I. Introduction
When someone passes away, we trust a mortician to handle the remains of the deceased with respect, care and warmth. If you feel called to fill this important role in the community and are interested in joining the funeral services industry, you might be asking, ‘how do I become a mortician?’
In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide to this career path, accompanied by personal insights from experienced morticians in the field. This guide delves into educational and experiential requirements, apprenticeship and internship opportunities, personality traits necessary for success in this field, and current market trends.
II. Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Mortician
To become a mortician, you will need a combination of education, licensing and practical skills. Here is our step-by-step guide for those looking to pursue this career:
- Earn a degree from an accredited school: You will need to obtain an Associate’s degree in Mortuary Science from a college or university accredited by The American Board of Funeral Service Education.
- Complete a hands-on apprenticeship: Every state has different requirements but most require a certain amount of experience working as an apprentice to become a licensed mortician.
- Pass a national and/or state board exam: All states require candidates to pass a national or state board exam to become a licensed mortician.
- Apply for a state license: You will need to apply for a state license to become a mortician, which will require proof of education and apprenticeship completion, passing the board exams, and meeting any other state requirements.
It’s important to note that the specifics of these requirements may vary by state, so it’s a good idea to research the requirements for the state in which you’d like to work.
III. Personal Stories and Insights from Practicing Morticians
Personal insights from experienced morticians in the field can provide valuable information on what to expect and what it takes to be successful in this career.
For example, a practicing mortician might discuss the importance of being empathetic, detail-oriented and able to handle high levels of stress. Additionally, they might offer insights into the steps they took to secure apprenticeship opportunities or become licensed in their state.
In this section of the article, we will explore personal stories and insights from practicing morticians in order to provide broader insight into the field.
IV. Educational and Professional Requirements
As mentioned in the step-by-step guide, obtaining an Associate’s degree in Mortuary Science is a necessary requirement to become a mortician. The degree program usually covers topics such as grief counseling, ethics, statutes regarding funerals, and embalming. Additionally, depending on the state, you may be required to complete general education courses as well.
Many states also have additional educational requirements beyond the Associate’s degree in Mortuary Science. For example, the State of New York requires all licensed morticians to complete a 12-hour continuing education course in each two-year registration period. This is something to keep in mind as you continue your education and begin your career in the funeral services industry.
V. Apprenticeship and Internship Opportunities
As mentioned in the step-by-step guide, hands-on apprenticeships are a common requirement for becoming a licensed mortician. These apprenticeships provide practical experience in preparing and handling the deceased.
When seeking apprenticeship and internship opportunities, it can be helpful to network within the industry, reach out to funeral homes or cremation service providers, and even consider volunteering at a local hospice or retirement community. These avenues may offer uncommon opportunities for individuals looking to gain experience in the field without formal internships or apprenticeships.
VI. Role of Mortician in Funeral Planning
The role of a mortician goes beyond simply preparing and laying the deceased to rest. Funeral planning can involve a range of responsibilities, such as assisting families with creating personalized funeral services, managing transportation logistics and coordinating memorials.
In this section, we will offer tips and advice for aspiring morticians on how to work effectively with grieving families and provide them with the support they need. This might include such things as being sensitive to cultural and religious customs, managing the financial aspect of funeral services, and ensuring families have resources for dealing with their grief.
VII. Market Outlook and Earning Potential for Morticians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of morticians, undertakers, and funeral directors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is in line with the growing population of senior citizens in the United States and the subsequent increase in deaths that are projected to occur as a result.
The median salary for morticians, undertakers, and funeral directors was $50,090 per year according to data available as of May 2020. The highest 10 percent of earners in this field earned more than $90,890 per year and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,780 per year.
This section will provide additional information for individuals who are interested in pursuing this career, such as industry trends, salary potential and other financial considerations.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a mortician requires a combination of education, training and practical experience. This guide provides a step-by-step approach for those interested in pursuing this career path, including personal insights from experienced morticians in the field and information on educational and professional requirements.
While it’s important to be realistic about the challenges that come with this career, being a mortician is a rewarding and important part of serving the community. We encourage anyone who feels called to this work to pursue their dream.