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How many years of college would you need to become a mortician or do you even need any?
I know it's a bit of a stretch but if there are any morticians on here would I need school? How long? What would I need to major in. #college #student
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Sheila’s Answer
Hi Kaitlin:
Although I'm not a Mortician I did research your question. An associate’s degree in a funeral service or mortuary science education program is the education typically required to become a funeral service worker.
■ EDUCATION
An associate’s degree in a funeral service or mortuary science education program is typically required for all funeral service workers to enter the occupation. Courses usually cover topics such as ethics, grief counseling, funeral service, and business law. Accredited programs also include courses in embalming and restorative techniques.
Although an associate’s degree is typically required, some employers prefer applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Common fields of degree include mortuary science, psychology, and business.
High school students can prepare to become a funeral service worker by taking classes in biology, chemistry, business, and public speaking. Students may gain relevant experience working part-time or summer jobs in a funeral home.
■ TRAINING
Those studying to be morticians and funeral arrangers must complete training, usually lasting 1 to 3 years, under the direction of a licensed funeral director or manager. The training, sometimes called an internship or an apprenticeship, may be completed before, during, or after graduating from a funeral service or mortuary science program and passing a national board exam.
■ LICENSE, CERTIFICATION, and REGISTRATIONS
Most states and Washington, DC, require workers to be licensed. An exception is Colorado, which offers a voluntary certification program. Although licensing laws and examinations vary by state, most applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be 21 years old
• Complete the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accredited funeral service or mortuary science education program
• Pass a state and/or national board exam
• Serve an internship lasting 1 to 3 years
Working in multiple states requires multiple licenses. Most states require funeral directors to earn continuing education credits to keep their licenses.
■ PAY
The median annual wage for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers was $54,100 in May 2020. The lowest 10% percent earned less than $29,080, and the highest 10% percent earned more than $91,140. Best of luck to you!
How to Become a Funeral Service Worker • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/funeral-service-occupations.htm#tab-4
Although I'm not a Mortician I did research your question. An associate’s degree in a funeral service or mortuary science education program is the education typically required to become a funeral service worker.
■ EDUCATION
An associate’s degree in a funeral service or mortuary science education program is typically required for all funeral service workers to enter the occupation. Courses usually cover topics such as ethics, grief counseling, funeral service, and business law. Accredited programs also include courses in embalming and restorative techniques.
Although an associate’s degree is typically required, some employers prefer applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Common fields of degree include mortuary science, psychology, and business.
High school students can prepare to become a funeral service worker by taking classes in biology, chemistry, business, and public speaking. Students may gain relevant experience working part-time or summer jobs in a funeral home.
■ TRAINING
Those studying to be morticians and funeral arrangers must complete training, usually lasting 1 to 3 years, under the direction of a licensed funeral director or manager. The training, sometimes called an internship or an apprenticeship, may be completed before, during, or after graduating from a funeral service or mortuary science program and passing a national board exam.
■ LICENSE, CERTIFICATION, and REGISTRATIONS
Most states and Washington, DC, require workers to be licensed. An exception is Colorado, which offers a voluntary certification program. Although licensing laws and examinations vary by state, most applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be 21 years old
• Complete the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accredited funeral service or mortuary science education program
• Pass a state and/or national board exam
• Serve an internship lasting 1 to 3 years
Working in multiple states requires multiple licenses. Most states require funeral directors to earn continuing education credits to keep their licenses.
■ PAY
The median annual wage for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers was $54,100 in May 2020. The lowest 10% percent earned less than $29,080, and the highest 10% percent earned more than $91,140. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Sheila this helped me alot
Kaitlin
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Be at least 21 years old.
Complete an accredited funeral service or mortuary science degree program.
Pass your state's and/or the national board examination.
Serve an apprenticeship lasting between 1-3 years (depending on your state)
Complete an accredited funeral service or mortuary science degree program.
Pass your state's and/or the national board examination.
Serve an apprenticeship lasting between 1-3 years (depending on your state)