Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS) stands as the oldest school of its kind in the United States, with its roots tracing back to the Clarke School, established on March 8, 1882. CCMS is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education in mortuary science and death education. The college offers a diverse curriculum covering all facets of funeral service, complemented by hands-on experience in their embalming laboratory.

A Legacy of Mortuary Education

During the nascent stages of embalming in the United States, the need for skilled practitioners became evident. Joseph Henry Clarke, recognizing this demand, founded a school of embalming in Cincinnati, Ohio. Clarke's background included working in his brother's pharmacy and studying medicine in Keokuk, Iowa. His experience as an assistant hospital steward in the 5th Iowa Infantry during the Civil War further solidified his understanding of the importance of preservation techniques.

After the war, Clarke's work as a casket salesman for the Whitewater Valley Coffin Company exposed him to the inadequacies of existing preservation methods. He sought further knowledge by enrolling in an anatomy course taught by C. M. Lukens at the Pulte Homeopathic Medical College. Together, Clarke and Lukens developed the concept for a school dedicated to embalming.

Their initial training sessions involved demonstrations of newly developed embalming chemicals and basic instruction in arterial and venous embalming techniques. The first class, held on March 8, 1882, at the Pulte Medical College, marked the beginning of a long and impactful journey for the institution.

Early Growth and Expansion

Following the success of the initial classes, Clarke established the school as a permanent institution of learning. The school gained recognition through a trade paper publication of its class material. To broaden its reach, Clarke and his colleagues traveled to cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston to conduct classes.

As the Clarke School grew, other schools began to emerge. However, some institutions focused on memorizing questions and answers for licensing exams, which often resulted in graduates lacking comprehensive knowledge.

Transformation and Modernization

In 1909, Charles O. Dhonau acquired ownership and management of Clarke's School, transforming it into the Cincinnati College of Embalming. Dhonau, dissatisfied with the superficial training offered at the time, sought to improve and expand mortuary education. He believed that true understanding and critical thinking were essential, stating, "When one has learned to know and understand, learned to think through the use of suitable thinking instrumentalities, one may more intelligently apply what one has learned to know and has developed the ability to do."

Dhonau moved the college to the Cincinnati General Hospital, providing students with valuable experience through a large number of hospital cases. In 1933, the college moved to a remodeled building at 3200 Reading Road.

Dhonau fostered a vision of competence and education, establishing a cooperative relationship with the University of Cincinnati for general studies and professional subjects. In 1966, he changed the name to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Dhonau also stimulated productivity in the faculty, resulting in the publication of numerous books and the development of several patents.

Transition and Continued Growth

In the late 1960s, Dhonau collaborated with Thomas Stueve to form the Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education, a non-profit organization to support the college. In 1970, Dhonau transferred all assets and responsibility to the Foundation.

Read also: Affording CCM: A Tuition Breakdown

After Dhonau's retirement, George M. Sleichter became Director, followed by David FitzSimmons as President in 1976. FitzSimmons reorganized the college, renewed its faculty, and revised the curriculum.

In 1979, CCMS moved to the Edgecliff campus under a lease agreement. In 1980, CCMS received authorization to award the Associate of Applied Science degree, and in 1982, it received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1986, CCMS became the first private college of mortuary science in the nation authorized to award the Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree. In 1994, CCMS purchased land in Finneytown and built its permanent home.

Degree Programs Offered

CCMS offers two degree programs designed to prepare students for careers in the death care profession:

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Bachelor of Mortuary Science (B.M.S.)

The choice between these programs depends on the applicant's educational background and the state in which they intend to practice.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

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. The A.A.S. program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in mortuary science.

Applicants for the A.A.S. program must complete a minimum of thirty qualified semester credit hours prior to enrolling. CCMS credits are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and transferable to other universities and colleges. The program credits are professionally accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) to satisfy the twelve-month mortuary science education requirements for state regulatory licensing agencies. This accreditation prepares graduates for success on the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board’s National Board Examination (N.B.E.) Arts and Sciences sections.

Upon satisfactory completion of the third semester and approval from the CCMS Academic Chair, students are eligible to sit for the Arts and Sciences sections of the National Board Examination (“NBE”) through the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board.

Bachelor of Mortuary Science (B.M.S.) Degree

The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS) Bachelor of Mortuary Science (B.M.S.) degree program is a regionally and professionally accredited four-semester program consisting of sixty-two credit hours. The B.M.S. program offers a more in-depth exploration of mortuary science principles and practices.

Applicants for the B.M.S. program must complete a minimum of 60 qualified credit hours prior to enrolling with CCMS. CCMS credits are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and transferable to any other university or college in the nation. Program credits are also professionally accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education to satisfy the twelve-month mortuary science education requirements for each of the fifty-state regulatory licensing agencies to prepare graduates for success on the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board’s National Board Examination (N.B.E.) Arts and Sciences sections.

Curriculum Highlights and Key Courses

The CCMS curriculum covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

Death in America: Explores sociological phenomena related to attitudes toward death, children and death, terminal illness and hospice care, and suicide.
Embalming Theory I & II (ET I & ET II): Introduces the clinical laboratory setting, topographical and cardiovascular anatomy, basic medical terminology, and pre-, during-, and post-embalming considerations. ET II focuses on the application of embalming techniques and fluids for difficult cases.
Restorative Art: Emphasizes the natural form and appearance of the cranium and face, including the bones and muscles of the head, shapes, proportions, profiles, and features. Students gain practical experience in modeling and reconstructing features using wax mediums and cosmetics.
Mortuary Law: Examines current mortuary law theory, state and federal regulations pertaining to funeral homes as a business, and directors as licensed professionals.
Funeral Directing: Focuses on the basic duties, responsibilities, and expectations of those practicing funeral service, with a historical to contemporary perspective.
Cemeteries and Crematories: A study of the roles cemeteries and crematories take in today’s deathcare practices.

Capstone Experiences

CCMS Capstone Experiences allow for qualitative assessment of student learning. Mortuary Science Capstone, offered in the final AAS term, enables instructors to assess skills in the areas of embalming, funeral directing, counseling and management which cannot be measured effectively through traditional course exams. For BMS students, Funeral Service Co-op is an opportunity to begin putting knowledge and skills together by participating in all areas of work in a funeral home environment.

Additional Resources and Support

CCMS provides various resources and support systems to help students succeed:

Library Resources: The CCMS library offers a specialized collection of resources to support students and faculty, including reference materials, research assistance, instruction, and a print collection accessible through an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). The CCMS library has resources to help you prepare for the NBE (and for the Comprehensive Exam). For temporary use, the CCMS library has textbooks for check out and reference, but there are limited copies with required returns.
Technical Support: CCMS provides resources for technical support.
FPPS Student Peer Support Meeting: Students are invited to join the Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) meeting, a peer-led organization established in 2018 that promotes mental wellness.
Disability & Accommodation Policy: CCMS is committed to providing a non-discriminatory environment for qualified individuals with disabilities, offering reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the educational program.
State Licensure Information: Each state has unique licensure requirements for the funeral service profession. The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science's accreditation allows a student to sit for the National Board Examination (N.B.E.) in all 50 states, but students must be well versed in their particular state licensing requirements in the state they wish to become licensed. CCMS provides information on state licensing requirements.

Important Policies and Requirements

Academic Progress: Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress, defined as passing all courses and earning a minimum 2.00 GPA each term. Failure to do so may result in academic action.
Student Handbook: Students are expected to adhere to the standards set forth in the Handbook. The content of the Student Handbook/College Catalog is subject to continuous review by CCMS, its authorized agents, and the Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education. These policies and regulations may be changed without notice.
Textbooks: Refer to the Textbook Chart for a comprehensive listing of all books and supplies students will need during their time at CCMS. Incoming students will be provided with a print copy at Orientation.
State Licensure Disclosures: Postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs are required to make certain disclosures to enrolled and prospective students, parents, employees and the public regarding educational requirements for programs leading to professional licensure or certification. Distance education programs that lead to professional licensure are required to track student location at the time of initial enrollment.

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