FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some frequently asked questions about both the Campus program and the Online Program. To go directly to the section that you would like to see.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CAMPUS PROGRAM AT AAMI
1. How long will it take to complete the Campus Program?
Typically full-time campus students complete the program in three semesters (12 months) with advanced standing and four semesters (16 months) without transfer credits.
2. Is there an orientation for new campus students?
Yes, there is an orientation that takes place before the beginning of your first semester.
3. Is there a dress code at AAMI?
Yes, the campus dress code is business casual.
4. Is daily attendance at AAMI required?
Campus and online students must attend at least 80% of all scheduled hours in each course.
5. Is there a computer lab on campus for students?
No but there are computers available for students in the library.
6. How do I apply for admission?
You can apply for admission online at: https://sonis.funeraleducation.org/studapp.cfm or by contacting our Admissions Office Toll Free 1-866-932-2264 (1-866-WEB-AAMI).
7. How much will it cost?
The tuition is the same for campus and online courses: $525.00 per credit hour.
8. Can I take just the courses required for a “Funeral Director-Only” program so that I don’t have to take embalming?
Not at this time. If the American Board of Funeral Service Education approves the accreditation of a Funeral Director-Only degree in the future, AAMI will consider offering it.
9. How do I buy my textbooks and other materials?
You can order your books by going to our online bookstore.
10. Is Financial Aid available?
Yes, Federal Aid and in some cases State Aid is available if you qualify.
11. How do I pay?
You may pay by check or pay online with Visa or Mastercard.
12. Can I receive transfer credit for courses I have already taken?
Yes. AAMI provides transfer credit for courses that meet general education requirements.
A transfer evaluation will be completed prior to your enrolling in your first class.
13. Do I have to register with the New York State Department of Health as a Registered Student Trainee even though I am not from New York?
Yes, the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Funeral Directing mandates that regardless of the state in which you wish to be licensed, you must register with their department.
14. Can I convert my diploma to an associate degree now?
You may request that your AAMI diploma be converted to an A.O.S. degree. Your records will be checked and if you are eligible, we will issue you a degree. The administrative fee is $100..
Each transcript will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. It is possible that you will be required to retake courses that have been revised substantially in the intervening years.
15. I attended but did not complete the program at another ABFSE program; can I transfer my credits to AAMI and get a degree?
If you have credits from another institution, you may apply to AAMI as a transfer student.
16. Which Two Forms of Identification (ID) for residency are Acceptable? Click on link for Acceptable Proofs of ID
Click here for list of Acceptable Proofs of ID
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ONLINE PROGRAM AT AAMI
1. How long will it take to complete the Online Program?
A student is advised to select a course map in which the program can be completed in approximately 18-24 months.
2. Can I take the entire Funeral Service Associate Degree Online?
You can take all of the courses online except the clinical components in Restorative Art.
3. Are the Online Courses the same as Campus Courses?
The online courses at AAMI have the same requirements and content as those offered on the campus.
4. Is there a limit on the number of credits I may take online in a semester?
You are limited to 14 credits per semester.
5. Is there a minimum number of credits I must take?
Yes, students enrolled in the online program, starting in May of 2022, will have to follow a course shell that is specific.
6. Will I be able to finish in four years taking courses part-time?
The Associate Degree requires the successful completion of 69 credits. In a four-year period there are 12 semesters of 13 weeks each. If you take 5 or 6 credits (approximately 2-3 courses) per semester, you could finish the program in four years.
7. What technology will I need to take courses?
You will need access to a personal computer with a modem, a web cam and a printer. In addition, you will need an Internet Service Provider (ISP), email and World Wide Web (www) browser capabilities. Please call 866.932.2264 for more information on technology requirements. You will also need a high-speed internet connection.
8. How will I take tests?
Most of your exams will be taken over the Internet. Midterms and final exams will be scheduled for specific dates and you will need a password to access them. Most password protected tests will have a time-limit requirement.
9. Will I have any communication with other students?
We encourage communication with the faculty and other students. Each course is built with discussion groups as a central component of the course. There will be many team projects and other opportunities to get to know your fellow students.
10. Are the admission requirements the same as the Campus Program?
Yes, the admission requirements are exactly the same.
11. What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a state approved equivalent diploma. In addition, an applicant must comply with any specific legal or educational requirement prescribed by his/her intended state of practice.
12. How do I apply for admission?
You can apply for admission online at: hereor by contacting our Admissions Office Toll Free 1-866-932-2264 (1-866-WEB-AAMI).
13. Can I take just the courses required for a “Funeral Director-Only” program so that I don’t have to take embalming?
Not at this time. If the American Board of Funeral Service Education approves the accreditation of a Funeral Director-Only degree in the future, AAMI will consider offering it.
14. How do I buy my textbooks and other materials?
You can order your books by going to our online bookstore.
15. How much will it cost?
The tuition is the same for campus and online courses and found on the AAMI web site.
16. Is Financial Aid available?
Yes, Federal Aid and in some cases State Aid is available if you qualify.
17. How do I pay?
You may pay by check or pay online with Visa or Mastercard.
18. Can I receive transfer credit for courses I have already taken?
AAMI provides transfer credit for courses that meet general education requirements. A transfer evaluation will be completed prior to your enrolling in your first class. Please review our transfer policy on the AAMI web site or in the Online Catalog.
19. Do I have to register with the New York State Department of Health as a Registered Student Trainee even though I am not from New York?
Yes, the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Funeral Directing mandates that regardless of the state in which you wish to be licensed, you must register with their department.
20. Can I convert my diploma to an associate degree now?
If you graduated from AAMI’s diploma program and passed the national board exam no more than 4 years ago, you are eligible to apply to have your diploma converted to an associate degree. The fee for the associate degree is $100.00.
If it has been more than 4 years since you completed your degree, and you passed the national board exam, the credits earned more than 4 years ago will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. It is possible that you will be required to retake courses that have been revised substantially in the intervening years.
21. I attended but did not complete the program at another ABFSE program; can I transfer my credits to AAMI and get a degree?
If you have credits from another institution, you may apply to AAMI as a transfer student. Please refer to the transfer policy in the catalog or online.