A mortician, otherwise known as an undertaker or funeral director, is not an easy job. It takes a certain kind of person to do this job. It is difficult to deal with death and grief, particularly on a daily basis. As a result it is not a competitive career to pursue. However it is a stable job that will provide you with a steady income and guaranteed working hours. It is a job to be proud of – you are supplying a necessary service to the living as well as the deceased, and helping people get through a difficult time by giving them a professional, quality service.
Ask yourself what type of person you are and honest answers should help you decide whether the life of a mortician is one for you. Do people come to you for support and guidance? Do others consider you easy to talk to and a good listener? Can you cope well with taking control, especially in difficult, stressful and traumatic situations? What are your thoughts on death? Can you handle all aspects of mortality yet maintain a happy, healthy life outside your work? If you have answered yes to these questions, then this could be the perfect job for you. Good morticians are compassionate, patient and tactful, but also need to have a level head and a strong stomach.
Becoming a mortician isn’t easy, first you have to do some work experience at a local funeral parlor. This will allow you to experience the daily routines of a mortician and work out if you are suited to it (and can deal with the more unpleasant aspects of the job). By observing an embalming, helping to dress the body or transport it into a viewing casket, participating in removals (when the deceased’s body is picked up and taken to the funeral parlor) and helping at a funeral, you will have the chance to work hands-on with the dead and decide if you could handle such tasks on a daily basis.
Next, visit the National Funeral Directors Association website (www.nfda.org) and do your research. Find out the educational requirements of your state for obtaining a mortician’s license.
While many states require an associate’s degree in Funeral Service Education, some insisting on a four-year degree, others require only a high school education plus some additional training. The NFDA website will list all accredited colleges and upon application to the college of your choice you will be sent all the information you need on getting a mortician’s license in your state. Some of the courses you may be required to take include anatomy, embalming techniques, social sciences, pathology and law and ethics.
Once you have completed your degree work, you can then sit the National Board Examination. You will need to undertake an apprenticeship lasting for one to two years before, during or after your college course. Again, the exact requirements vary from state to state.
It will be necessary to be immunized against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tetanus and provide a certificate to back this up.
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