The mortuary science curriculum teaches students about scientific principles and funeral service etiquette. Students learn how mortuary science relates to human anatomy, microbiology and pathology. Opportunities are also available for students to develop an understanding of funeral service principles, embalming techniques, restorative art, mortuary management, and mortuary law and practices.
Students enrolled in a mortuary science program are also required to complete a practicum. A practicum offers students an opportunity to work and learn in a professional environment. While much of the time will be spent observing and performing administrative duties, such as answering phones, running errands and cleaning up: Students will also get a chance to put theory into practice and perform embalming techniques under the supervision of a professionally licensed mortician.
A seminar is also included in the mortuary science curriculum to prepare students for the National Board Examination. The seminar reviews all aspects of funeral service and emphasizes the specific competencies involved on the NBE. The exam is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board (ICFSEB). In order to pass the exam, students must demonstrate an understanding of the terms associated with mortuary science and the tasks involved within embalming and funeral service etiquette.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education accredits mortuary science schools across the country. The organization became autonomous in 1962 and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education. As of July 2011, there were 56 accredited programs around the country. The organization dictates that accredited programs include courses in science, business, social science, law and ethics.