How to Find a Funeral Home Trade School

The educational and licensure requirements for funeral directors vary from state to state. Many states require at least an associates' degree in mortuary science, passing the national boards and an apprenticeship. The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), the body that accredits funeral service and mortuary science programs, is a great resource to find a degree program that suits you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check out various resources, including the ABFSE website and your state licensing agency to find out the requirements to work in funeral service.
2. Search the ABFSE website for colleges in your state that have programs in mortuary science or funeral service.
3. Visit the websites or campuses of the various degree programs to determine which one is the right place for you.
4. Enroll in a program and complete it.
5. Take any exams and complete any apprenticeship required to work in the funeral service industry in your state.

Tips & Warnings

• The National Funeral Directors Association is another resource on the web for help with planning a career in the funeral service industry.
• The U.S. Department of Labor also has some information on its website regarding funeral service careers.
• Not every state has a mortuary science degree program listed on the ABFSE website but many programs offer online education.
• Funeral directors spend most of their time working with grieving families and helping the families through their time of crisis. The work can be stressful and require odd hours but if you're someone who can remain calm and work tactfully with grieving families, it may be the right career for you.