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Degrees and Schools
College mortuary programs typically take from two to four years to complete. Associate and bachelor's degrees are available in funeral service and in mortuary science. A mortuary science program covers the management and technology of funeral services. Programs are also available in funeral service management.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education has accredited numerous mortuary science programs. The majority are associate degree programs provided by community colleges. Several colleges and universities provide bachelor's degrees in the subject. Also, many specialized funeral service institutions provide two-year programs, however some programs take four years to complete.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Pathology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Business law
- Restorative art
- Embalming techniques
- Business management
- Funeral service law
Online Classes and Programs
Online mortuary science programs are available. Online schools offer degrees and certification. Since each state has its own form of certification, online education programs offer certification through specially designed online courses. In many online mortuary science degree programs the students are assigned to a funeral home to gain experience.
Employment Requirements
Every state requires funeral directors to have a license. State licensing laws vary, however most states require applicants to be at least 21 years old, have two years of formal education, serve a one-year apprenticeship and pass an examination. Over 30 states require funeral directors to receive continuing education credits in order to maintain their licenses.
Apprenticeships need to be completed under the direction of a licensed and experienced funeral director. Some state require apprenticeships. Some states require funeral directors to be licensed in embalming.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program include an externship?
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation?
- Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services?
- Curriculum - What type of electives are offered? Are students prepared for professional licensure?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school eligible to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education?
Funeral Directors Job Description
Funeral directors, also known as morticians and undertakers, arrange funeral services and burials. They confer with family members of the deceased to establish the dates, times and locations of wakes, memorial services and burials. Funeral directors need to be familiar with the funeral and burial customs of numerous ethnic groups, faiths and fraternal organizations.
Funeral directors take care of the paperwork involved with the person's death. Funeral directors are also involved in preparing prearranged funerals. In addition, most funeral directors are also practicing embalmers. Embalming is a process to prepare the body for internment.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Arrange for the body to be moved to the funeral home
- Prepare obituary notices and distribute them to newspapers
- Prepare the sites of all services
- Obtain information needed to complete legal documents including death certificates and burial permits
- Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died
- Arrange for clergy and pallbearers
- Perform administrative duties
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