How to Learn Funeral Administration

Mortuary science is the study of funeral administration.

In the United States, state agencies license and regulate funeral homes. These agencies also license funeral directors. Most administrators of a funeral home are trained and licensed to embalm, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Embalming or refrigeration preserves a corpse. Funeral administrators -- commonly referred to as funeral directors -- make logistical arrangements for the funeral service. They communicate with the family of the deceased to choose a casket and a burial plot and to plan the burial service. You can learn funeral administration through both study and practical experience.

Instructions

1. Determine where you will study. You can learn funeral administration by studying mortuary science. Mortuary science teaches you the basics of being a funeral director both from the perspective of preparation of corpses and from the perspective of running a funeral business.

2. Enroll in a mortuary science program. The programs can last from two to four years. The two-year programs result in an associate's degree in mortuary science. The four-year programs culminate in conferral of a bachelor's degree.

3. Complete a one-year apprenticeship. You must spend a year with a funeral home learning the day-to-day activities of a funeral director. These apprenticeships are arranged near the end of your studies.

4. Continue learning. The National Funeral Directors Association offers continuing education for individuals in the field of funeral administration. Enroll in the courses or take the home study courses to further your knowledge in the field.

Tips & Warnings

• After acquiring the requisite degree and training, you will need to be certified as a funeral director by the state agency where you reside to open a funeral home or to work in funeral administration.

• Consider learning about cremation services and the process of cremation as part of your mortuary science training.

References

• National Funeral Directors Association: NFDA Home Study Course
• Career Overview: Funeral Director Career, Job and Employment Information
• My Majors: Mortuary Science Major
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Handbook 2010-11 Edition -- Funeral Directors