Amarillo College Mortuary Science Program

Welcome to the Amarillo College Mortuary Science Website. Amarillo College has a rich history in the community and has served Amarillo and the Panhandle exceptionally.

On July 16, 1929, Amarillo College became the first junior college district in the state to be organized independent of a school district. The first classes were held in September 1929. The College moved to its present location with the construction of its first permanent building in 1937. After serving primarily as a junior college offering arts and sciences courses, the curriculum was expanded in 1942 to include vocational courses.

In 1958, Amarillo College was granted its own board of regents independent of the trusteeship of the Amarillo Independent School District. The 1960s brought expansion in College facilities and programs. A number of allied health and occupational-technical programs were added to the curriculum along with an extensive array of continuing education and community service courses.

Thank you for considering Amarillo College to fulfill your funeral service education needs. Whether it be the on-line distance education or the traditional in-class program you choose, we feel that you have made the right choice.

We feel that Amarillo College is technologically advanced, offering many on-line degrees and certifications through out the country. Our faculty are some of the brightest and  most knowledgeable individuals in the funeral service industry. Our facilities are exceptional and our community, one of the best around.

Mortuary Science Aims and Purposes:

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.  Those requirements include completing course work for the certificate program and Microbiology and Human Anatomy and Physiology. Prior conviction of a felony may render the student ineligible to practice in the State of Texas.

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.

• Like 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 general concern for health by living healthy