Academics

A.A.S. Graduation Requirements

The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (“CCMS”) Associate of Applied Science (“A.A.S.”) degree program is a regionally and professionally accredited three semester program consisting of forty-seven credit hours, including a minimum of thirty qualified* non-resident transfer credits, and including five mandatory prescribed general prerequisite courses, in accordance with the college’s admission requirements. 

Completion of the Associate of Applied Science academic degree program requires, but may not be limited to:

  1. Satisfactory completion of all course and program requirements.
  2. Satisfactory completion of Clinical Requirements1 within the prescribed timeframe.
  3. Satisfactory completion of Funeral Director Requirements2 within the prescribed timeframe.
  4. A cumulative resident GPA of 2.00 or higher and grade of “D” or better in each course.
  5. Financial good standing with CCMS.
  6. Satisfactory completion of the CCMS Comprehensive Examination (“Comps”) as prescribed.
  7. Completion of a scheduled final exit interview with the college President or other leadership member.

The Associate of Applied Science degree program requirements must be satisfactorily completed within 24 months of program enrollment or re-admission.

Upon satisfactory completion of three semesters, and upon approval of the CCMS Academic Chair, a student is officially released to sit for the Arts and Sciences sections of the National Board Examination (“NBE”) through the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board.  Successful completion of both sections of the NBE is a requirement for professional licensure in most states. 

Funeral Director Requirements

Funeral Directing requirements are incorporated into the Capstone and Business Law curriculum. Active participation and hands-on learning in Funeral Directing includes, but may not be limited to, the specific tasks prescribed below as mandated by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Required tasks must be completed prior to the conclusion of the third semester as prescribed.

Students must utilize the following forms:

  • First Call Sheet
  • Arrangement Worksheet
  • FTC-compliant General Price List
  • FTC-compliant Casket Price List
  • FTC-compliant Outer Burial Container Price List
  • Embalming Authorization Form
  • Cremation Authorization Form

First call

Students must demonstrate the process of receiving five (5) first death notification calls. This may be completed in a simulation setting.

Transfer of remains

Students must demonstrate the process of performing the transfer of deceased human remains. This may be completed in a simulation setting.

Arrangement Conference

Students must participate (observe or assist) in five Arrangement Conferences. If done in a simulation setting, no more than five students may receive credit at one time (during one simulation). As part of the Arrangement Conference requirement, students must prepare the following at least one time:

  • Death Certificate
  • Burial Transit Permit
  • Social Security Form (Statement of Death by Funeral Director)
  • Death Notice
  • Obituary
  • FTC-compliant Statement of Funeral Good and Services 
  • Applications and forms for Veterans Flag, Burial Benefits, and Headstone/Marker

Funeral Observation

Students must observe five funeral related services. CCMS requires that one service be Roman Catholic. Three of the five must include:  Liturgical, Non-liturgical, Secular, Chapel, Graveside, Military, Fraternal, Memorial without the deceased present, or other (describe).  

To receive credit, the student is required to provide documentation of the service (via service folder, obituary, prayer card, or other artifact), his/her level of participation in the activity, and identify the participants involved (clergy, celebrant, FD, family, or others). This may not be completed in a simulation setting.

Clinical Practice Requirements

Clinical requirements are incorporated into the Clinical Mortuary Practice (“CMP”) curriculum over the course of three semesters. Active participation through hands-on learning in Clinical practice over the course of three semesters includes, but may not be limited to, the specific tasks prescribed below as mandated by college policy. Required tasks must be completed prior to the conclusion of the third semester as prescribed.

  • Thirty (30) clinical case experiences 
  • Twenty (20) embalming operations
  • Five (5) transfers of deceased human remains
  • Five (5) cosmetic applications

Students who desire additional practical experience have ample opportunity to achieve such. See the Clinical Lab Director for available student lab assistant and nighttime intake opportunities, as well as volunteer weekend and holiday opportunities. 

Students are required to actively participate for the entirety of each semester of clinical practice even upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed minimum task requirements.