Can I complete my mortuary science clinicals online or do I have to travel?

Key Takeaways

• You cannot complete mortuary science clinicals 100 percent online. All accredited programs require hands-on, in-person training.
• The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) mandates practical embalming and restorative art experience for accreditation.
• Many programs offer online coursework combined with local clinical placements to reduce travel.
• Some schools require short on-campus lab intensives that may involve limited travel per term.
• State licensure laws may also require apprenticeships beyond your academic clinical hours.

Can Clinicals in Mortuary Science Be Completed Online?

The short answer is no. While you can complete much of the academic coursework online, mortuary science clinicals must be performed in person. Handling human remains, performing embalming, applying restorative art techniques, and participating in funeral directing services are skills that require supervised, hands-on practice.

However, that does not mean you must relocate or commute daily to campus. Many accredited programs now offer flexible hybrid models that allow distance learners to complete clinical requirements close to home.

Why In-Person Clinicals Are Required

ABFSE Accreditation Standards

To qualify for licensure in most states, you must graduate from a program accredited by the ABFSE. The ABFSE requires that students demonstrate competency in:

• Embalming and restorative art
• Funeral directing and service management
• Professional ethics
• Grief counseling fundamentals

These competencies include performance-based outcomes. Virtual simulations alone are not sufficient to meet accreditation standards.

State Licensing Requirements

In addition to academic clinicals, many states require an apprenticeship or internship. For example:

• Texas Funeral Service Commission requires a provisional license and supervised experience.
• New York State Education Department mandates a one-year residency.
• California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau requires practical training hours before licensure.

Because requirements vary, always verify with your state licensing board before enrolling.

How Online Mortuary Science Programs Handle Clinicals

Modern programs typically use one of three models. Understanding them helps you determine whether travel is required.

Program TypeDidactic CoursesClinicalsTravel Required?Best ForFully On-CampusIn-personOn-campus labs and local funeral homesYes, regular commuteStudents near campusHybrid with Campus IntensivesOnlineShort on-campus lab sessionsYes, limited travel per semesterDistance learners who can travel occasionallyHybrid with Local PlacementOnlineApproved funeral home near student's residenceMinimal or none if approved locallyWorking adults and remote students

Completing Clinical Hours Near Your Home

Many distance-friendly programs partner with funeral homes across multiple states. The typical process looks like this:

Step 1: School Approval

The school must approve the funeral home to ensure it meets ABFSE standards and provides adequate embalming case volume.

Step 2: Qualified Preceptor

A licensed funeral director or embalmer agrees to supervise your clinical work.

Step 3: Documentation

You log embalming cases, restorative work, and service participation. Documentation is submitted to the program for review.

Step 4: Skill Verification

Faculty may conduct site visits, request video documentation, or require competency assessments.

This structure allows many students to complete their education without relocating.

Examples of ABFSE-Accredited Distance Programs

You can search the official ABFSE directory here: ABFSE Accredited Program Directory.

Several institutions are known for offering hybrid or distance-friendly options, though requirements change regularly:

• Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
• Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
• John A. Gupton College
• Arlington University of Funeral Services

Always confirm directly with admissions regarding travel frequency and clinical placement flexibility.

How Much Travel Should You Expect?

Travel depends entirely on the program structure:

• Zero relocation: Possible with approved local clinical placement.
• Short residencies: Some programs require one to two weeks per year on campus.
• Multiple visits per term: Less common but required in certain hybrid lab models.

Ask admissions these specific questions:

• Can I complete embalming requirements at a funeral home in my city?
• How many on-campus lab days are mandatory?
• Are travel expenses included in tuition?
• How many embalming cases must I complete before graduation?

Online Coursework vs Hands-On Training

Courses typically available online include:

• Anatomy
• Pathology
• Grief counseling
• Funeral service law
• Ethics and business management

Training that must occur in person includes:

• Embalming procedures
• Restorative art application
• Cosmetology for decedents
• Funeral arrangement conferences

Some schools use virtual reality labs or simulation software for preparatory training. However, these tools supplement but do not replace real cases.

State-by-State Considerations After Graduation

Completing your clinicals is only part of the pathway. Many states require passing the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards National Board Examination and completing post-graduate apprenticeship hours.

Examples:

• Florida requires a one-year internship under a licensed funeral director.
• Illinois requires 12 months of apprenticeship.
• Colorado does not require licensure at the state level, but employer standards still demand clinical competency.

This means even if your academic program minimizes travel, you may still complete supervised experience locally before full licensure.

Cost Considerations for Distance Learners

Online coursework can reduce housing and commuting costs. However, you should factor in:

• Travel for lab intensives
• Personal protective equipment
• Clinical insurance requirements
• Background checks and vaccinations

Some funeral homes offer paid apprenticeships, which can offset these costs.

Choosing the Right Program Based on Your Location

Your geographic location heavily affects flexibility. Rural students may need more travel if funeral homes nearby cannot meet case volume requirements. Urban students often have more placement options.

Before applying:

• Contact local funeral homes to gauge interest in serving as a clinical site.
• Verify that your state accepts online-accredited degrees.
• Confirm minimum embalming case numbers required both by your school and your state.

Realistic Expectations for Working Adults

Many mortuary science students are career changers balancing employment. Hybrid programs are designed with this in mind, often allowing evening study and flexible clinical scheduling. However, embalming cases occur when deaths occur, which means irregular hours are part of the profession.

The good news is that truly relocating for school is increasingly unnecessary. The non-negotiable factor is in-person clinical competency, not campus attendance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Mortuary Science Clinicals

Can you finish mortuary science clinicals 100% online?

No. You can take many mortuary science courses online, but clinicals must be done in person. The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) requires supervised hands-on training in embalming, restorative art, and funeral service practice for accreditation.

How do online or hybrid programs usually handle clinical hours?

Most distance-friendly programs use hybrid models. You complete theory classes online and do clinicals either during short on-campus lab sessions or at an approved funeral home near where you live. You can review accredited options in the ABFSE accredited program directory.

Can you complete mortuary science clinicals near your home?

Often, yes. Many schools let you train at a local funeral home if the site and supervising funeral director or embalmer are approved. You log your embalming cases and service work, and the school verifies your skills, sometimes with site visits or video reviews.

What extra training or exams do states require after graduation?

Many states require both an apprenticeship and passing the National Board Examination from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. Some states, such as Florida and Illinois, also expect about one year of supervised practice after you finish school, so you should confirm details with your state licensing board.

Which mortuary science courses can you usually take online?

You can usually complete lecture-based subjects online, such as anatomy, pathology, grief counseling, funeral service law, and ethics or business management. Hands-on work like embalming, restorative art, and arrangement conferences must be done face to face under a licensed professional, as required by ABFSE standards.