There are a number of different ways to get started on the path to becoming a mortician. The first step is to get your education. However, this is not enough. You will also need experience, either through an internship or an apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director. You can get an internship during college or after you graduate.
Career Outlook
A career as a mortician can be very satisfying, but it can also be quite stressful. Though they don’t have a lot of time pressure, they deal with the difficult subject of death every day. This means that they cannot take long vacations or unplug from their work. It can also be boring at times, which is why a mortician must find a passion for their work.
Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science
Training to become a mortician usually involves completing an associate’s degree in mortuary science. Students will also take courses in business law and grief counseling. In addition, they’ll be required to complete an apprenticeship for one to three years. This training will provide them with valuable on-the-job experience.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for morticians and undertakers has very good outlook. The number of jobs in this profession will grow by around four percent from 2016 to 2026, which is about average for all occupations. By 2028, there will be an additional 1,200 jobs available.
Education Requirements
A mortician is a licensed funeral professional who helps families plan the final disposition of their deceased loved one. These professionals are responsible for embalming the deceased, preparing the body for burial or cremation, and filing the necessary legal paperwork. These professionals also assist the families dealing with death by counseling them on the final arrangements. Education requirements for a career as a mortician vary by state and region.
Mortician’s Important
Before starting work as a mortician, it’s important to have a high school education. Those who didn’t finish high school can opt to take the GED, an exam that indicates secondary school equivalency. In addition to passing the exam, candidates can also take GED preparation courses to brush up on their education.
Funeral Service Practices
An associate degree in mortuary science is typically required for aspiring morticians. This program can last two years and may include classes on anatomy and grief counseling. Additionally, students will gain knowledge about business law and funeral service practices. Some colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees in the field. This degree is preferred by some funeral homes.
Job Growth Rate
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an increase of about 2% in jobs for morticians and undertakers over the next ten years. This rate is lower than the national average, which is around 3.71%. However, if you’re considering a career in this field, the job growth is expected to be higher in areas where there’s a high need for this professional.
Requires a Strong Sense of Empathy
A mortician’s job is very specialized. That means that you won’t learn many valuable skills during your day-to-day job. Additionally, there’s little room for creativity because you’ll be doing the same things over again. While the job isn’t glamorous, it requires a strong sense of empathy, and it also involves dealing with people who are emotionally fragile. The job also requires a large amount of physical activity, as morticians are frequently carrying caskets around.
Assisting Family Members
A mortician is also responsible for assisting family members and friends with all aspects of the deceased’s death. For example, they may write obituaries or assist with transferring pensions, bank accounts, or retirement funds. They may also be responsible for all aspects of accounting and billing.
Compassion Required
Compassion is one of the most important skills in becoming a mortician. Funeral arrangements can difficult, and many people have emotionally devastated. As a mortician, you will work with families and friends to make funeral arrangements that have respectful and appropriate. You must have excellent communication skills, and able to listen to people without upsetting them. Lastly, you must patient and understanding and have the ability to offer guidance and space as needed.
Mortuary Science Program
To become a mortician, you must complete an accredited mortuary science program and pass a national board exam. You can do this either through an apprenticeship or through a mortuary school. Many morticians also take an internship before they graduate to gain hands-on experience.
Provide Comfort and Support
As a mortician, you will be able to provide comfort and support to grieving families. You will handle funeral paperwork and make phone calls to various people. In addition, you will working with the dead body and the body’s ashes. You must able to deal with the emotions and trauma of mourning families.
