Mortuary Science Program

CAUTION: Students applying for admission to the Amarillo College Mortuary Science program should contact their respective state boards of funeral services regarding that state board’s approval of this particular program of instruction.
The Mortuary Science program at Amarillo College primary aim is the recognition of the importance of funeral service personnel as (1) members of a human service profession, (2) members of the community in which they serve, (3) participants in the relationship between the bereaved families and those engaged in the funeral service profession, (4) compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and (5) professionals sensitive to the responsibility for public health, safety and welfare in caring for human remains.
Amarillo College's Mortuary Science Program committed to providing:
- To provide prospective funeral service practitioners with the theoretical skills which are currently demanded for success in the industry.
- To educate students concerning the responsibilities of the funeral service profession to the community at large
- Emphasize high standards of ethical conduct
- To provide a curriculum for advancement of funeral service education
- To encourage student and faculty research in the funeral service industry
- Opportunity for practitioners to take Continuing Education Courses, which are required for Licensure Renewal.
Students seeking entry into the Associate of Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science must complete a specific program admission form and meet all admission requirements.
The Certificate of Completion for Funeral Directing is offered to meet specific state or professional needs. The Texas Funeral Director Certificate program does not include instruction in embalming, restorative art, microbiology, pathology, chemistry or anatomy; therefore, it is not accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Students graduating from the MRTS.CERT program are NOT eligible to take the National Board Examination or any State board Examination for which graduation from an ABSFE accredited program is required. Students completing this program are eligible to sit for the Texas State Board of Funeral Directing Exam only and the Texas State Law Exam. The certificate is recognized by the Texas Funeral Service Commission. Prior conviction of a felony may render the student ineligible to practice in the State of Texas.
A funeral service career may be right for you if you possess the following characteristics.
- Likes people
- Friendly
- Of good moral character
- Welcomes responsibility
- Dependable
- Organized
- Can make quick and responsible decisions
- Has critical thinking (problem solving) skills
- Pays attention to detail (remains focused)
- Demonstrates initiative
- Works hard
- Finishes what is started
- Can readily adapt to change
- Likes to be challenged
- Works well under stress
- Is a "team-player"
- Can accept and use constructive criticism
- Demonstrates a personal concern for health by living healthy


