Many states regulate mortuary sciences, so it's important that the education be accredited, when choosing a mortuary school. Many states require that students have taken college courses prior to mortuary school. Moreover, others require an apprenticeship before mortuary training. Students should be familiar with the licensing and accreditation requirements of the state in which they plan on working. Along with being required by regulation in many cases, accreditation also represents a reliable & high-quality education of value to the mortuary science industry.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the only nationwide organization that accredits college and university programs in mortuary science and funeral service education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ABFSE works to ensure that all mortuary science and related programs maintain the level of excellence that has been established by mortuary professionals and the industry.
In addition to the ABFSE, there are six regional accrediting bodies in the Unites States:
- Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Other resources related to mortuary program accreditation are:
- National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
- National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association (NFDMA)
- International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (CFSEB)
- National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science (NACMS)
Other fields related to mortuary science may be of interest. Please visit our partner sites for additional info:
