Mortuary Science

This program provides you with a foundational education for a career as a modern funeral service practitioner.

Licensed funeral directors provide information on funeral service options, prepare the deceased for burial or cremation and compassionately counsel family and friends of the deceased. Those considering the field should understand all facets of this profession, including care for the deceased and emotional support for the grieving.

Successful completion of the program entitles you to sit for the national board examination or state board examination, which you must pass in order to receive your degree. After passing the National Board Examination, the prospective New York State funeral director must serve one year as a registered resident before becoming a licensed funeral director.

This academic program is primarily designed for those who wish to enter the workforce immediately following graduation.

This program is offered by the Mortuary Science Department.

[Loading Program Requirements link…] Program Learning Outcomes

                Consider a Career in Funeral Directing
              
                    Produced by the NYS Funeral Directors Association, Inc.

Watch Consider a Career in Funeral Directing on YouTube.com

Highlights

Unique Training

Online Courses

Accredited and State-Registered Program

The Mortuary Science associate degree program at Hudson Valley Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097. Phone: (816) 233-3747; Web: www.abfse.org.

Initial Accreditation: 1974
Last comprehensive review: 2016
Next comprehensive review: 2023
Re-accreditation: October 2016 for period of seven (7) years

This program is registered with the New York State Department of Health.

Program Information and National Board Statistics

As required by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), the program reports on student enrollment, graduation and employment information as results of graduates taking the National Board Examination.

National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at www.abfse.org in the Directory of Accredited Programs.

Program Information

Mortuary Science Program Information
Year	Total enrolled	# of New Students	# of Grads	Timely Grad*	Graduation rate	Did not finish**	Overall % Employed	Employed in FS
2023	40	22	12	10/12	70%	5	92%	67%
2022	49	30	12	9/12	67%	5	83%	75%
2021	45	27	18	4/18	67%	5	100%	78%

* Timely graduation = complete program in 1½ times designated program length.
** Graduation rate reflects cohort graduation rate (% of students from original cohort completing in the designated year).
*** Left before completing the program; did not finish.

National Board Statistics

Mortuary Science National Board Statistics
Single Year	Takers	School Pass Rate	National Pass Rate
2023 Arts	4	100%	78%
2022 Arts	11	73%	69%
2021 Arts	12	92%	68%
2023 Sciences	6	83%	69%
2022 Sciences	8	88%	64%
2021 Sciences	13	77%	57%

NOTE: School pass rate is based on 1st time test takers within one year of graduation.
Contact the program department chairperson directly for information regarding success of Distance Education graduates.

State Licensure Notice & Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosures

All applicants must meet the legal and educational requirements prescribed by the laws of the state in which they intend to practice. Review the different state requirements for the most up to date information. Below are list of the New England and Northeast states with their respective state licensure links.
NOTE: Disclosure of the intended State of Licensure is the responsibility of the student.

Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosures
SUNY's academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed New York State requirements. Other states may have their own requirements. If your goal is to practice in another state, please review that state's requirements. View professional licensure disclosures.

NOTE: Additional educational requirements and/or certifications may be needed for some careers.

Student in graduation attire in the classroom

Transfer and Career Services and Resources

The Center for Careers and Transfer provides career resources and services and help in identifying your skills and interests and how they connect to career possibilities. Transfer counseling services are also available and a list of transfer agreements are posted.