How To Become a Funeral Director
Being in our line of work, we hear many questions about what goes into becoming a funeral director. Questions such as… “What type of schooling is involved?” “How long does it take to become a funeral director?” “What does it take to be in this career field?”
Becoming a funeral director can take several years of specialty schooling, an apprenticeship, as well as passing national and state licensing exams. Having experience and knowledge and training is especially important in this particular career choice as it can be an intense and emotionally draining career.
However, this job isn’t sad all the time - seriously.
A career in funeral service can be very rewarding. In most cases, people are really thankful for what we've done. Even during the intricate funerals, people will tell us, "Thank you for taking care of this and taking care of us." It can feel like a lot of pressure, but knowing you helped people through their mourning makes everything worthwhile.
So, today we’d like to share with you
how to become a funeral director, just in case you were ever considering it as a career choice of your own or are just curious about what goes on behind the scenes.
How to Become a Funeral Director
Funeral directors sometimes referred to as undertakers or morticians, will need to complete several steps before their career can actually begin. While each state may have some slight variations in licensing requirements, in general:
- Graduate from high school or complete GED.
- Get your associate's degree in Mortuary Science from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. (Some states require a bachelor's degree)
- Pass the national licensing exam
- Complete an internship either during or after your mortuary program. The starting point and length of the internship depend on your state's requirements.
- Pass your states licensing exam (each state has its own laws, therefore has its own license and exam)
- Maintain your licensure based on your state's requirements. If you move to a new state, you will have to pass that state’s licensing exam to work there.
How long does it take to become a funeral director?
To become a funeral director you can expect about two to four years of schooling to earn your degree in mortuary science and between one and three years of apprenticeship that may or may not be completed during your time at school. You will also need to allow time to study and schedule your licensing exam in order to become official.
What Are the Educational Requirements for Funeral Directors?
The educational requirements can vary by state, so be sure to check out your specific requirements before signing up for courses. First, you will be expected to obtain your associate's degree in mortuary science. Keep in mind that some programs may offer funeral director courses online, but most will either be in-person or a combination of online and in-person schooling. Mortuary science courses may include:
- Embalming and using embalming chemicals while following safety protocols
- Ethics courses
- Anatomy, Pathology, Microbiology
- Funeral Service History and Religions
- Funeral Directing and Funeral service management
- Grief counseling
- Business and Mortuary law
- Restorative art
- Accounting
What are the long-term career prospects for funeral directors?
When funeral directors gain experience, they may go on to oversee the overall operation of a funeral home or mortuary by becoming a funeral service supervisor. Funeral service Supervisors manage all employees in a funeral home and all business operations. Many choose to open their own funeral home businesses.
IN CONCLUSION:
It's important for funeral directors to be empathetic, even-keeled, and organized individuals who are able to work well with those in the process of mourning. It is also critical that funeral directors are comfortable with death and working around deceased individuals. Funeral directors should be emotionally healthy and have the skills to process their workplace experiences in appropriate ways.
You may learn more about becoming a funeral director by researching the position further to see if it is something you are interested in or by speaking to a funeral director themselves. A good site to research is the
National Funeral Directors Association website, or if you are located in Pennsylvania, we also recommend looking over the
Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association website. Our funeral directors attended
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, which is an all-encompassing, accredited mortuary science school in Pittsburgh, PA. They offer flexible in-house and distance education options.
Andre and Hannah, our licensed funeral directors at Roupp Funeral Home, would also be happy to speak to you and provide you with some resources to help guide you.









