Mortuary School Online Texas

The funeral services industry is one of the most respected and vital sectors, playing a crucial role in helping families navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. In Texas, as in many other states, the demand for skilled morticians and funeral directors is steadily increasing.

With the rise of online education, more individuals are considering this as a viable path to enter the field. Online mortuary schools offer a flexible and accessible option for those who wish to pursue a career in this specialized area, allowing students to study from anywhere while balancing other life commitments.

Mortuary School Online Texas

A broad range of subjects are covered in mortuary science degrees, such as embalming, bereavement counseling, funeral service administration, and legal issues pertaining to the field. These courses offer both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing students for the demanding demands of the funeral service profession. Without having to attend conventional on-campus classes, students can obtain the credentials required to become certified funeral directors or morticians in Texas using the ease of online learning. This post will walk you through Texas’s top 10 online mortuary schools, their accreditation status, the paperwork needed to apply, and other crucial details to get you started on this fulfilling career path.

 

Steps On How To Earn A Mortuary  degree Online

Earning a mortuary degree online is a flexible and accessible way to enter the funeral services industry. Whether you’re looking to become a funeral director, embalmer, or grief counselor, an online mortuary science program can provide you with the education and training you need to succeed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to earn a mortuary degree online:

1. Research Accredited Programs

The first step in earning a mortuary degree online is to research accredited programs. Accreditation ensures that the program meets industry standards and that your degree will be recognized by licensing boards. In the United States, the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the primary accrediting body for mortuary science programs.

Look for schools that offer online Associate or Bachelor’s degrees in mortuary science or funeral service. Some schools may also offer certificate programs if you already have a degree and want to specialize further.

2. Understand the Program Requirements

Each program will have specific requirements for admission. Common requirements include:

• High School Diploma or GED: Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent.
• College Transcripts: If you’ve attended college before, you may need to submit transcripts.
• Letters of Recommendation: Some programs require recommendations from teachers, employers, or professionals in the funeral industry.
• Background Check: Due to the sensitive nature of the profession, many programs require a criminal background check.

3. Check State Licensing Requirements

Before enrolling in a program, it’s important to understand the licensing requirements in your state. Each state has its own rules and regulations for funeral directors and embalmers. Ensure that the program you choose meets the requirements for the state where you plan to practice.

4. Apply to the Program

Once you’ve selected a program, you’ll need to apply. The application process typically involves submitting:

• An Application Form: This includes personal information, educational background, and sometimes a personal statement.
• Application Fee: Some schools charge a fee when you apply.
• Supporting Documents: These may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of identity.

5. Complete the Coursework

Online mortuary programs typically cover a range of topics, including:

• Embalming Techniques
• Funeral Service Management
• Grief Counseling
• Restorative Art
• Funeral Service Law and Ethics

Courses are usually delivered through a combination of video lectures, readings, assignments, and exams. Many programs also offer interactive components such as discussion boards or live webinars.

6. Participate in Practical Training

While the majority of the coursework can be completed online, mortuary science programs often require hands-on training in the form of clinical experiences, internships, or practicums. These experiences are typically arranged at licensed funeral homes near your location.

7. Pass the National Board Examination (NBE)

In the United States, most states require aspiring funeral directors and embalmers to pass the National Board Examination (NBE) administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB). The NBE tests your knowledge in both the arts and sciences of funeral service.

8. Apply for State Licensure

After completing your degree and passing the NBE, you’ll need to apply for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. This process usually involves submitting your exam scores, proof of education, and any required fees. Some states may also require an additional state exam or a period of apprenticeship.

9. Continue Your Education

The funeral service industry is constantly evolving, and continuing education is often required to maintain your license. Many online programs offer continuing education courses to help you stay current with industry trends and regulations.

Accredited Schools Available

Selecting a mortuary school that has earned accreditation is essential to guaranteeing that your training satisfies the requirements set forth by the funeral care sector. A program’s accreditation assures you of its excellent quality and your eligibility for licensing after graduation. The top ten accredited online mortuary schools in Texas are listed below for students to consider.

1. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
   The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is one of the most respected mortuary schools in Texas, offering an online program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). The institute provides comprehensive courses in mortuary science, including embalming, restorative art, and funeral directing.
2. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
   Located in Houston, Texas, the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service. The program is fully accredited by the ABFSE and covers all aspects of funeral service education, from embalming to business management.
3. San Antonio College
   San Antonio College offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science. This program is accredited by the ABFSE and provides a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for the National Board Examination (NBE) and state licensure.
4. Amarillo College
   Amarillo College offers an online mortuary science program that is ABFSE-accredited. Their curriculum includes courses on ethics, funeral service law, and grief psychology, preparing students for a successful career in the funeral industry.
5. El Centro College
   El Centro College, part of the Dallas County Community College District, offers an online Associate Degree in Mortuary Science. The program is ABFSE-accredited and includes practical training through clinical experiences in licensed funeral homes.
6. St. Petersburg College
   Although based in Florida, St. Petersburg College offers an ABFSE-accredited online program in Funeral Services that is accessible to students in Texas. The program covers key areas such as embalming, funeral service counseling, and management.
7. Mesa Community College
   Mesa Community College in Arizona offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Mortuary Science, which is ABFSE-accredited. Texas students can enroll in this program to gain the education necessary for a career in funeral services.
8. Des Moines Area Community College
   Des Moines Area Community College offers an ABFSE-accredited online Associate Degree in Mortuary Science. The program is open to Texas residents and covers all the necessary coursework to prepare for licensure in funeral services.
9. Cypress College
   Cypress College in California offers an online mortuary science program accredited by the ABFSE. Texas students can take advantage of this program to study funeral service education from a distance while fulfilling state licensure requirements.
10. Worsham College of Mortuary Science
    Located in Illinois, Worsham College of Mortuary Science offers an online Associate Degree in Mortuary Science that is ABFSE-accredited. The program is available to Texas students and includes extensive coursework in embalming, restorative art, and funeral service management.

Standard courses in a Mortuary Online  degree program include:

• Embalming
• Funeral Service Management and Communication
• Funeral Service Law and Socio-Ethics
• Humans and Disease
• Psychology of Death and Dying
• Restorative Art with Lab

Not all Mortuary online degree  programs are the same, however. Students should make sure that their program is accredited to receive a high-quality, industry-standard education

 

Documentation and Academic Requirements

Enrolling in an online mortuary science program requires meeting specific documentation and academic requirements. These prerequisites ensure that students are adequately prepared for the rigors of the program and are eligible for licensure upon graduation. Below are some common documentation and academic requirements for enrolling in an online mortuary school.

1.

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Most online mortuary schools require applicants to have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate. This requirement ensures that students have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the program.

2. College Transcripts
If you have previously attended college or university, you will need to provide official transcripts as part of your application. Some programs may require a minimum GPA, particularly for science courses like biology or chemistry.

3. Application Form
All prospective students must complete an application form, which typically includes personal information, educational background, and sometimes an essay or personal statement explaining your interest in mortuary science.

4. Identification Documents
Valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, is required to verify your identity during the enrollment process. This ensures that the person applying is the same individual who will complete the program.

5. English Proficiency
Since most mortuary science programs are taught in English, proficiency in the language is essential. Non-native English speakers may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

6. Background Check
Due to the sensitive nature of the funeral service profession, many schools require a criminal background check as part of the application process. This ensures that students are suitable candidates for working in this field.

7. Letters of Recommendation
Some programs may ask for letters of recommendation from previous teachers, employers, or professionals in the funeral service industry. These letters provide insight into your character and suitability for a career in mortuary science.

8. Technical Requirements
Online learning necessitates certain technical requirements, including a reliable computer, internet access, and sometimes specific software. Schools typically provide a list of technical specifications that students must meet to participate in online courses.

9. Immunization Records
Some mortuary programs may require proof of immunizations, particularly if the program includes any in-person components such as clinical experiences or internships at funeral homes.

10. State Licensure Prerequisites
In Texas, as in other states, there are specific licensure prerequisites that students must meet. These may include completing a set number of credit hours in mortuary science, passing the National Board Examination (NBE), and fulfilling any additional state-specific requirements.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in funeral services through an online mortuary school offers a unique blend of flexibility and rigor, allowing students to study from the comfort of their homes while acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this important profession. The availability of accredited online programs in Texas provides aspiring funeral directors and morticians with the opportunity to pursue their education on their own terms, without the need to relocate or disrupt their current lives.

Before enrolling in a program, it is essential to ensure that the school is accredited by a recognized body such as the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Accreditation guarantees that the program meets industry standards and will prepare you for the licensing exams required to practice in Texas. Additionally, understanding the documentation and academic requirements for enrollment will help you navigate the application process more smoothly.

To start a fulfilling career in funeral services, select the best online mortuary school. Regardless of your career goals—funeral director, embalmer, or grief counselor—an accredited program’s curriculum will give you the groundwork necessary to significantly improve the lives of others. The opportunity to follow your love for mortuary science has never been better thanks to the accessibility and convenience of online education.