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How long does it typically take someone to become a mortician after graduating from highschool?
I plan on starting the process of becoming a mortician after graduating highschool this year so I want to know how long it takes so I can plan financially and base other decisions on how long it'll take.
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Desiree’s Answer
Stephanie offered great suggestions for exploring how long it may take to prepare to be a mortician. I'd like to add that each state has different laws and regulations on education requirements to achieve licensure to be a mortician. For example, in the state of Ohio, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree and a 12-month mortuary science qualification. Whereas, in North Carolina you must have a degree in mortuary science or graduate from an accredited funeral director program.
You may also consider visiting the National Funeral Directors Association. The website location is nfda.org. Although they are a national organization, the website has a link to associations in each state that may be able to provide information and resources specific to education and licensing requirements specific to that state.
You may also consider visiting the National Funeral Directors Association. The website location is nfda.org. Although they are a national organization, the website has a link to associations in each state that may be able to provide information and resources specific to education and licensing requirements specific to that state.
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Stephanie LH’s Answer
Funeral service schools and programs are few and highly regulated. They require extensive background checks and referrals from a Funeral Director with an active business. I recommend starting with informational interviews of the program directors in your area (city or county depending on where you live) asking their career paths, job duties, and continuing education after their initial licensing. Then ask about entry level positions and volunteering prior to college ( moving floral arrangements from the home to cemetery or grave site, coordinating the Honor Guard service for specific services, managing printed materials for events or moderation of social media, driving the company car to help transport the departed, opening or closing sites, staging sites with carpet, chairs, a tent... etc.). Coordinate these around your school now, summer and spring breaks. Look into dual enrollment classes to complete your associates free and during highschool to get started early. Consider a major in human services or arts (specifically psychology, sociology l, and social services), or business management programs at your technical college. Then make sure your driving record is spotless (not even a parking ticket) from now on. Find members of your local Honor Guard and do an informational interview to ask them about their operations, tact time from the initial call request, and why they support. In highschool try to add classes on biology, chemistry, anatomy, accounting I, Intro to Law, psychology, sociology, intro to computers, personal branding (marketing), personal finance to your individual graduation plan. Ask your work based coordinator (sometimes also the school counselor) if there are any opportunities through them to network and do informational interviews. Ask your high school Career Development Coach (CDF) about funeral service programs for the colleges on your coast or general geographic region.