Becoming a mortician requires compassion and understanding. Working with clients who have lost loved ones is tough, and morticians need to be able to comfort and help those people.
Morticians also need education and training to succeed in their careers. Below, we've outlined what you need to know about becoming a mortician, including job duties and requirements.
What Is a Mortician?
Morticians are professionals in the funeral service industry who are responsible for overseeing the various aspects of a funeral.
Historically they were called undertakers, though that term is generally considered outdated. They may also be called funeral directors or embalmers, especially if they specialize.
Depending on the size of the funeral home, a mortician may perform both the duties of a funeral director and the duties of an embalmer.
As a funeral director, job duties may include:
- arranging for burial or cremation services
- assisting with the scheduling and planning of the funeral service and related events
- coordinating for the body to be moved to the correct location
- comforting the families and friends of the deceased
- filing death certificates and other legal documentation
- offering funeral options
Embalming is the process of preserving the body, which often includes making it presentable so that loved ones are able to say their last goodbyes..
Sometimes, morticians do both the embalming and the funeral services. In very large funeral homes, they may be separate positions.
To become a mortician, you'll need both education and training. While the requirements to become a mortician may vary slightly between states, we've provided a basic roadmap below.
Step 1: Earn a Degree
The first step to becoming a mortician is to earn a degree from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
The minimum degree you'll need to obtain is a two-year associate degree, but some states require a bachelor's degree.
Degrees in mortuary science and funeral services administration often cover topics such as:
- embalming and preparing human remains
- ethics in the funeral service industry
- planning every phase of a funeral service
- public health and safety when handling human remains
- relevant laws for the funeral service industry
- requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other forms of disposition of human remains
- the funeral service industry
These programs may include an internship, which can help you fulfill your training hours.
Step 2: Undergo Training
Before you can obtain your license to be a mortician, you'll need to complete a training program. Training requirements vary by state, but this phase often lasts from one to three years.
During this time, you'll work under the supervision of an experienced mortician and get hands-on experience in the funeral service industry.
Depending on your state, you may have to plan a certain number of funerals or embalm a certain number of bodies while you're in training.
This period may be referred to as an apprenticeship, internship, or residency. You can begin training before, during, or after your degree program, but you'll typically need some amount of training before you can earn your license.
Step 3: Obtain State Licensure
Licensing requirements for morticians vary by state. All states except Colorado require morticians to have a license.
There are a few common regulations among states:
- must be 21 years old
- must have completed an ABFSE-accredited degree program
- must have completed an internship or apprenticeship
- must pass a licensure exam
In some states, you must pass the exam before your training period. Because state requirements can vary, it's a good idea to check requirements for your state before you begin your program.
FAQs About Becoming a Mortician
Find the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about becoming a mortician.
What Is the Job Outlook for Morticians?
According to the BLS, overall employment for morticians is expected to grow by 9% by 2031.
That's a faster increase than all other occupations. This is expected to bring in about 2,500 jobs.
How Do I Find an Accredited Mortuary Sciences Program?
As mentioned above, mortuary science and funeral service programs are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
You can find a full directory of accredited programs at abfse.org. You can search by state and see what level of degree is offered.
Can I Earn a Mortuary Sciences Degree Online?
There are a few programs across the country that allow you to complete at least 50% of your mortuary science program online. You can find them at abfse.org.
Because there are typically labs and hands-on experiences required with a degree in mortuary science, you won't be able to take the entire degree online.
Become a Mortician Today
Working as a mortician is a unique job that requires education and training. Check your state requirements and follow the steps above to start your new career path today.