Advice for someone who wants to become a mortician? What should I expect?
Hello dear, congratulations on your future career ! That being said being a mortician is different everywhere. It’s a very regional career, down to the language used. You should also do research into whether or not it is growing or declining in your area. Embalming and Wakes are not as common as they used to be, so keep an eye on how the job market looks near you!
Where I’m from, there is a requirement for state examinations. There are two that you have to pass. There is also the National board exam which is no longer requirement in my state, though they highly recommend taking it. There are also two of those exams. They are relatively expensive. Hundreds of dollars apiece where I’m from.
You will find that this is a career that expects you to pay a lot of money for something that comparatively doesn’t pay much. People think funeral directors get rich, but that’s hardly the case. Just like every other career some people own lots of funeral homes and make lots of money, some people go corporate. But for the most part, you have the ability to do a lot of good for people... It costs to renew your license every year and it’s more depending on what type of mortician you become. There is an apprentice license, a type six license, and to take three license where I’m from. Where I’m from there is a combination licensure for funeral directors and embalmer, which is very uncommon. Those are usually two separate licenses that you have to work towards. Where I’m from you also cannot hold dual licensure, meaning I cannot also be a Crematory operator for that is viewed as a monopoly. I would have to obtain that certification in a different state. Also not common.
Having said that, each state requires you to be licensed in order to practice, there is no national licensure.
This is a very old-school profession that is struggling to catch up with the times. They don’t often appreciate an alternative style, piercings and tattoos usually need to be taken out or hidden. Women are usually expected to keep their legs covered, tights if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, or a pant suit. This can also be a physically demanding job, so working out a little didn’t hurt. We often work long hours, and can frequently miss big life events. Holidays, birthdays, for some it’s the birth of their children that gets interrupted. You’re expected to work through emergencies, like Covid. You have to have a strong drive to help people in their darkest time.
You have to have a very specific type of sense of humor and thick skin. This can be the most rewarding career in the world emotionally as much as it can be the most draining career in the world.
As far as school I found it quite rigorous. My program required an exorbitant amount of study, it is STEM after all. I called it miniature medical school. But if you really want this, if it calls to you, do it. I love what I do. I have met some of the most amazing people, served some of the kindest families, and done some of the greatest good in my life as a mortician. I find so much of it speaks to me, and makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile. I’m never bored, every day is a new day. Some of it can be monotonous but for the most part it’s very exciting, very interesting, and it’s not all tears. Lots of people laugh, and play, and spread joy. You’ll hear some of the best jokes of your life and hear some of the wildest stories !
