History of FNA

History of Fountain National Academy

Vernie R. Fountain, Founder, Embalmer, Reconstructive Specialist, CFSP
Certified Funeral Service Practioner (CFSP)

Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills is the culmination of several years of planning, dreaming, and recognizing the need for an institution of learning that goes beyond Mortuary School. Formal training in embalming technique is limited to personal trial and error, seeking advice from other professionals, or attendance at a chemical company sponsored seminar. Though all methods are adequate and admirable approaches for the practicing embalmer, each method leaves a void in accomplishing the true goal. F.N.A. undertakes the endeavor to complete and enhance the skills of the embalmer to maximum benefit. Our goal is to convert the closed casket situation into an open casket situation.

Vernie Fountain, FNA Founder, recognized the need for continuing education for the professional embalmer. Through several years of preparatory work, anticipating the demand, and formalizing the concept, Fountain National Academy was instituted in May of 1990. Dedicated to Excellence in Embalming Skills, Fountain National Academy launched a series of embalming seminars that focused entirely upon enhancing the skills of the licensed embalmer.
Advanced medical techniques have created a myriad of conditions that have complicated the basic embalming procedure. Vernie Fountain has developed procedures and techniques that have proven successful in many of these areas and is constantly developing new methods of addressing further embalming or reconstructive complications.

The purpose of Fountain National Academy is to bring together a group of dedicated professionals to enhance and fulfill their desires to become masters of their profession. Communication and exchange of ideas through Fountain National Academy will bring about solutions to many of the difficulties experienced by the embalmer. It is through its annual series of technical embalming seminars, presentations at conventions, continuing education workshops and Funeral Home In-House Training that F.N.A. is able to teach these specialized skills and techniques that will enable the embalmer to better meet the challenges of their profession.

Since its inception Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills has conducted numerous educational seminars in the United States, England, Canada, Australia, Puerto Rico, Philippines, South America, Denmark and China. Embalmers from the United States, Canada, Australia, Korea, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Germany, France, Seychelles, Belgium, South Africa, Grenada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Japan, Denmark and the Czech Republic have attended FNA Seminars.