Morticians – the modern term for professionals who are both funeral directors and embalmers – consider their work a calling more than a career. However, you’ll need official training and a degree or certificate to enter this financially and personally rewarding profession.
Mortuary school typically involves earning an associates or bachelors degree in funeral service or mortuary science from an accredited institution recognized by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE.) Each state has different guidelines, but nearly all require official training for a degree or certification.
Some funeral directors may also be embalmers, but not all are licensed embalmers. Like other professions, a more comprehensive degree opens more doors and opportunities.
Some states allow you to pursue an internship before you enroll in a mortuary science course. Internships or job shadowing are great ways to determine if being a mortician suits you. If it does, you’re ready to go to school.
Have you ever wondered what happens after someone passes away? Who prepares the body for burial and handles all the funeral arrangements? That job belongs to morticians, also known as funeral directors Being a mortician is a meaningful yet challenging career that requires both technical skills and compassion If you want to help grieving families honor their loved ones, becoming a mortician may be right for you. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to start your career as a mortician.
What Does a Mortician Do?
Morticians have a multifaceted role that involves both body preparation and business operations. Their main duties include:
- Meeting with families to arrange funeral services according to their wishes and budget
- Transporting and preparing the deceased for viewing and burial through embalming and restorative techniques
- Overseeing visitations and funeral ceremonies
- Filing necessary paperwork for death certificates and permits
- Coordinating with cemeteries, crematories, clergy, florists, and other third-party vendors
- Managing funeral home staff and business operations
Morticians provide an essential service to grieving families during an extremely difficult time. Their work requires both technical expertise and compassion.
Mortician Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for morticians is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of funeral directors is projected to grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average across all occupations. An aging population is expected to drive increased demand for funeral services.
The average annual salary for morticians in 2021 was $56,360, according to the BLS. Salaries can range from around $30,000 for entry-level positions to over $80,000 for experienced funeral directors working in major metropolitan areas and managing their own funeral homes. Geographic location, education level, and years of experience impact average salaries.
How to Become a Mortician
Follow these key steps to launch your career as a licensed mortician
Earn a Mortuary Science Degree
Most morticians have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science or Funeral Service. These programs teach courses like embalming techniques, restorative art, pathology, anatomy, funeral home management, grief counseling, ethics, and state rules and regulations. Accredited programs are available at community colleges, universities, and specialized mortuary schools.
Complete an Apprenticeship
After finishing your mortuary science education, you must complete a 1-3 year apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director. This hands-on training allows you to assist with preparing bodies, meeting with families coordinating funerals, and running the business. Apprenticeships provide invaluable real-world experience.
Get Licensed
Morticians must pass a state licensing exam to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally include being at least 21 years old, having an accredited mortuary science degree, and completing an apprenticeship. The exam covers mortuary science, funeral directing, and state laws. Maintaining licensure requires continuing education.
Consider Specializing
Some morticians choose to get additional certifications in areas like embalming, restorative art, or funeral celebrant. Specialty training can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries. Owning your own funeral home is another career goal for experienced morticians.
Important Skills for Morticians
Morticians need both technical aptitude and soft skills to succeed:
- Knowledge of mortuary science, embalming, and restorative techniques
- Business savvy and management skills
- Attention to detail and organization
- Communication and interpersonal abilities
- Empathy, compassion, and counseling skills
- Ability to manage stress
- Physical stamina
Is Becoming a Mortician Right for You?
A career as a mortician offers many rewards but also has some drawbacks to consider:
Pros
- Meaningful work helping grieving families
- Strong job outlook and good salary potential
- Varied duties and responsibilities
- Opportunity to own your own business
Cons
- Work can be emotionally draining
- Irregular hours for meetings and funeral services
- Exposure to infectious diseases and chemicals
- Physically demanding working conditions
- Licensing requirements can be extensive
If you want a career with purpose, enjoy scientific processes, and can handle the demands of the job, becoming a mortician can be a great choice. With the right education, training, and licensing, you can begin honoring deceased loved ones and comforting those left behind.
Mortician Scholarships & Financial Aid
Funeral service organizations, state and national professional associations, veterans groups, and private businesses offer thousands of dollars in scholarships annually. Mortuary science and funeral service students can apply for scholarships to help pay for tuition, room and board, fees, and books. Some scholarships are need-based, but many are available for applicants with other criteria.
You can find more information on mortuary scholarships, including application deadlines and requirements, on these websites:
State and Federal Financial Aid:
The American Board of Funeral Service Education requires future funeral directors to become an apprentice for one to three years. Some areas allow you to begin an apprenticeship before you start college. You can serve as an apprentice while enrolled and finish after graduation.
Apprentices work in a funeral home and perform various jobs under the supervision of a licensed provider.
Ask your high school or college advisor about apprenticeship programs near you. The NFDA lists opportunities for apprenticeships and internships on its job opening website.
Cost of a Mortuary Degree Program
You can expect to pay an average of $23,753 for a funeral service or mortuary science undergraduate program. Many factors affect your educational costs, including:
- In-state versus out-of-state tuition (public colleges and universities)
- On-campus or off-campus housing
- State and federal education grants, aid, or scholarships
- Scholarships
- Part-time versus full-time enrollment
On-campus mortuary science programs allow students to complete all coursework and clinical requirements in a face-to-face setting on campus. Traditional programs have fixed classes and lab hours, which may be offered during the day, afternoon, or evening, depending on location and student preference.
Advantages:
- Personal interaction with instructors and fellow students
- Increased opportunities for communication with peers
- Highly structured educational environment
- On-campus assistance and resources
Disadvantages:
- Commuting costs in terms of time and money or housing costs, if applicable
- Inflexible scheduling
- Time away from family, work, and other obligations
An increasing number of students in all fields opt for online education, allowing busy adults to earn a degree from the comfort of their homes while managing family responsibilities and working full-time jobs. Numerous mortuary science programs offer online coursework options. However, all restorative arts, embalming labs, and clinicals must be completed on campus or at an approved off-campus facility.
Advantages:
- Classes can be completed from anywhere with internet access
- Highly flexible scheduling for online components
- Access to technology and online resources
- Ability to attend school while working and caring for families
Disadvantages:
- Low level of face-to-face interaction
- Requires a high level of student organization and motivation
- Restorative arts, embalming labs, and clinicals must be integrated into the students schedule
Hybrid programs suit many students with time constraints but are uncomfortable with fully online educational programs. These programs allow students to complete a portion of the required coursework online while also attending on-site classes for labs and clinicals. Hybrid programs offer more flexibility than traditional programs, reduce commuting needs, and provide greater interpersonal interaction than online programs.
Advantages:
- Combines a high level of flexibility with opportunities for interpersonal interaction
- Access to online resources
- Reduction in commuting expenses and time
Disadvantages:
- Offers less flexibility compared to fully online programs
- Requires a great deal of motivation and organization from students
Becoming A Mortician
FAQ
How much do morticians make highest paid?
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Annual Salary
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Monthly Pay
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Top Earners
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$94,742
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$7,895
|
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75th Percentile
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$57,200
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$4,766
|
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Average
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$55,955
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$4,662
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25th Percentile
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$35,500
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$2,958
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What degree do you need to be a mortician?
Typically, an associate’s degree is an acceptable level of education for securing a job as a mortician. In college, you’ll learn how to perform all roles related to funeral services, taking courses in embalming, grief counseling, funeral service management, and business law.
How much does a mortician make a year?
The average salary of a mortician is around $41,000 a year. Typically, those who have more experience in the field make more money. You’ll also make more money if you run your own funeral home. Those with bachelor’s degrees also typically make more money. Depending on where you live, you may be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Q.
How old do you have to be to be a mortician?
Besides states typically requiring morticians to be at least 21 years old, there are several essential education requirements to work as a mortician. Morticians usually have at least an associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
Do you need a license to be a mortician?
Most states require a funeral service license to become a mortician. Requirements for licenses vary, but they often include a combination of education, training and a passing score on one or more exams. The International Conference of Funeral Examining Boards offers both national and state funeral services exams, and states may require one or both.
