I never planned on becoming a mortician. Actually, I was headed for a career in healthcare until my grandmother passed away, and I witnessed firsthand the profound impact a compassionate funeral director had on my family. That experience changed everything for me.
If you’re reading this, you might be curious about how to become a mortician for your own reasons – maybe you’re naturally empathetic, fascinated by the rituals surrounding death, or simply drawn to a profession that truly matters. Whatever brought you here, this guide digs into the nitty-gritty of entering this unique field.
Morticians (or funeral directors, as many of us prefer to be called these days) do so much more than the stereotypes suggest. We’re counselors, event planners, small business owners, and yes – caregivers for those who’ve passed. Let me walk you through what this journey actually looks like – from education hurdles to the realities of the job that TV shows usually get wrong.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Education | Associates or bachelor’s degree in mortuary science required |
| Licensing | State-specific examination and licensing mandatory |
| Training | 1-3 year apprenticeship under licensed professionals |
| Skills Needed | Empathy, attention to detail, communication, business acumen |
| Career Outlook | Stable employment with 8% growth projected through 2032 |
| Salary Range | $45,000-$75,000+ depending on location and experience |
| Work Environment | Funeral homes, crematories, mortuaries |
What Does a Mortician Do?
Before we dive into how to become a mortician, let’s clear up what the job actually involves. Trust me, it’s not just what you’ve seen on “Six Feet Under” (though that show got some things surprisingly right).
My typical week is a weird mix of intense emotional work and mundane paperwork. Monday might start with meeting a family who lost their dad unexpectedly – I’m part counselor, part event planner, helping them design a service that honors him properly. Tuesday could have me in the preparation room for hours, carefully embalming and restoring someone who was in a car accident so their family can have a viewing. Wednesday might be all about logistics – coordinating with cemeteries, ordering death certificates, and making sure our hearse is where it needs to be when services start.
I wear a lot of hats: scientist when I’m embalming, artist when I’m doing restorative work, therapist when I’m helping families, and businessman when I’m handling the financial side of things. One day I’m in a suit meeting with families, the next I’m in scrubs doing technical work that would make some people queasy.
The biggest misconception? That we’re all creepy, solemn characters who love being around death. In reality, most funeral directors I know got into this because they genuinely care about helping people through their absolute worst moments. We tend to have a pretty good sense of humor too – it’s practically a job requirement with the stress we deal with.
Educational Requirements for Becoming a Mortician
High School Preparation
So you’re still in high school and thinking about how to become a mortician? Smart move to research early – I wish I had! Focus on biology and chemistry classes since you’ll need that foundation later. Business courses help too because, surprise, funeral homes are businesses. Speaking and psychology classes are gold since communication is about 80% of this job.
Here’s what I did that helped: I volunteered at a local funeral home my junior year, just answering phones and helping with visitations. Not gonna lie, it was awkward at first (try explaining that volunteer gig to your friends), but it confirmed this was for me AND looked awesome on my mortuary school application. Plus, my boss wrote me a killer recommendation letter later.
College Education
Let’s talk degrees. You absolutely need formal education in mortuary science – there’s no “working your way up” from washing hearses anymore. Most states require at least an associate’s degree, which takes 2-3 years. I went for a bachelor’s degree (4 years) because I wanted more options later, maybe to teach or go into corporate funeral service.
IMPORTANT: Whatever program you pick MUST be accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Non-accredited programs are a waste of money since you can’t get licensed with them.
My mortuary program was…intense. We covered:
- Embalming (both theory and hands-on practice – yes, on real people)
- Restorative art (basically rebuilding facial features damaged in accidents or illness)
- Grief psychology (how to support people having the worst day of their lives)
- Funeral service practices (religious customs, ceremonies, trends)
- Business management (because funeral homes are still businesses)
- Law and ethics (there are TONS of regulations in this industry)
- Sciences (microbiology, pathology, anatomy)
Not gonna sugarcoat it – it was challenging. The embalming chemistry nearly broke me (failed that midterm and had to pull all-nighters to catch up). But my classmates became like family because we were all going through this weird experience together. Most programs have around 20-30 students per class, so it’s tight-knit.
My friend Jake researched becoming a detective the same way I researched how to become a detective when we were exploring different career paths. He went the law enforcement route while I chose funeral service – both of us helping people, just at different points in their journey.
The Apprenticeship Phase
After mortuary school comes what I consider the REAL education: your apprenticeship. No matter how many bodies you practiced on in school, nothing prepares you for working with actual grieving families who are counting on you not to screw up their loved one’s funeral.
My apprenticeship lasted two years (it varies by state, anywhere from 1-3 years), and I still have occasional nightmares about it. Not because it was horrible, but because it was INTENSE. I worked under Mr. Blanchard, an old-school funeral director who’d been in the business 40 years. He was demanding but fair – made me re-do a cosmetic application three times until it looked right, but then bought me dinner after a particularly rough first meeting with a family.
Here’s what my apprenticeship actually looked like:
- 50-60 hour workweeks (including middle-of-the-night death calls)
- Starting with observing embalming, then assisting, then doing it under supervision
- Learning how funeral directors talk to families (there’s an art to asking about money without sounding insensitive)
- Handling the little details no one thinks about (like who collects the family’s memory boards after the service)
- Eventually conducting funeral arrangements with families while my supervisor observed
The funeral home I apprenticed at handled about 300 cases a year, which meant I saw everything from natural deaths to suicides to accident victims. You develop a strong stomach fast. But you also develop tremendous perspective on what matters in life.
Different conditions require different techniques, and there’s both science and art involved.
Licensing and Certification
State Licensing Requirements
After surviving mortuary school and your apprenticeship, you’ve still got one more hurdle: getting licensed. Each state has different requirements (because why make it simple, right?), but generally you need:
- Your mortuary science degree (from an accredited program)
- Documented proof of your apprenticeship hours
- To pass the National Board Exam (more on that nightmare below)
- To pass your state’s laws and regulations exam
- A background check (felonies are usually disqualifying)
- Continuing education every year to keep your license (typically 5-15 hours)
When I moved from Illinois to Arizona, I had to basically start over with their state requirements. Some states have reciprocity agreements that make transferring easier, but many don’t. Research your state’s funeral service board requirements carefully.
National Board Examination
The National Board Exam is the test that makes mortuary students break out in cold sweats. It’s split into two sections:
- Sciences: Covering embalming chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, pathology, restorative art
- Arts: Covering funeral directing, psychology, business law, funeral service customs, merchandising
I studied for three months straight and still felt like I was guessing on half the questions. The pass rate hovers around 75-80%, and if you fail, you need to wait a few months to retake it. My advice? Form a study group during mortuary school and stick with it – we quizzed each other relentlessly and all passed first try.
The day my results came in the mail (they’re electronic now), I couldn’t bring myself to open the envelope for an hour. When I finally saw “PASS,” I called my mom crying. It’s that kind of test.
Essential Skills for Success as a Mortician
School teaches you the technical stuff, but there are skills they can’t really teach that make or break a funeral director. After 15 years in this business, I can tell you the most successful morticians have:
Real Emotional Intelligence
This isn’t just about being “nice” – it’s about reading a room. Some families want a solemn, traditional approach. Others process grief through humor and want someone who gets that. You need to match their energy while still guiding them through necessary decisions.
I had a family once who kept making jokes during arrangements – gallows humor was how they coped. A colleague would have shut that down as “disrespectful,” but I recognized it as their way of processing. By the end of the funeral, the mom hugged me and said, “You’re the only one who let us be ourselves during this.”
When I’m having a tough day at work, I actually practice some of the gratitude exercises I found on what can I be grateful for when I’m down. It helps me maintain perspective.
Direct but Gentle Communication
You have to ask difficult questions at the worst possible time. “How will you be paying for the funeral?” feels awful to ask someone who just lost their child, but it’s necessary. Learning to be straightforward without being cold is an art form.
Ridiculous Attention to Detail
Funeral directors who succeed are almost obsessive about details. Was the flag folded correctly? Is the makeup natural-looking? Did we spell the grandchildren’s names right in the obituary? There are no do-overs in this business.
Physical and Emotional Stamina
This job is physically demanding – moving bodies, standing for hours during visitations, working weekends and holidays. But the emotional toll is harder. You absorb grief all day, every day. You see young people who died tragically. You watch parents bury children. You need healthy coping mechanisms or you’ll burn out fast.
Business Sense
Many people don’t realize that funeral service is still a business. Whether you’re an employee or owner, understanding pricing, inventory management, and marketing matters. The most compassionate funeral director in the world still needs to keep the lights on.
Career Paths and Specializations
The funeral service industry offers various career paths beyond traditional mortician roles:
Funeral Home Director or Owner
Many morticians aspire to own their funeral homes after gaining experience. This entrepreneurial path requires strong business skills alongside mortuary expertise.
Embalming Specialist
Some professionals focus specifically on the technical aspects of preservation and restoration, becoming experts in embalming techniques.
Pre-Need Sales Specialist
This role focuses on helping clients plan and pre-pay for funeral arrangements before their death, requiring strong sales abilities and financial knowledge.
Crematory Operator
With cremation rates rising, specialists in this area are increasingly in demand.
Funeral Service Educator
Experienced morticians may choose to teach the next generation at mortuary science programs.
Death Doula or Thanatologist
These emerging specialties focus on the psychological and spiritual aspects of death and dying, working with both the dying and their families.
Day-to-Day Life as a Mortician
Understanding the typical workday helps answer the question of how to become a mortician more completely. The reality of the profession includes:
Irregular Hours
Death doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Morticians often work evenings, weekends, and holidays, responding to calls whenever needed. This uncertainty can be challenging for those seeking regular hours, similar to the variability of how many weeks in a school year across different education systems.
Emotional Environment
While rewarding, constantly working with grieving families can be emotionally draining. Self-care becomes essential to avoid burnout.
Varied Responsibilities
One day might involve meeting with families and arranging services, while another could focus on embalming and preparation work. The variety keeps the work interesting but requires adaptability.
Business Management
Many morticians balance their caregiving role with business operations, including staffing, inventory management, and financial oversight.
Salary and Job Outlook
Income Potential
Mortician salaries vary based on location, experience, and whether you’re an employee or owner:
- Entry-level morticians typically earn $45,000-$55,000 annually
- Experienced professionals may earn $60,000-$75,000+
- Funeral home owners can earn substantially more, particularly those with established businesses in populated areas
Like other service industries, establishing yourself in this field takes time. The investment may seem substantial initially, but the career offers stability and the potential for long-term financial security.
Job Market Projections
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for funeral service workers is projected to grow about 8% through 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by:
- An aging population leading to increased death rates
- Pre-need planning becoming more common
- Ongoing demand for traditional funeral services alongside newer options
The profession offers excellent job security, as the need for funeral services remains constant regardless of economic conditions.
Challenges and Rewards of the Profession
Common Challenges
Being honest about what to expect is essential for those considering how to become a mortician:
- Emotional strain from constant exposure to grief
- Difficult conversations about death and financial matters
- Unpredictable schedule affecting work-life balance
- Physical demands of the preparation room
- Managing family dynamics during times of crisis
Unique Rewards
Despite these challenges, many morticians find their work deeply fulfilling:
- Providing essential support during life’s most difficult moments
- Creating meaningful memorials that honor lives lived
- Building strong community connections
- Job stability and potential for business ownership
- Making a difference during families’ most vulnerable times
As one experienced funeral director put it, “It’s not just about caring for the dead—it’s about caring for the living who are left behind.”
Industry Trends Shaping the Future
The funeral service profession is evolving, with several trends influencing how morticians work:
Rising Cremation Rates
Cremation has become the preferred choice for many families, requiring morticians to adapt their services and offerings. This trend mirrors other preservation techniques, though very different from traditional methods like how anchovies are typically preserved.
Personalized Services
Today’s families often want unique, personalized memorials rather than traditional services, presenting both challenges and creative opportunities.
Green Burial Options
Environmentally conscious alternatives are gaining popularity, requiring new knowledge and approaches.
Technology Integration
From livestreamed services to digital memorials, technology is transforming how morticians serve families.
Changing Consumer Expectations
Modern families often research options online before contacting funeral homes, changing the traditional sales approach.
Understanding these trends is important for anyone considering this career path, as the profession continues to evolve while maintaining its essential purpose.
Steps to Launch Your Mortician Career
For those committed to pursuing this path, here’s a step-by-step action plan:
- Shadow a Professional: Arrange to shadow a working mortician to gain firsthand insight into the profession
- Research Programs: Identify accredited mortuary science programs that match your educational goals and budget
- Complete Prerequisites: Fulfill any science, psychology, or business prerequisites required for your chosen program
- Apply for Financial Aid: Explore scholarships specifically for funeral service education
- Network Within the Industry: Join student chapters of funeral service organizations to build professional connections
- Secure an Apprenticeship: Begin making connections for your required apprenticeship while still in school
- Prepare for Licensing Exams: Develop a study plan for both national and state-specific licensing requirements
- Consider Specialization: Identify areas of the profession that align with your particular interests and strengths
This methodical approach will help you navigate the path to becoming a licensed mortician with clarity and purpose.
Work-Life Balance in Funeral Service
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging in this profession but is essential for long-term career satisfaction and personal wellbeing. Some strategies include:
- Setting clear boundaries with clients when possible
- Establishing a strong support system of colleagues who understand the unique stresses
- Practicing regular self-care routines
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with grief and stress
- Creating clear overtime and on-call policies if you manage a funeral home
Many funeral professionals find that establishing relationships—whether professional partnerships or personal ones—helps provide necessary balance. The dynamics can be complex, somewhat like navigating the differences between a situationship vs friends with benefits, where boundaries and expectations need clear definition.
Resources for Aspiring Morticians
Professional Organizations
- National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
- National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association (NFDMA)
- International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA)
- State-specific funeral directors associations
These organizations offer educational resources, networking opportunities, and professional development to support your career.
Educational Resources
- American Board of Funeral Service Education (website listing all accredited programs)
- The Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (information on national examinations)
- Funeral Service Education Coalition (scholarship information)
Industry Publications
- The Director (NFDA magazine)
- American Funeral Director
- Funeral Business Advisor
These publications provide insights into current trends, challenges, and innovations within the industry.
Health Benefits of Choosing a Meaningful Career
Research shows that finding purpose in your work contributes significantly to overall wellbeing. For many morticians, the sense of providing an essential service during difficult times offers profound satisfaction.
The mortuary profession allows for a unique perspective on life and mortality that many find deeply enriching. While constantly facing death can be challenging, it often leads to a greater appreciation for life and stronger connections with others.
Financial Planning for Your Mortician Career
The investment in becoming a mortician includes:
- Education costs ($20,000-$40,000 for associate’s programs; more for bachelor’s degrees)
- Licensing exam fees ($500-$1,000)
- Continuing education requirements ($500-$1,500 annually)
- Professional association memberships ($200-$500 annually)
For those planning to eventually own a funeral home, additional financial considerations include:
- Business acquisition costs ($500,000+)
- Facility maintenance and upgrades
- Equipment investments
- Staff salaries and benefits
Financial planning should begin early, including researching scholarship opportunities specifically for funeral service education and understanding the long-term earning potential of different career paths within the industry.
Is This Career Right for You?
How to become a mortician is a question of both practical steps and personal suitability. Consider these reflective questions:
- Can you remain composed and professional in emotionally charged situations?
- Are you comfortable discussing death and related topics?
- Do you have the empathy to support people during their worst moments?
- Can you handle the physical aspects of working with deceased bodies?
- Are you willing to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends?
- Do you have the patience and dedication for the required education and apprenticeship?
The mortuary profession isn’t right for everyone, but for those with the appropriate temperament and dedication, it offers a truly meaningful career path.
The Longevity of a Mortician Career
One advantage of this profession is its longevity. Many morticians work well into their senior years, either full-time or in consultant roles. The wisdom and experience gained over decades are highly valued in this tradition-oriented field.
The career offers stability rare in today’s economy, with many professionals working 30+ years in the field. This longevity rivals that of other enduring elements in nature, though not quite reaching the impressive how long do horses live span, which can exceed 25-30 years with proper care.
Cost Considerations for Families
Part of understanding how to become a mortician includes recognizing the financial discussions you’ll have with families. The cost of funeral services varies widely:
- Traditional burial services typically range from $7,000-$12,000+
- Cremation services generally cost $3,000-$6,000
- Green burial options usually fall between $4,000-$9,000
These costs can be comparable to other significant life expenses, such as visiting angels cost per month for in-home care, making financial counseling an important part of the mortician’s role.
Being transparent about costs while remaining sensitive to families’ emotional states requires exceptional communication skills and empathy.
Your Next Steps on the Path
If you’re seriously considering how to become a mortician after reading this guide, here are your immediate next steps:
- Reach out to local funeral homes to arrange informational interviews
- Research accredited mortuary science programs in your region
- Join online communities for aspiring funeral professionals
- Consider volunteering at hospice organizations to gain related experience
- Begin financial planning for your educational journey
Remember that this career path requires commitment, but offers unique rewards for those drawn to service during life’s most challenging moments.
Embracing Your Calling in Funeral Service
For those who feel called to this profession, becoming a mortician isn’t merely a career choice—it’s embracing a vocation that’s essential to the human experience. Though often misunderstood, morticians provide a critical service that helps communities navigate loss and grief.
The journey to becoming a mortician requires dedication, empathy, and resilience. But for those suited to this unique profession, the opportunity to provide dignity in death and comfort to the living offers rewards that transcend conventional career satisfaction.
