How to Become a Mortician

The process you must undergo in order to become a funeral director, also called a mortician or undertaker, varies widely from state to state. One excellent aspect of this particular profession is that it will always be necessary. Before you enroll in a mortuary science program, though, it is important to evaluate the emotional toll this position can take on your daily life.

You will need to be able to properly console distraught friends and family members of the dead while maintaining a sense of professionalism and attending to the duties of your job. This can be incredibly difficult to balance. It is also important for you to evaluate the weekly work schedule that funeral director's generally have. Because people can die at any time, you will not always be able to work a standard shift. For example, your presence will likely be required at the funeral home on certain evenings, weekends, and holidays.

After evaluating the pros and cons of the career path, if you have decided to proceed, you should begin by going online. In particular, you should locate a website that outlines each state's procedure for becoming a mortician. This is essential since the procedures are quite different from state to state. Some states, for instance, allow individuals to become funeral directors with just a high school diploma and an apprenticeship, while others necessitate a bachelor's degree in mortuary science.

Websites that outline these requirements by state will also generally provide a list of accredited mortuary science schools in your area. If you live in a state that requires both a degree and an apprenticeship, your academic adviser will likely place you in a position at an area funeral home. If you simply need an apprenticeship in your state, you should begin calling local funeral homes until you find a funeral director who is able to take you as an apprentice.

Regardless of what your state's individual requirements are for funeral directors, you will eventually have to pass an examination to become national certified as a funeral director. Next, you can find a job as a funeral director with an existing funeral home or open your own establishment.

Keep in mind that it is challenging to start a new funeral parlor. In many regions, there are established funeral homes that have served that area's needs for many decades. Also, funeral parlors are frequently kept in the same family for years, so residents of an area often know the owners quite well and trust them. If you are not part of a family that already owns a funeral home, it is often easiest to find employment in an establishment that has existed for years.