Mortuary Science
A career working in a funeral home or crematory can be very rewarding; however, it requires a unique combination of interpersonal skills, intellect, and business acumen. Our accredited* Mortuary Science program can teach you these skills and prepare you for a career in the funeral industry. Upon program completion, you will be prepared to sit for the National Board examination. You will also be able to apply for an intern license with the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. The Mortuary Science program curriculum combines coursework in mortuary science with a general business component, including studies in public health; business management; natural sciences; legal, ethical, and regulatory concerns; and clinical requirements associated with the funeral industry. Potential career paths in the funeral industry may include funeral director, embalmer, cremationist, forensic pathology assistant, vital records registrar, and funeral equipment and pre-arranged funeral salesperson. Begin your future today! Enroll in the Mortuary Science program. *The Mortuary Science degree is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
| Mortuary Science |
CGCC Mortuary Science
The Associate in Applied Science Degree at Chandler-Gilbert Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org
National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at www.abfse.org in the Directory of Accredited Programs.
Program Learning Outcomes
The mission of an ABFSE-accredited program must be to educate students in every phase of funeral service so that program graduates are prepared for entry-level employment in funeral service. In support of this mission, a program must adopt at least the following Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of an accredited program, students will be able to:
- Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
- Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
- Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
- Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
- Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
- Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
- Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
- Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
- Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice.
* Note: The Program Learning Outcomes must be in the published information sources of the program (other than brief marketing materials.
PROGRAM INFORMATION - Chandler-Gilbert
| Year | Total enrolled | # of New Students | # of Grads | Timely Grad* | Graduation rate | Did not finish** | Overall % Employed | Employed in FS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 23 | 23 | 31 | 31/31 | 89% | 4 | 97% | 87% |
| 2020 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35/35 | 88% | 5 | 76% | 77% |
| 2019 | 40 | 40 | 32 | 32/32 | 94% | 3 | 91% | 81% |
* Timely graduation = complete program in 1½ times designated program length.
** Graduation rate reflects cohort graduation rate (% of students from original cohort completing in the designated year)
*** Left before completing the program; did not finish.
NATIONAL BOARD STATISTICS - Chandler-Gilbert (Mesa)
| Single Year | School Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | Single Year | School Pass Rate | National Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Arts | 56% | 68% | 2021 Sciences | 44% | 57% |
| 2020 Arts | 62% | 73% | 2020 Sciences | 45% | 64% |
| 2019 Arts | 94% | 72% | 2019 Sciences | 65% | 63% |
Accreditation
Program Accredited by ABFSE: Associate of Applied Science - Mortuary Science
Initial Accreditation: 1997 / Last comprehensive review 2021 / Next comprehensive review Spring 2028
Re-accreditation: October 2021 for period of 7 years (virtual).
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President's Message
Whether you plan on earning a degree or a certificate, you are preparing to transfer to a four-year university, or you are looking to further develop in your career or personal life, CGCC can provide the path for you to reach your goals. With 68 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as transfer partnerships with over 40 universities---including Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona—you’ll find your fit at CGCC.
Since its founding in 1992, Chandler-Gilbert Community College has served thousands of students in the East Valley at its Pecos and Williams campuses, Sun Lakes Center, and Communiversity at Queen Creek. We pride ourselves on the excellence of our innovative faculty and staff, on our state-of-the-art facilities, on our broad array of campus life and events, and on our commitment to inclusion and diversity. At CGCC, you belong, and we are here to help you succeed!
Greg Peterson, Ed.D.
President
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