If you’re seeking education and training in mortuary science or funeral service, Mortuary Schools in the United States are tailored for individuals like you.
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Mortuary schools are educational institutions that are known for preparing individuals who are looking to pursue their careers and earn money in the funeral service. All these educational institutions offer the training and knowledge needed for handling various aspects of the funeral industry in the USA. The best part of the mortuary industry is that the knowledge is beyond the textbooks and there is a need to acquire the skills and understand the tenderness required to support families in challenging times.
Mortuary schools exist across the USA, spanning various states and provinces, each offering diverse programs. These schools blend theory with practical skills and experiences to prepare students for roles like funeral directors and embalmers in the broader funeral service field. Their emphasis is not solely on academic excellence but also on fostering practicality and essential communication skills for the profession.
Mortuary schools offer specialized courses encompassing anatomy, embalming techniques, funeral service management, and grief counseling. Their focus is to equip students with comprehensive skills for diverse situations in the funeral service industry. Practical training, including internships in funeral homes, is a crucial aspect of their curriculum, providing real-world experience.
Mortuary schools in the United States prioritize a blend of practical application and theory, ensuring graduates are equipped for real-world scenarios. These institutions cultivate a supportive community, uniting students dedicated to assisting others in times of bereavement. Seasoned industry professionals mentor students, providing comprehensive guidance through various aspects of funeral services.
List of Top 10 Mortuary Schools in the United States
There are hundreds of mortuary schools in the United States and educational institutions in the USA. Almost every state has several such institutions. If you want to pursue your higher studies in the field of mortuary then you need to achieve the degree from any renowned institution. As it holds a significant value in the industry and helps you to get high-paying employment.
For those seeking specialized qualifications, we’ve curated a list of renowned mortuary schools in the USA that provide in-demand expertise. However, education isn’t limited, and there are opportunities in other vocational fields. Take a glance at our dedicated article on Trade Schools For Felons for broader educational prospects beyond mortuary studies.
1. American River College
This American River College mortuary school offers an associate degree in funeral service education that covers introductory and comprehensive topics such as embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, bereavement counseling, and many more. The Students also get the opportunity to complete the internship at a funeral home, the internship will be around 540 hours or more. The program offered by the institution is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
There are a lot more specifications of the institution that the students can enjoy. These include the easy process of admission, affordable pricing, and a practical approach. As the students get the chance to work in nearby funeral homes, they learn real-life expertise and other required skills for the mortuary.
2. Arapahoe Community College
The Arapahoe Community College is the pioneer in the field of mortuary schools in the USA. The educational institution makes it possible for the students to achieve a certificate and an associate degree in mortuary science. The main motive of the school is to prepare the students to make their careers as funeral directors, embalmers, or crematory operators. There are a lot of subjects included in the course like anatomy, pathology, microbiology, chemistry, and business management. The mortuary program is offered by the ABFSE to students.
Students aiming to enroll in mortuary schools in the United States must satisfy specific eligibility criteria, encompassing academic qualifications, residency status, and additional requisites for admission.
3. Worsham College of Mortuary Science
This Worsham College of Mortuary Science school offers a one-year accelerated program that allows the applicants to achieve an associate degree in mortuary science. The program covers all the major aspects of funeral service, such as embalming, funeral directing, funeral law, ethics, psychology, and many more.
Students also get the opportunity to participate in a clinical practicum at a funeral home, which is most required to get high-paying jobs in the sector. The best part of the institution is the expert faculty and high-end learning environment in the school.
The program is accredited by the ABFSE and the Higher Learning Commission, which is known for providing high-demanding degrees.
4. Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
The programs are accredited by the ABFSE and the HLC. The main motive of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become funeral service professionals.
One of the most renowned schools allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree and an associate degree in mortuary science. The programs make it possible for the students to gain skills in embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, funeral service management, and grief counseling.
The best part of the course is that the Students also get the opportunity to complete a 12-month residency at a funeral home. The tenure of practicum embarks the practical skills in students.
5. University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma mortuary schools in the United States is the best destination for students who want to pursue their higher studies and achieve a bachelor’s degree in funeral service. It prepares students for leadership roles in the funeral service industry.
There are several scholarships and financial support programs in the institution offered to needy students. All you need to do is meet some eligibility requirements to secure your seat in the college. You can find these criteria on the official website and brochure of the college.
The program includes courses on embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, funeral service administration, and thanatology. Students also complete a 12-week internship at a funeral home.
6. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Similar to the other schools and mortuary colleges the University of Minnesota Twin Cities also offers a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science. The best part of the college is that it combines liberal arts and professional education in funeral service, which makes it possible for the students to gain the relevant skills for their professional growth.
The program is accredited by the ABFSE and the HLC. The program contains various necessary aspects of the mortuary such as anatomy, pathology, chemistry, microbiology, embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, funeral service law, and bereavement studies.
At these esteemed Mortuary Schools in the United States, enrolled students also have the opportunity to complete a 10-week practicum at a funeral home, gaining hands-on experience and connecting with professionals in the industry.
7. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Students who want to achieve a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science and funeral service can enroll at Southern Illinois University. The university makes the program more fascinating by integrating biological, social, and behavioral sciences with funeral service education. The students who enroll in the university will learn the skills and academic knowledge from a qualified facility and in a learning environment.
The program includes courses on topics like anatomy, physiology, pathology, embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, funeral service management, and grief counseling. All the enrolled Students also complete a 12-month internship at a nearby funeral home.
8. Wayne State University
There are multiple options available for students who achieve a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from Wayne State University. The educational institution provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of funeral service.
The primary objective of these Mortuary Schools in the United States is to offer a comprehensive curriculum covering courses such as anatomy, pathology, chemistry, microbiology, embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, funeral service law, ethics, psychology, and a wide array of other subjects.
Students also get the opportunity to complete a 9-month internship at the nearby funeral home. The main motive of the internship is to provide practical exposure to the students.
9. FINE Mortuary College
Similar to all other mortuary colleges the FINE mortuary college offers the program including anatomy, pathology, chemistry, microbiology, embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, funeral service law, ethics, and counseling. The main motive of the program offered by the college is to prepare the students for all types of religious funerals. The program is accredited by the ABFSE and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
This mortuary college offers an associate degree to students in the field of funeral service. The college trains the students in the real-life experience of mortuary homes. The college ensures that no religious sentiments will be harmed during the procedure of mortuary.
10. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is a renowned institution and is known for offering world-class education in the field of mortuary. The expert faculty in the institution is qualified in the top institutions. The students who have achieved a college degree are placed in the top mortuaries in the USA.
However, to get admission to the university the students need to meet the eligibility criteria and satisfy the requirements for admission. These include academic qualification, residential status, GPA score, and many more.
Moreover, Mortuary Schools in the United States often provide opportunities for students from financially constrained backgrounds to apply for scholarships or seek financial aid, enabling them to cover their educational costs.
FAQs
1. How many accredited mortuary programs or institutions exist in the US?
The United States has around 58 accredited mortuary programs or institutions in all 52 States as of April 2023. There has been a massive increase in enrollment in these programs in recent years. This is because taking enrollment in these courses is suggested by the Chair of the American Board of Funeral Service Education (AFBSE) Committee on Accreditation.
2. What is the pathway to becoming a mortician in the US?
To pursue a career as a mortician in the United States. There is a need to meet the qualifications the majority of states mandate at least an associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science. Usually, the program takes around 2 years. The program for mortuary also includes a three-year internship that will be done after graduation. More importantly, the students need to pass the licensure exam to get the certification.
3. Is obtaining a mortuary science degree a worthwhile endeavor?
Obtaining a mortuary science degree is considered one of the best professions in the USA. The Funeral home managers will earn around $76,000 annually. There are several variations of the mortuary services across 52 states. Even non-director or non-managerial roles in the field yield an average income of around $54,000 annually. Not only in the USA, the students who have achieved a degree in the field of mortuary can get the employment opportunity in other nations.
4. What are the drawbacks of being a mortician?
There are several Challenges that are associated with being a mortician, these include the possibility of working non-traditional hours, posing a potential difficulty during work, and many more. Moreover, there may be an employment stigma which is attached to the profession.
The other issues associated with the job at a funeral home include the emotionally demanding nature of the job, involving regular dealings with grief and loss, and sometimes unemployment. Additionally, morticians require diverse knowledge and skills, and there might be some associated medical risks and injuries.
Conclusion
Being a funeral home professional makes it possible for you to get high-paying employment in funeral homes. To make it easy for you to find the best mortuary schools we have researched the top 10 mortuary schools in the United States in the article. You can choose the nearby college and get admission, after satisfying their eligibility requirements and needs.
After successfully achieving a graduation degree in the field of mortuary the students can earn a good sum of money and find employment in nearby funeral homes. The average salary of a mortuary professional is around $75,000 annually.
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