This college became the first in the US to have an on-campus mortuary

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KABB) – A college in Texas is breaking new ground as it becomes the first school in the country to house a fully functioning mortuary.

The mortuary science program at San Antonio College has been around since 1961.

The program allows students the hands-on experience of what it means to be a mortician.

This year, the campus took another step forward as it opened the first-ever mortuary on a college campus.

Jonica Fuller is a former student of the mortuary science program. She said she learned about the program’s conception from her former professor and is excited for future students to have this opportunity.

“We were so excited, you know, something that we can experience instead of coming to an actual funeral home,” she said.

Jennifer Floyd is the licensed funeral director and embalmer in charge of the operation.

Students shadow her throughout the day as she shows how the business works.

She said the students can do it all themselves.

“We provide every service that any other funeral home in the state or in the country can provide,” she said. “Direct cremations, cremations with services, memorial services, traditional funeral services.”

The mortuary is also open for business with the public.

The building is complete with a crematorium, chapel, preview room and conference room.

Floyd said this is an opportunity to build a world-class program of the future.

“It’s groundbreaking, it’s innovative, and it’s definitely a legacy and a jewel for the students to be a part of it,” she said. “For me, it’s not about me, it’s about educating our future generation.”

School leaders said the new facility will advance the field of mortuary science and will set a precedent for similar programs nationwide.

Copyright 2024 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.