Morticians, also known as funeral directors, are at the center of helping us through times of grief when we’ve lost a loved one. They assist with funeral planning and preparing the body for burial.
So, what exactly does it take to have a successful mortician career? Keep reading to find out the educational requirements needed to become a mortician, so you can have a thriving career that includes benefits and a fantastic salary.
Starting A Mortician Career
Having a career in the funeral business isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll have to deal with a busy schedule with long hours. You’ll also need to know how to navigate stressful situations, because, let’s face it — death is not an easy thing.
If you feel like you have what it takes, there are a couple of educational paths that one can take to achieve certification and become a mortician.
Unofficial Training
In some places, it’s not required to have a college degree to work in the mortuary business. Some jobs may give you a position where you’re able to train while doing your job. Although this is an easier route, it may take some time to convince a funeral home to hire you since you’ve got no official training.
Official Training
To become a licensed mortician, you must have at least an associate’s degree in mortuary science. Do some research through the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABSFE), and you’ll be able to locate over 57 programs that offer a degree program.
Getting your associate’s degree will take approximately 2 years. If you decide to get a bachelor’s degree, it will take up to 4 years to complete.
On-Campus Vs. Online Programs
Depending on your needs as a student, you can either enter on-campus classes or an online program. Both have their own advantages. For instance, with an on-campus program, you’re able to interact face-to-face with your professor and other students.
Studying on-campus improves your communication skills because you’re always surrounded by people and unlimited on-campus resources. An online program also has a host of benefits, such as the ability to complete your coursework anywhere at any time.
The school will provide you with the resources you need and you can complete your certification while working a job or taking care of family members.
Complete An Apprenticeship
After completing your studies or during your studies, you should seek to complete an apprenticeship with a funeral director. While you’re searching for an opportunity, be aware they may ask you if you know the basics of the industry — like the difference between a funeral home and a mortuary.
Once you’ve obtained your apprenticeship, you may take part in embalmings, funerals, and other processes that would otherwise fall on the shoulders of the mortician. After assisting with these tasks, you will need to submit documentation of each task completion.
The Finale
A mortician career can be a challenging one when it comes to handling grieving situations correctly, and obtaining your license in this field can be a lengthy process. But the process is well worth it.
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