Living Through Death

By dantes On 26 April 2016 In Education and Career

Morticians, more commonly referred to as funeral directors or undertakers, help families of the deceased by managing various details involved in planning a funeral. Duties include moving the body to a mortuary, preparing the remains for a ceremony, performing rites in accordance with the spiritual requirements of the family and arranging for the final disposition of the body. The work can be stressful and emotionally taxing, and funeral service workers generally must be on call 24 hours a day, including evenings and weekends. Morticians who work in crematories must wear protective clothing to protect against high temperatures.

State licensing boards that issue credentials to morticians require candidates have an associate’s degree. Most mortuary science programs accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) are associate’s degrees; although, a few are bachelor’s programs. States may require completion of an accredited program for licensing. Coursework generally includes professional ethics, anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, pathology, embalming, funeral service psychology and counseling, chemistry, restorative art, federal regulations and mortuary law.

The ABFSE requires morticians to apprentice for 1 to 3 years. The apprenticeship can be performed before, during or after the formal education process, depending on state requirements. Some states require the apprentice to have an apprentice license. Mortuary apprentice can perform work only under direct guidance and supervision of an experienced professional.

Morticians are required to pass a state licensing examination. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and have already completed an accredited 2-year degree and apprenticeship program to be eligible for licensure. Subjects covered in the national exam include psychology, business law, funeral service merchandising, funeral service history, microbiology, pathology, restorative arts, anatomy and embalming. Some states issue the funeral director and embalmer license separately.

Many states require morticians to participate in continuing education activities in order to maintain licensure. Continuing education will enable a mortician to stay current on laws regarding funeral services as well as advancements and trends in the industry. Continuing education options are available through distance or on-site learning. Distance options include webinars, teleconferences and online coursework. On-site options include professional development courses, workshops and seminars.

Earn voluntary designations. Optional designations, such as the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) offered by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice can help a mortician stand out in the field and expand career options.

Learn how to become a mortician. Research the education requirements, training and licensure information and experience required for starting a career in funeral direction. It may take some time but in the long run it will be worth it because you will have an amazing career opportunity that will take you to new and exciting places.