Last year I announced to everyone I knew that I was going to become a mortician. The announcement came with mixed reviews. Some people thought I was headed toward the right career. Most thought it was disgusting. One woman even said if she could take me to her church and save my soul I wouldn’t have to go to the “dark side” and become a mortician. Wow. I got less backlash when I considered becoming a Ghost Hunter. The reactions I received when I decided that being a mortician would be the right thing for me made me realize that it is a misunderstood profession. Being a mortician isn’t so much about death as it is helping the bereaved grieve and remember a loved one that has passed away. Becoming a funeral director takes time, dedication and finding the balance between being compassionate as well as a good business owner.
Schooling Required To Become A Mortician
Researching options for schooling to become a mortician is a process that make many people want to pull their hair out. Some colleges offer courses toward a mortuary program; some don’t. Some schools have online mortuary programs, some have restricted admission for their on campus courses. So how does one choose? You would choose the option that is best for you. There are some things you would first have to consider before applying to a mortuary science program.
First, consider what state you live in. Some states require morticians to undertake lifelong learning to keep their Mortuary Science Practitioner license. Some states may require only a high school degree and some training while other states will require a two or four year degree before you become a mortician. In my opinion, getting a four year degree is the way to go when pursuing a career in mortuary science. It offers more freedom when you search for a job at a funeral home.
In the first year or two while you’re pursuing a mortuary science degree, you going to be required to finish your general education. Many mortuary science programs have specific course requirements, so while you’re finishing your general education it is best to know which mortuary science program you would like to apply to and schedule as many of those classes as possible. These courses usually include English 101, Psychology 101, and Anatomy & Physiology. In this time it is also best to find a job at a funeral home. Many mortuary science programs prefer, if not require, that you have worked at a funeral home before applying. Working at a funeral home will give you a chance to learn the ropes of being a mortician before you even start at a mortuary science school.
There are many options when you are ready to apply to a mortuary science school. Some prefer the classroom experience and decide to attend a school that specializes in mortuary science. In many cases, if you’re taking your general education requirements at a school that offers mortuary science, you can get into that program. There are also many online mortuary science programs that are great for stay at home moms or for those that do not have a mortuary program where they are living. The online mortuary programs let you choose how quickly you would like to take your classes, yet you may have to travel to the school for certain labs that are required. Usually the last course is a graded internship at a funeral home. Some schools will let you do the internship at the funeral home you worked at to be able to apply for the program, some schools will place you in a funeral home.
After all of the course for mortuary science are completed and you have your degree, there is still one more step. You have to pass the National Board Exam. This step is required to become a licensed mortician.
A Mortician’s Work Life
Morticians have a very hectic work life. A call can come at any time to transport a body. For a mortician there is no such thing as a weekend or evening off. If a mortician hasn’t hired anybody to work under him, he may also be doing the embalming or the make up. During the day a mortician will meet with families of the recently deceased, plan funerals and wakes, be the coordinator for all events, run a business, make sure all health codes are followed, while still offering empathy or sympathy to the clients that will walk through the funeral home’s doors. Many morticians will simultaneously play the role of boss, psychologist, planner, and priest every day.
As I’ve learned from talking to many morticians, they take the challenges of the job in stride. They don’t view their job as a burden because they believe that they are helping people at a time when the people need it most. While many people still view being a mortician as a dark and depressing profession, to those in (or pursuing) the business it isn’t necessarily a fascination with death. Like those who become nurses, doctors, or social workers, the biggest rush for a mortician comes from helping people.
If becoming a mortician interests you, a good place to start would be the National Funeral Directors Association. They can point out all the schools that have accredited mortuary programs and help you when you’re on your way to certification. Becoming a mortician may not be an easy process, but it will be a fulfilling and worthwhile profession.
Source:
http://www.ehow.com/how_8117_become-mortician.html
