Mortuary Science Schools Q&A

Mortuary science is an incredibly rewarding career path that allows you to honor life like no other. Whether you are looking to become a funeral director, mortician, embalmer, or even a consultant, your job will mean making a difference in the lives of families, when they need it most.

Right now, you may be considering going to mortuary science school to start on your career. And more than likely, you also have many questions about what you can expect. You might be wondering about the field, its requirements, or what types of opportunities will stem from a mortuary science degree.

Asking questions plays a key part in deciding the right mortuary science school for your needs and goals. To help you navigate this important educational search, Goodwin College covers the basics below.

What should I expect in a mortuary science school?

A mortuary science school is carefully designed to prepare you for a successful career in funeral services. You can expect to take a variety of different classes – from biology to embalming – in your program of choice. Some mortuary science schools, such as Goodwin College, have the added benefit of blending classroom learning with hands-on laboratory training. This enables students to gain hands-on experience with techniques like embalming, as well as expand their knowledge in areas like ethics and law in the funeral service profession. Most mortuary science schools also require students to complete an external internship, allowing them to put their learned skills to practice in a real-life mortuary setting.

By graduation, you will be able to demonstrate proper techniques in embalming, restoring, and preparing bodies, handling disease, conducting funeral arrangements, and counseling family members during difficult times. You will leave ready to address all types of funeral service processes, from the initial death call through to the final transfer or disposal of human remains.

In your mortuary science program, you should expect to learn from the best. Goodwin’s program, for example, is taught by professors with decades of experience in funeral service, who are all members of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and actively working in the field.

How long does it take to complete a mortuary science program?

Most mortuary science schools offer an associate degree, as that is the standard expectation in the funeral services industry. That said, most programs can be completed in two years’ time. At Goodwin College, for example, the 68-credit mortuary science program can be completed in as few as 24 months full-time, though there are also part-time classes available.

Which courses are required in a mortuary science program?

As noted above, you can expect to take a range of classes in part with your mortuary science program. The specific courses required will vary school to school. However, to earn a mortuary science degree, most schools will require you to successfully complete a range of science and medical courses, including human anatomy, embalming theory, mortuary management, modern funeral practices, and funeral service marketing and merchandising. Some programs will also offer classes in restorative art, business law, and grief psychology. At Goodwin College’s mortuary science school, required classes include:

• Funeral Service Management and Communications
• Restorative Art
• Funeral Service History and Merchandising
• Mortuary Law
• Psychosociological and Ethical Issues of Death
• Embalming and Thanato-Chemistry
• Medical Terminology
• And more!

Other mortuary science classes at Goodwin include general education requirements, such as anatomy and biology, along with non-major requirements such as library research and principles of accounting, designed to enhance students’ business, management, and workplace skills.

Are mortuary science classes flexible?

Yes! Some mortuary science schools offer flexible scheduling options for students who are balancing other priorities, such as work and family. At Goodwin College, for example, mortuary science classes can be taken part-time or full-time. Classes are also offered in the evenings, for added convenience.

Which requirements are needed to land a career?

To land a career in mortuary science in Connecticut, you will need at least an associate degree from an accredited college, in a related field. You will also need to pursue national certification and an apprenticeship before being able to practice mortuary techniques such as embalming. The right mortuary science school will prepare you to sit for the American Board of Funeral Service Education’s national board examinations, so that you can secure a paid apprenticeship. After your apprenticeship is complete, you will be eligible to take your state’s credentialing exam and start practicing on your own.

What are the career outcomes of a mortuary science school?

Once you’ve completed mortuary science school and passed the national and state board exams, you will be equipped for a variety of mortuary science careers, including:

• At-need and pre-need consultants
• Embalmers
• Funeral service directors
• Funeral service practitioners
• Mortician
• Mortuary transporter

How do I get into mortuary science school?

To get into a mortuary science school in Connecticut, your first step is to apply! If you meet all the admissions requirements for your college of choice, simply fill out an application and submit the necessary documents. Many schools, like Goodwin, will just require items such as: a high school diploma or equivalent, your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a health certificate, a personal essay, and a small application fee.

Are you ready to begin your career path in mortuary science? Contact Goodwin College at 800-889-3282 to find out why we’re a leading mortuary science school in Connecticut. Or, visit us online to request more information about our funeral services program.