How to Become a Mortician

Morticians provide a necessary service for the living, as well as for those who have passed away. This career is not competitive, even though it is certainly one of the few to guarantee a steady paycheck and consistent working hours.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computers
• Online Career Search
• College Catalogs

1. Work at a funeral home during high school, doing miscellaneous tasks. This will allow you to understand what the field entails.

2. Check out the National Funeral Directors Association Web site (see nfda.org) to find your state's educational requirements for a mortician's license.

3. Note that many states require an associate's degree in funeral service education. Some call for a four-year degree, while others require only high school plus training.

4. Apply to any of the accredited colleges listed in the NFDA Web site, making certain you will receive the background needed for a mortician's license in your state.

5. Take the National Board Examination after you have completed your degree work.

6. Work as an apprentice for one to two years before, during or after attending college. The exact time depends on your state. Contact your state board early on for exact information.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that much of a mortician's time is spent consulting with and consoling family members of the deceased.
• Be aware that in more than 25 states a mortician must take continuing education courses in order to renew the license.
• Job titles that are synonymous with mortician include funeral director and undertaker.
• Working hours are irregular and include evenings and weekends.
• Strict health regulations must be followed at all times to avoid the possible spread of disease.

[utmostrespect]

on 6/4/2009 I have always wanted to be in this feild of work seven members of my family was killed in a car accident when i was young i didnt understand what death was but i knew i had to respect it because momma said so i feel like the dead should get more respect when we are alive we can demand respect but not in death

[bassclef13]

on 12/15/2008 im glad im not the only one who thinks this would be a really interesting job...

<3

[TexasMama]

on 10/11/2008 I am the mother of a child who wants to become a mortician. This is her passion in life and I want to do everything I can to help her attain that goal. She does not want the two year degree, she wants a masters degree and it is unbelievable to find that there are so few schools that offer this as a major. If there is anyone with any information that may help me to help her, please feel free to offer that assistance.

[Mortitia]

on 9/12/2008 I have spent most of my life having upmost respect for the dead and at age 26 I realized that I had been chosen for something special, I would be a mortition. It is all I want to do with my life and I hope I will find the strenth to complete my studies no matter who comes against me.

[Leeanne]

on 4/16/2008 Hi I work in home care with elderly, and death is something that I deal with as part of my job. I really think that being a mortician would be a awesome job for me. People think I'm crazy. I just think that when someone passes, they deserve some respect. Think about it, wouldn't you want someone who does the job and love it? If you were dead wouldn't you want someone to make you look well prepared at the funeral home? I think it would be cool to have a job like that.