Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate
Are you a compassionate person who has a calling to help people during times of emotional need? A career in funeral service may be a good fit for you.
The Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate at San Juan College prepares students to apply for an Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science by fulfilling general education and pre-requisite course requirements. Individuals with an AAS in Mortuary Science can become:
- Morticians
- Embalmers
- Funeral Home Managers
- And other funeral service professionals
Why Earn a Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate
Help people during their time of bereavement by providing care for their deceased loved ones.
Earning a Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate is the first step toward an AAS in Mortuary Science Degree and entering the field of funeral service.
Why Earn a Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate from San Juan College
Seamless Mortuary Science Education: From San Juan to Arapaho Online!
Fulfill mortuary science degree requirements, including lab work, without having to leave your community. Students in our Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate program complete all prerequisites required for the AAS in Mortuary Science at Arapaho Community College. Students can begin their transfer application while working on their certificate at San Juan College. AAS courses at Arapaho Community College can be taken online, and lab work can be done at funeral homes in Farmington.
Fast Track Learning
Complete the Pre-Mortuary Certificate at SJC in just three semesters.
SJC is an Affordable Option
San Juan College offers low tuition rates, making the Pre-Mortuary Certificate an affordable option. You may even qualify for free tuition through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You’ll Learn in the Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate Program
The pre-mortuary science program at San Juan College gives students a fundamental understanding of the sciences needed for admission to the mortuary science degree program at Arapaho Community College.
In the Pre-Mortuary Certificate courses, you’ll study:
- General Biology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Psychology
- Business
- Interpersonal Communication
Pre-Mortuary Certificate curriculum
Transfer Options for Graduates of the Pre-Mortuary Certificate Program
Credits earned in the Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate transfer to the Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science at Arapaho Community College.
Discuss transfer options with an academic advisor
Careers and Outcomes
Caring and compassionate people are needed to help guide families and loved ones through the death care process and make end-of-life arrangements. Careers in funeral services are in demand and are projected to grow faster than average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage in 2023 for funeral home managers was $75,660 and $51,030 for morticians.
Requirements to Become a Licensed Mortician
Licensure requirements vary from state to state. To become a licensed funeral service practitioner in New Mexico, you must:
- Have a minimum of an associate degree in mortuary science from an institution accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or recognized by the United States Office of Education for Funeral Service Education
- Serve as a licensed funeral service intern for at least 12 months under the supervision of a licensed funeral service practitioner
Learn more about New Mexico licensure.
Next Steps
To enroll in the Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate, you must first apply to San Juan College. Applying is easy and can be done online.
If you’re already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our Pre-Mortuary Science Certificate. You can also discuss the transfer process to the AAS Mortuary Science Program at Arapaho Community College.
