How Do You Become a Funeral Director?

Becoming a funeral director is more than a career—it’s a calling that combines compassion, science, and service. While many of us don’t consider the vital role of funeral directors until we need them, the path to becoming a funeral service professional is both distinguished and demanding. This guide will help you learn about these essential "last responders" or start your journey if you are looking for a rewarding profession or second career. 

What a Funeral Director Does 

Sometimes called morticians, funeral directors play a vital role in guiding families through one of life's most challenging times. They provide professional expertise and the emotional, legal, and administrative support families need. From making burial or cremation arrangements to handling critical legal documents, funeral directors ensure that every detail is taken care of with compassion and care. Their key responsibilities include:

• Helping families choose between burial and cremation with sensitivity and understanding.
• Managing all legal paperwork, including filing death certificates.
• Coordinating every aspect of funerals, wakes, and memorial services.
• Embalming and preparing loved ones for viewing, respecting family wishes.

Offering grief support and guidance on preplanning to ease future burdens.

For centuries, the profession was almost exclusively male. Over the decades, more women graduated and entered the funeral profession. Today, over 70 percent of candidates entering funeral services degree programs are women, outnumbering men by more than double.

Education and Certifications to Become a Funeral Director

Prospective candidates should know that entering the mortuary field usually requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science from an accredited institution recognized by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). 

Each state has different guidelines, but nearly all require official training for a degree or certification. After you complete your educational requirements, you’ll need to train as an apprentice alongside a licensed funeral director. 

Requirements differ by state, but the educational and certification process for becoming a funeral director generally includes:

• A high school diploma or GED
• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in mortuary science
• Completion of an internship or apprenticeship
• Passing national or state licensure exams  

What You’ll Study in a Mortuary Science Degree Program

Academic degrees in funeral directing require specific coursework, typically incorporating a blend of general and non-technical subjects. These programs usually mandate the completion of an internship or practicum at a funeral home. The courses encompass various areas of study, such as:

• Sciences: Anatomy, Embalming, Microbiology
• Business: Funeral Directing, Accounting, Management
• Social Sciences: Grief Counseling, Sociology
• Law and Ethics: Funeral Law, Business Ethics

Choosing the Right Mortuary Science Program

You can choose from on-campus, online, or hybrid programs. Each offers unique advantages:

Pros of On-Campus Programs:

In-person classes with structured schedules

• Direct interaction with instructors and peers

Potential Challenges: 

Inflexible schedules and possible commuting or housing costs

Pros of Online Programs: 

Flexible classes from anywhere with internet access

• Ideal for working adults with family commitments

Potential Challenges: 

Limited interaction with instructors and peers

• Requires self-discipline and good time management

Pros of Hybrid Programs: 

Combines online learning with required in-person labs

• Balances flexibility with hands-on experience

Potential Challenges: 

May require travel for in-person labs, adding to time and costs

• Requires careful time management to balance online coursework with on-site requirements

Mortuary School Financial Aid and Scholarships

Funeral service organizations, state and national professional associations, veterans groups, and private businesses offer thousands of dollars in scholarships annually. Mortuary science and funeral service students can apply for scholarships to help pay for tuition, room and board, fees, and books. Some scholarships are need-based, but many are available for applicants with other criteria. 

You can find more information on mortuary scholarships, including application deadlines and requirements, on these websites:

• State Funeral Director Associations Scholarships 
• Funeral Service Organizations 
• American Board of Funeral Service Education National Scholarship Program
• Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Scholarship for Military Veterans in Mortuary Programs 
• Journey to Serve Academic Scholarships for Military Veterans in Mortuary Programs

State and Federal Financial Aid

• Federal Pell Grant Program 
• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Federal Work-Study Program
• The American Indian College Fund for Native American and Alaska-American Students 
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund 
• United Fund for Students Attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

Apprenticeship and Licensing Exams

Hands-on training is crucial. Most states require one to three years of supervised work in a funeral home setting. Internships or apprenticeships provide invaluable experience and are often completed before, during, or after your degree program. You can serve as an apprentice while enrolled and finish after graduation. 

Apprentices work in a funeral home and perform various jobs under the supervision of a licensed provider. Once you have finished your education and apprenticeship, there are three tests you may need to pass to become a licensed mortician in your state:

• The National Board Exam (NBE)
• The State Board Exam (SBE)
• Your state’s Laws, Rules, and Regulations (LRR) exam

Finding a Job

An accredited mortuary college or university program should have a career or professional development office. Professional organizations have career centers and searchable job databases:

• National Funeral Directors’s Association (NFDA) Job Career Center with national job listings, a virtual career fair, and resources
• State Funeral Associations in all 50 states have job search and networking opportunities
• Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Career Center with job search and resume bank 
• International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA) Job Board

Funeral directors earn an average annual salary of $58,200, though pay can vary widely by location, experience, and specialization. States like Minnesota and New Jersey offer higher wages, while regions such as Kentucky and Mississippi tend to be on the lower end.

Begin Your Journey in Funeral Service Today

Becoming a mortician is more than a job—it’s a commitment to serving families during their most challenging times. Whether you're just starting your educational journey or are a veteran looking for a meaningful second career, there’s a path for you in the funeral service profession. 

Afterall is a collective of caring, licensed, and experienced funeral directors, cremation providers, and cemeteries dedicated to providing compassionate service nationwide. If you're seeking a trusted professional to guide you or are inspired to join a team that truly cares, find a local Afterall provider near you. Explore the rewarding opportunities that await those who choose to make a difference in their communities.