them from suffering further injury and impairment. Recognizing suspected child abuse and providing a more complete reporting of suspected child abuse is essential to ensure the child’s well-being and to preserve the integrity of the family. This course will fulfill your Child Abuse CE requirement for License Renewal. 

Bio: Dr. Joseph A. Marsaglia is currently Dean Emeritus of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science as well as Chairman of the North American Division of the British Institute of Embalmers.  In addition to his administrative duties, he was Chief Operating Officer, taught numerous courses in the curriculum, and supervised the clinical embalming practicum.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and a doctorate degree in education.

In 2013 and 2014, Dr. Marsaglia served as Dean of the College of Embalming, Restorative Art, and Other Care at the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association University in Memphis, TN.  He has presented at numerous funeral directors’ association meetings and conventions throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New Jersey.

In addition to being a licensed funeral director for 40 years, he is also a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner; Certified Funeral Celebrant: and Certified Crematory Operator.  He is a past president of the Allegheny County Funeral Directors Association (1990) and served as the delegate leader on several professional related exchange trips to the Soviet Union, Middle East, Far East and Europe.

Having completed a disaster management course in1985, Dr. Marsaglia participated in the recovery of the U.S. Air Flight 427 crash in Pittsburgh in 1994, and participated in recovery at Kobe, Japan earthquake in 1995. In 1987 he received certification in eye-enucleation through the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Before entering funeral service, Dr. Marsaglia served four years in the United States Marine Corps achieving the rank of Sergeant and served on the Philadelphia Police force for 4 and 1/2 years.