collageThe Mortuary Science program at Ivy Tech is taught by highly qualified and experienced faculty. Students will benefit from their knowledge and experience and learn in a hands-on practicum experience. Classes focus on educating students in every phase of funeral service including working with bereaved families and maintaining a working knowledge of the federal, state, and local regulatory guidelines. Students also learn the theoretical and practical aspects in all areas of funeral service including embalming, restorative art, and funeral service merchandising such as caskets and burial vaults. State licensing requirements mandate that in addition to completing the set curriculum, the student must pass the National Board Exam.
Mortuary School Louisville KY Overview
The Mortuary Science program is a selective program. When you apply to the college, you will be accepted into the undeclared program while you complete the prerequisite requirements. The mortuary science program accepts a limited number of students each year and there is a separate application process. Contact your campus of interest below for more details.
Today, Mid-America College proudly continues to provide a timely learning experience for its students, with a foundation firmly rooted in a century of tradition established by its predecessors – The Kentucky School of Mortuary Science and the Indiana College of Mortuary Science.
Kentucky School of Mortuary Science was established in 1895 and was located at various locations in Louisville, KY. Its Final location was 2nd and St. Catherine streets across from Walnut Street Baptist Church. E. Leland Hughes, who for years served as Dean, President and Owner, was a large contributor to the success of the college due to his vigor and enthusiasm. In November of 1971 Karl O. Heilman, another noted figure on the national scene of mortuary science education was appointed Dean of the Kentucky School. On January 1, 1972, the Pierce Organization assumed total responsibility for the institution. In January of 1974, John R. Braboy became president after graduating from Dallas Institute in March of 1968 and serving as Dean of Students for that institution in 1973. Mr. Braboy had the unique opportunity to be president of two mortuary colleges at once from 1978-1980. The institution graduated its last class in September of 1980.
Indiana College of Mortuary Science was established in 1905 in Indianapolis, IN as the Askin Training School for Embalmers by Clifford G. Askins. For the first 10 years he was the sole instructor. In 1915 as additional curriculum was added, a 6-month program was initiated. From 1916-1924 it was known as the Askin College of Embalming and in 1934 it was changed to the Indiana College of Embalming. In 1924 a 9-month program was added to the existing 6-month program. Mr. Askin retired in 1941 after 36 years of leadership in the field of mortuary education. He was Dean Emeritus until his death on October 15, 1944. Its final location was on 38th Street in Indianapolis as they moved into those facilities in August 1964. The last class graduated in September of 1980.
In 1979, at its former location in Indianapolis, the Board of Trustees of the Indiana College of Mortuary Science authorized a change of institutional name to better reflect the geographical area or region served by the College. In addition, with the expansion of the basic mortuary science curriculum to include greater emphasis in the social sciences and business management, “funeral service”, rather than mortuary science, more accurately portrayed the contemporary curriculum offered to all students through the educational programs of the College. In 1980, the “new” Mid-America College of Funeral Service moved to modern facilities in Jeffersonville, within the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area, and consolidated with students and faculty of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science.
Mid-America College is a member of Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. Other member educational institutions include the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, in Dallas, Texas, and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia. As a result of this joint association, the combined students and faculty of all three colleges share in many advantages which a single institution alone could not provide.
The positive growth of Mid-America College and its programs is evidenced by its continued recognition and accreditation by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service, authorized by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education, provides evidence of positive direction and efforts by the College to prepare its students to better meet the needs of a more sophisticated consumer public as well as to address changes within a progressive and dynamic profession such as funeral service.
The Board of Trustees, along with faculty and staff, today continues to serve the student and the funeral service profession with the same focus of direction and dedication as had been the practice and tradition of both the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science and the Indiana College of Mortuary Science for one hundred years.
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Mortuary Science Schools Louisville KY
Mortuary science schools in Louisville KY are for any person looking to be employed in a position that employs mortuary science technology and classes are available to you today!
Within a couple of years, you could complete a classroom-based program, begin an apprenticeship, and later challenge the Kentucky’ licensing exam for your chance to be recognized as a licensed mortician..
Keep reading to discover the admission criteria for mortician training courses in Louisville KY, becoming a certified mortician, and what you may anticipate in the employment market.
Additionally we encourage you to definitely take a look at our comprehensive articles about careers in mortuary science!
RequirementsCertificationJob and Earnings
Exactly What You Should be Considering About Mortuary Classes in Kentucky
Despite the fact that there isn’t a book about how to pick the right mortuary science schools, there are specific points to consider. The first task in beginning a job as a mortician is to decide which of the leading mortuary science programs will be right for you. Once you start focusing on training programs, you will have to determine if the program has the proper credentials with a major organization such as the Kentucky licensing board. When you are done verifying the accreditation status, you will want to investigate a little bit further to make certain that the program you like can provide you with the appropriate instruction.
- Try to find programs with a curriculum that will satisfy Kentucky licensing standards
- Find out if the institution supplies financial aid
- Make certain the school’s curriculum features an apprentice program
Getting Prepared for a New Career!
Now that you have acquired all the information necessary to become a professional mortician, it is now up to you to find mortuary science schools and get started right away!
Mortician Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, is famous for its gorgeous mountains to the east and thoroughbred ranches to the west. For many, Kentucky is a land of opportunity and this includes those who wish to work as morticians. There is no state license for funeral directors in the state, but embalmers must meet minimum educational requirements and become licensed before they can begin working. Funeral directors need no more than a high school education and three years of apprenticeship. On the other hand, embalmers must complete a minimum of an associate’s degree and one year of apprenticeship either before or after school. Both professionals must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education every two years, six of which must be completed in a face-to-face, interactive format. For full state regulations regarding morticians, visit the Kentucky Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.
Kentucky’s Mortician Employment Environment
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kentucky ranks in the upper-mid level for employment of morticians. The Bureau states that, at this time, there are around 360 to 710 morticians working across the state. This means that there should be ample employment opportunity for new graduates to land a position soon after graduation. The BLS goes on to state that the average salary for morticians in Kentucky is between $36,970 and $44,850 a year. While this is lower than the nationwide average, Kentucky has a relatively low cost of living, making this salary range more than sufficient for quality living. Of the areas in the state, the Eastern Kentucky nonmetropolitan areas offer the best opportunities for employment.
The Future of the Mortician Career in Kentucky
While the current employment environment in Kentucky is promising, it is likely to become even more so with passing years. The funeral service industry is expected to grow by around 18% over the next decade, creating numerous additional job opportunities and the potential for increasing salaries across the state. This is a bright and exciting time in the mortician field, making it an ideal time to get started on the training for this career.
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Program Link: Associate in Applied Science in Funeral Service
- Description: Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College offers students an associate’s degree in funeral science that meets state requirements to become either an embalmer or a funeral director. Students who choose this school enjoy full student services, a range of dining options, and assistance in locating affordable housing if needed.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Program: associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: 2 years
- Tuition: $147/credit hour (in-state and online); $515/credit hour (out of state)
- Fun Fact: Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College has five campuses for student convenience.
University of Central Oklahoma
- Program Link: Funeral Service Education program
- Description: The University of Central Oklahoma offers students a choice between earning a certificate or a bachelor’s degree in funeral service education. Students can participate in distance learning through video courses and online courses. Students can also transfer general education credits from other schools to limit the amount of time spent in the distance learning program. Students who complete a funeral service program online should be aware that they will have to complete some practical experience and apprenticeship experience at a designated on-site location.
- Accreditation: American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
- Program: certificate; bachelor’s degree
- Average Program Length: certificate – 85 credit hours; degree – 4 years
- Tuition: $476.20/credit hour (out of state)
- Fun Fact: Students who complete the bachelor’s degree program are qualified to become licensed funeral directors and embalmers.
Arapahoe Community College
- Program Link: Associate of Applied Science
- Description: Arapahoe Community College offers an online associate’s degree in mortuary science that allows students from anywhere to get the degree they need. While all of the coursework for this program is online, students will be required to travel at their own expense to the campus for three labs and an internship. Full details are available here.
- Accreditation: American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
- Program: Associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: 18 months – 2 years
- Tuition: $358.55/credit hour
- Fun Fact: Students can complete this program part-time or full-time.
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