The Advantages of Being a Funeral Director
Funeral directors, also known as embalmers, undertakers or morticians, arrange and direct funeral services and burials for the deceased. Funeral directors transport bodies and prepare them for burial and also consult with survivors to write obituaries and plan services. They assist survivors with legal details such as filing claims for death benefits, recommending legal representation and submitting death certificates. Workers in the field also help provide support and general counseling for grieving individuals and families. Although the job can be difficult at times, funeral directors enjoy many benefits and advantages over workers in other fields.
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Education and Training
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Although all funeral directors must by licensed by the states in which they work, a four-year college education is not a requirement for certification. Most states require two years of formal education in mortuary science culminating in an associate's degree. The field allows people who are interested in learning a trade along with some traditional coursework to pursue their interests instead of requiring them to spend several years pursuing a bachelor's degree. Funeral directors also have the advantage of gaining experience and specialized knowledge in the field while serving as apprentices. Unlike traditional college students, apprentices have the opportunity to earn pay and benefits while learning skilled trades.
Job Prospects
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Job growth is expected for funeral directors through the year 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, many individuals in the field are expected to reach retirement age during the same time. As a result, there will be many jobs available as funeral directors for those who want them.
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Self-Employment and Career Advancement
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Workers who prefer self-employment over working for someone else often get the chance to work independently as funeral directors. A large number of funeral directors are self-employed or work for other family members. Some corporations own funeral homes as well; directors who hope to advance their careers by managing homes, regions or other operations for larger organizations can move into administration and management with time and satisfactory experience.
Non-Traditional Schedules
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Work days and hours in the funeral service industry vary with the needs of the operation. People who enjoy a varied schedule with some work nights and some day hours have those opportunities as funeral directors.
Opportunity to Help Others
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Individuals who like to work with the public have the opportunity to do so as funeral directors. Although the job involves some unpleasant tasks such as preparing bodies for burial, most of the work is done with the living. Funeral directors help people celebrate the lives of their family members, creating special ways to help people honor loved ones. Funeral directors are able to provide comfort to others as they employ counseling techniques and apply knowledge of psychological principles.
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References
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