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hannah
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
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How would i get started as a mortician?
How would i get started as a mortician? Would I need to get to school for this career and if so where do i start?
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2 answers
Anna DeLong
Funeral Director & Cremation Specialist
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Answer
Portland, Oregon
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Anna’s Answer
This differs state to state. Each state has their own version of a mortuary and cemetery board. Some states require an AA degree, some don’t.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Hannah,
Getting Started as a Mortician
To become a mortician, also known as a funeral director, you typically need to follow a specific educational and licensing path. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started in this career:
1. Education Requirements:
High School Diploma: The first step is to complete high school or obtain a GED equivalent.
Mortuary Science Degree: Most states require aspiring morticians to have an associate’s degree in mortuary science. This program covers topics such as embalming, restorative art, funeral service management, and ethics.
2. Licensing and Certification:
State Licensing: After completing your education, you will need to obtain a license to practice as a mortician. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically involve passing an exam and meeting specific education and experience criteria.
Certification: While certification is not always mandatory, becoming certified by professional organizations like the American Board of Funeral Service Education can enhance your credentials and job prospects.
3. Gain Practical Experience:
Apprenticeship: Many aspiring morticians complete an apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced funeral director. This hands-on training provides valuable practical experience in all aspects of funeral service.
Internship: Some mortuary science programs include internship opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience in funeral homes or related facilities.
4. Job Search and Career Development:
Once you have completed your education, licensing, and gained practical experience, you can start applying for positions at funeral homes or related establishments.
Continuing education through workshops, seminars, and professional development courses can help you stay current with industry trends and advance your career as a mortician.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA): The NFDA is a leading professional organization for funeral directors that provides resources on education requirements, licensing information, and industry updates.
American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE): The ABFSE sets accreditation standards for mortuary science programs and offers certification options for aspiring funeral directors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on the job outlook, salary information, and educational requirements for morticians in the United States.
God Bless You,
JC.
Getting Started as a Mortician
To become a mortician, also known as a funeral director, you typically need to follow a specific educational and licensing path. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started in this career:
1. Education Requirements:
High School Diploma: The first step is to complete high school or obtain a GED equivalent.
Mortuary Science Degree: Most states require aspiring morticians to have an associate’s degree in mortuary science. This program covers topics such as embalming, restorative art, funeral service management, and ethics.
2. Licensing and Certification:
State Licensing: After completing your education, you will need to obtain a license to practice as a mortician. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically involve passing an exam and meeting specific education and experience criteria.
Certification: While certification is not always mandatory, becoming certified by professional organizations like the American Board of Funeral Service Education can enhance your credentials and job prospects.
3. Gain Practical Experience:
Apprenticeship: Many aspiring morticians complete an apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced funeral director. This hands-on training provides valuable practical experience in all aspects of funeral service.
Internship: Some mortuary science programs include internship opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience in funeral homes or related facilities.
4. Job Search and Career Development:
Once you have completed your education, licensing, and gained practical experience, you can start applying for positions at funeral homes or related establishments.
Continuing education through workshops, seminars, and professional development courses can help you stay current with industry trends and advance your career as a mortician.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA): The NFDA is a leading professional organization for funeral directors that provides resources on education requirements, licensing information, and industry updates.
American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE): The ABFSE sets accreditation standards for mortuary science programs and offers certification options for aspiring funeral directors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on the job outlook, salary information, and educational requirements for morticians in the United States.
God Bless You,
JC.