According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, morticians are usually called funeral directors these days. Their job duties often include embalming the body and making funeral arrangements, though in some mortuary businesses, the funeral director and the embalmer are two different people. All U.S. states require that embalmers be licensed, and all states except Colorado license funeral directors as well. Specific educational requirements vary from state to state.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education notes that some amount of college is a common prerequisite for funeral directors, and the National Funeral Directors Association lists the funeral service board requirements for each state. For example, the state of Texas licenses funeral directors and embalmers, and requires that they graduate from high school and mortuary college. Texas undertakers must also pass a national examination and state law examination.
In addition to formal schooling, most states require funeral directors and embalmers to complete an apprenticeship before they can be licensed. This must be served with an experienced and licensed professional funeral director or embalmer. The apprenticeship can range from six months to three years.
1 Work at a funeral home during high school, doing miscellaneous tasks. This will allow you to understand what the field entails.
Step
2
Check out the National Funeral Directors Association Web site (see nfda.org) to find your state's educational requirements for a mortician's license.
Step
3
Note that many states require an associate's degree in funeral service education. Some call for a four-year degree, while others require only high school plus training.
Step
4
Apply to any of the accredited colleges listed in the NFDA Web site, making certain you will receive the background needed for a mortician's license in your state.
Step
5
Take the National Board Examination after you have completed your degree work.
Step
6
Work as an apprentice for one to two years before, during or after attending college. The exact time depends on your state. Contact your state board early on for exact information.
