Mortuary Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancements
Funeral directors are licensed in all States. Licensing laws vary from
State to State, but most require applicants to be 21 years old, have
2 years of formal education that includes studies in mortuary science,
serve a 1-year apprenticeship, and pass a qualifying examination. After
becoming licensed, new funeral directors may join the staff of a funeral
home. Funeral directors who embalm must be licensed in all States, and
some States license only those who embalm. In States that have separate
licensing requirements, most people in the field obtain both licenses.
Persons interested in a career as a funeral director should contact
their State licensing board for specific requirements.
College programs in mortuary science usually last from 2 to 4 years.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education accredits about 50 mortuary
science programs. A few community and junior colleges offer 2-year programs,
and a few colleges and universities offer both 2-year and 4-year programs.
Mortuary science programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology,
embalming techniques, restorative art, business management, accounting
and use of computers in funeral home management, and client services.
They also include courses in the social sciences and in legal, ethical,
and regulatory subjects such as psychology, grief counseling, oral and
written communication, funeral service law, business law, and ethics.
Many State and national associations offer continuing education programs
designed for licensed funeral directors. These programs address issues
in communications, counseling, and management. More than 30 States have
requirements that funeral directors receive continuing education credits
to maintain their licenses.
Apprenticeships must be completed under the direction of an experienced
and licensed funeral director. Depending on State regulations, apprenticeships
last from 1 to 3 years and may be served before, during, or after mortuary
school. Apprenticeships provide practical experience in all facets of
the funeral service, from embalming to transporting remains.
State board licensing examinations vary, but they usually consist of
written and oral parts and include a demonstration of practical skills.
Persons who want to work in another State may have to pass the examination
for that State; however, some States have reciprocity arrangements and
will grant licenses to funeral directors from another State without
further examination.
High school students can start preparing for a career as a funeral
director by taking courses in biology and chemistry and participating
in public speaking or debate clubs. Part-time or summer jobs in funeral
homes consist mostly of maintenance and cleanup tasks, such as washing
and polishing limousines and hearses, but these tasks can help students
become familiar with the operation of funeral homes.
Important personal traits for funeral directors are composure, tact,
and the ability to communicate easily with the public. Funeral directors
also should have the desire and ability to comfort people in a time
of sorrow.
Advancement opportunities generally are best in larger funeral homes.
Funeral directors may earn promotions to higher paying positions such
as branch manager or general manager. Some directors eventually acquire
enough money and experience to establish their own funeral home businesses.
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics
