Funeral Services Program

Instruction and training in the two year Funeral Services Technology (FST) program at MGCCC prepares students for employment as funeral directors and embalmers. In addition to classroom instruction, the curriculum includes laboratory and clinical experiences. Students are taught specific skills necessary to become protectors of public health. Course work includes anatomy, marketing principles, grief counseling, restorative art, and business law and ethics.

The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) nationally accredits the FST program. During clinical experience, all students must successfully document eleven (11)embalmings. Graduates are awarded an associate of applied science degree and are required to take the National Board Examination for graduation. After licensure, the graduates must serve a one year apprenticeship at a Mississippi licensed funeral home to meet state licensee requirements of the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service (education requirements and licensing laws vary in other states).

The need for funeral service professionals provides continuous employment opportunities for trained persons possessing a caring personality and technical skills necessary for successful employment in the funeral service industry.

Scholarships are available for qualified FST applicants. A conference and tour of the facilities are also available upon request. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in Funeral Services Technology should request information. To check the current course outline, click here.

Funeral Service Program Objectives
  1. To provide an education program that will prepare the students to pass the National Board Examination (NBE) or their respective State Board Examination.
  2. To prepare the students with skills for successful employment as funeral directors and embalmers.
  3. To teach the importance of maintaining public health measures and safety procedures necessary to public health in the care and disposition of dead human remains.
  4. To teach the importance of ethics, law, work ethics and a professional image in all aspects of funeral service including pre-need, at need and after-care services.
  5. To teach the skills needed in caring for individuals facing death or bereavement.
  6. To teach skills necessary for mortuary management, financial accounting and business law to enable a graduate to make financial and business decisions based on sound business principles and practices.
  7. To teach students to be aware of the cultural heritage in the communities being served and changes taking place in society as well as changes in the funeral service profession. It is essential for students to stay abreast of current funeral service education and periodicals, public health suggestions and requirements, changes in local, state and federal laws and rules and regulations.
  8. To assist students with the application process for the NEB prior to graduation and transition into entry level positions in the funeral service industry.

Entrance requirements for MGCCC Funeral Service Technology are as follows:

And

A student must have taken either the ACT, COMPASS or ASSET and obtain at least the minimum score listed below in reading and math:

SUBJECT ACT COMPASS ASSET
Reading 16 72 39
Math 16 34 (Pre-algebra) 38 (Numerical Skills)
Or

If student does not meet the testing requirements in reading, then the student can complete the following courses with at least a grade of C:

If student does not meet the testing requirements in math, then the student can complete the following courses with at least a grade of C:

Or

A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited Institution of Higher Learning.