Career & Education Objectives of a Funeral Director
As is the case in many specialized professions, becoming a funeral director means completing a lengthy requirements list. Candidates start off with an associate's degree, typically in funeral service education, followed by a one- to three-year apprenticeship and passage of an examination to gain licensing in their field. For directors wishing to run their own funeral homes, business management skills are becoming increasingly crucial to success -- especially as Americans increasingly opt for cheaper alternatives, like cremation.
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First Classes
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Preparation begins with biology and chemistry classes in high school. Public speaking or debate experience is also useful, since funeral directors deal with all sorts of people. Students can combine their classwork with part-time or summer jobs at funeral homes. In most cases, tasks will be limited to basic cleanup and maintenance, but still provide insight into how funeral homes operate.
Higher Education
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Gaining an associate's degree after two years is the next milestone. The most common result is a degree in funeral service education. Curricula fall into four categories: business, law, science and social services. As a result, students take classes in such key areas as anatomy, embalming and restorative art, and the psychology of grief counseling. Business management and law classes are also important for becoming a practitioner in this industry.
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Licensing Requirements
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All states require funeral directors to be licensed. Requirements vary, but candidates must generally be 21 or older, have at least two years of formal education and complete some kind of apprenticeship. Apprenticeships introduce applicants to how the business functions, from embalming to transporting remains, and range from one to three years. Once those standards are met, candidates must pass a qualifying examination. Thirty states also require continuing-education credits as a condition of licensing.
Career Path
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On finishing their education, new directors start working at established funeral homes in their area. Most directors put in several years before starting their own funeral homes. Funeral directors who become business owners must adapt to shifting market conditions. Death rates continue to rise as Baby Boomers reach their 60s and 70s. However, profits fell by half over the 20 years from 1988 to 2008, according to a Federated Funeral Directors of America survey cited in "Bloomberg Businessweek"'s June 2008 report. A growing preference for less-costly alternatives, such as cremation, is the most commonly cited reason. Directors must take these factors into account in managing their business.
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