DMACC Mortuary Science Skills Guide
Recommended High School Level Background Courses
- Business Math
- *Biology
- *Composition
- *Algebra I
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Speech
- *Algebra II
- *Chemistry
- Keyboarding
- Accounting
- Sociology
- Computer Literacy
- Psychology
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center
Successful completion of a minimum of 64 college credits is required for entry into the Mortuary Science program. Students must have earned at least 15 general education credits, including one course each in communications, mathematics, and social and behavioral science. Recommended college courses include the following:
Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job
Reading
In their coursework, students will be reading their textbooks, course-related notes posted on the Internet, and on-line syllabi. Strong reading skills are required in order to understand the technical scientific terminology used in texts for courses on embalming, chemistry, microbiology, and pathology, and the legal terminology used in the funeral law text.
Some courses, such as History of Funeral Service (MOR 305), Funeral Merchandising (MOR 330), and Survey of Infectious Disease (MOR 365), are taught exclusively on line. For these courses, reading is the only means of learning new material. In the classroom sections, tests are based on a combination of text, on-line notes, and lectures. All tests are administered on line, with weekly short-answer quizzes and multiple-choice exams designed to prepare students for the national exam and state law exam, both of which are prerequisites for licensure.
In addition to their texts, students will use trade journals, as well as websites containing federal regulations and state laws. They will continue to use these materials on the job.
View more information on reading skills in the Mortuary Science program.
Language
Strong oral and written communication skills are essential to success in this program. In their coursework, students make class presentations on research topics such as types of grief. In the clinical setting, they must work effectively in teams. On the job, they will interact daily with clergy, suppliers, and grieving families. They may speak to community groups such as Rotary as part of the public relations work for their funeral home. They may also conduct funeral services in lieu of clergy.
Writing assignments within the program include short-answer quizzes, article summaries, and short research papers, obituaries, and eulogies. Written work on the job will also include memorial folders and legal forms such as death certificates and burial transit permits.
As part of the 64 college credits required for entry into this program, students must have completed at least one communications course.
View more information on language skills in the Mortuary Science program.
Math
As part of the 64 college credits required for entry into this program, students must have completed at least one math course.
In the program and on the job, they will use knowledge of fractions, per cents, and proportions for tasks such as computing the percent of formaldehyde in a fluid and determining the amount of embalming solution needed for a body. In merchandising, they will compute discounts and markups on caskets and use quartiles to manage their casket inventory.
View more information on math skills in the Mortuary Science program.
Learning
Well-developed time management and study skills are needed for this program. Students enroll in 17 credits their first semester and 18 their second, with three courses taken on line.
The program also requires high-level thinking skills. When preparing for tests, students must be ready to apply concepts, since many questions are presented as scenarios. In their classes as well as on the job, they use observation and comparison-contrast skills during embalming and restoration. They must also draw logical inferences from the behaviors they observe when interacting with family members. Cause-effect reasoning is used in studying the effects on the body of the cause of death and the embalming chemicals used. Above all, this career requires good problem-solving skills in order to help families plan meaningful funerals.
View more information on learning skills in the Mortuary Science program.
Computer
In the Mortuary Science program, students will access all syllabi and take all quizzes and tests on line. (Quizzes and tests are timed.) In addition, they will take three on-line courses. Email and discussion boards are used extensively. To handle the coursework presented in this format, students should to be proficient in word processing and internet research.
In the program and on the job, students will use industry software to prepare forms such as death certificates and to design paper products associated with visitations and funerals (e.g. memorial folders).
View more information on computer skills in the Mortuary Science program.
In general, students who succeed in this program stay current on their course requirements by using time management skills, complete all assigned study guides to prepare for tests, demonstrate flexibility and maintain a sense of humor.
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