Schooling Needed to Become a Mortician in California

California morticians learn to manage their client’s practical and emotional needs.

The ability to provide comfort is a favorable quality for funeral directors, but that is just one of the many skills that a California mortician must have. The California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau requires its applicants to hold either an Associate in Arts degree or an Associate in Science degree. Applicants may substitute 60 equivalent units from a properly accredited institution. Your education should enhance your ability to pass the California Funeral Director Written Examination.

ABFSE Accredited Programs

There are two mortuary science programs in California. Cypress College (cypresscollege.edu) features its Mortuary Science program, and the American River College (arc.losrios.edu) offers its Funeral Service Education program. The Associate in Science degree programs at both schools are American Board of Funeral Service Education accredited. The programs prepare the candidates for success in the areas of funeral business administration, disposition arrangements and memorial service planning. This is a critical body of knowledge for anyone who is interested in becoming a California mortician.

Administrative Knowledge

While providing comfort and compassion will be a large part of your duties, it is not the only part. The field of funeral services is a heavily regulated industry, and your education needs to prepare you for the mandates you are required to follow as you begin your career. As of 2011, 26 percent of the California Funeral Director Written Examination focused on administrative duties. The topics ranged from managing employee training to knowing and acquiring the appropriate permits.

Contract Management

The full disclosure aspect of the funeral service industry requires a clear and concise understanding of contract management. Your mortuary science education needs to focus on this area, because noncompliance may lead to heavy fines and penalties that might cripple a mortuary’s ability to survive. Your contract studies must prepare you with an understanding of what you are legally required to disclose, as well as the types of agreements that are allowable. Areas of disclosure include pricing of merchandise and services, financing methods and the handling of pre-need services.

Disposition Arrangements

It is important to select a program that provides solid skills for navigating the needs and requirements of the disposition tasks. This includes obtaining the proper authorizations and permits for transporting human remains and filing the appropriate paperwork to receive and distribute death certificates. You will want to acquire skills that will aid you in understanding the various legal, religious and cultural factors that influence your approach or the responses you will receive.

Memorial Service Arrangements

As with the disposition arrangements, religious and cultural traditions will also play a part in planning the memorial service. The California examination includes questions that evaluate your ability to understand the link between the religious and cultural traditions of your clients and the memorial services you offer. Programs that offer internships may help in this area. They give you an opportunity to observe methods and sharpen your skills, so that you are comfortable in the role of arranging memorial services that are beneficial and respectful.

References

• California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau: Funeral Director Information and Checklist
• American Board of Funeral Service Education: ABFSE Directory of Programs -- California
• California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau: Funeral Director Written Examination -- Candidate Handbook
• Cypress College: Mortuary Science
• Cypress College: Guidelines for Work/Study Program
• American River College: Associate in Science Degree - Funeral Service Education

Resources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook: Funeral Directors