Buzz
Morticians carry a wide range of responsibilities. Their primary duties involve guiding families through funeral preparations, preparing bodies for either burial or cremation, managing necessary legal paperwork, and offering emotional support to those mourning the loss of a loved one, particularly during challenging end-of-life decisions. If you're drawn to this important profession, you're in the right place. We'll take you through everything you need to know.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- Typically, you need to be at least 21 years old to pursue a career as a mortician.
- Depending on your location, you may need to earn either an associate's or a bachelor's degree in mortuary science.
- Licensing requirements differ across states, but most will require you to pass a state exam and complete an apprenticeship before you can officially practice as a licensed mortician.
Guideline Steps
Acquiring Education and Certification
Finish your high school education. This is a fundamental step, regardless of whether your state or province mandates post-secondary education for aspiring morticians. If you haven't completed high school or its equivalent, consider taking the GED (General Educational Development) test.
- A GED proves that you have a secondary school education equivalent, and there are preparatory courses available to help you review subjects if necessary.
Understand the specific requirements in your region. The steps to becoming a mortician can vary greatly depending on where you live. In the U.S., the National Funeral Directors Association website provides detailed information for each state. Generally, the process may involve:
- A minimum age requirement, typically 21 in the U.S. and 18 in Canada.
- Completion of post-secondary education or a diploma from an accredited institution.
- Certification, typically achieved by passing the necessary state or provincial examinations.
- An apprenticeship period.
- Licensing, which is often the last step.
- Be aware that some regions distinguish between embalmers and funeral directors, with separate educational and apprenticeship requirements for each profession.
Complete the required coursework. The majority of morticians are required to hold either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in mortuary science, which typically takes two to four years to complete. Some states demand between 30 and 60 semester hours at an accredited college or university. Coursework in mortuary science covers topics such as:
- Embalming and restorative techniques
- Chemistry, anatomy, pathology, and microbiology
- Psychology, ethics, and grief support
- Business practices and law
- Funeral service operations and customs
Pass the necessary exams. Most states and provinces require prospective morticians to pass exams at the state, provincial, or national level, with a few states requiring both.
- In the United States, the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards administers both the national and state exams.
- In Canada, students may be required to take a provincial licensing or legislative exam.
Secure an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship with a licensed mortician can span from one to three years, depending on your location. Some states permit you to gain experience while still in school, while others require the apprenticeship to begin after you graduate. During this period, you may be expected to complete the following:
- Participation in a set number of funeral services.
- A required number of hours working or volunteering at a funeral home.
- Performing a specific number of supervised embalming procedures.
- Maintain detailed records of your hours and activities during the apprenticeship, as you will likely need to submit this information for licensing.
- If your goal is to become a funeral director, seek a knowledgeable mentor.
- Learn the ins and outs of the profession from seasoned professionals.
- Many aspiring morticians start as interns, so it's recommended that you gain hands-on experience before fully committing to the field.
Obtain your license. Licensing is a requirement for morticians in most states and provinces, and you can apply for it after completing the necessary education, passing exams, and finishing your apprenticeship.
- In some states, such as Colorado, there are no strict requirements for morticians, but they offer a voluntary certification program.
Participate in continuing education. To maintain their licenses, many regions require morticians to complete a certain number of continuing education hours annually. These requirements vary by area and may include:
- 6 to 12 hours per year
- 8 to 12 hours every two years
- Specific training courses, such as those on HIV/AIDS
Seeking Employment
Understand the essential skills. Being a mortician means assisting people during some of their most challenging moments. This profession requires patience, commitment, empathy, and strong communication skills. Organizational and time management abilities are also crucial, as you will often handle multiple clients simultaneously. Employers will also look for qualities such as:
- Attention to detail
- Openness to diverse cultural practices
- Maintaining a respectful and dignified demeanor
- Emotional stability and sensitivity
Fulfill the additional requirements. Depending on your state, province, or potential employer, there may be non-academic criteria you need to meet in order to work as a mortician. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Providing up-to-date immunization records
- Submitting to a background check, including a police or criminal record check
- Possessing a valid driver’s license
- Being certified in CPR or First Aid
Craft your resume and cover letter. Your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a strong impression on a potential employer. These documents should be professional, clear, and tailored to each employer. Make sure to highlight:
- Your educational background and training
- Relevant knowledge and experience in the funeral services industry
- What sets you apart as an exceptional and unique candidate
Start applying for jobs. The funeral industry is expected to see growth due to the aging population, creating more job opportunities in the coming years. While securing a position may still be competitive, there will be more openings available.
- Expand your job search beyond your immediate area to increase your chances of finding employment.
- Contact your alma mater to inquire about job placement services for graduates.
- Regularly check local job boards, employment websites, and certification boards at the state, provincial, and national levels for job postings.
