We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best School for Funeral Directors?

By Amy Rodriguez
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,432
Share

Choosing the best school for funeral directors requires you to consider a number of factors, including program lengths, accreditation, and apprenticeship opportunities. Schools in the United States need to adhere to national standards for mortuary science. In addition, the program should offer supplementary courses in grief counseling and business management.

The best school for funeral directors will normally offer two or four year programs. In the United States, each state requires a specific program length to become a licensed funeral director. U.S. students need to verify the required program length with the specific state of residence; if a program os an incorrect length is completed, you will not be able to apply for a license to practice as a funeral director. A school for funeral directors should be well versed in its state's license requirements. Each incoming student should be made aware of all requirements by school counselors and advisors.

Before choosing a U.S. school for funeral directors, you should verify its accreditation with the United States' Department of Education. Each school must be individually accredited as an official mortuary science educator; this accreditation confirms that all courses will cover the same curriculum. Unaccredited schools will not provide the proper curriculum for state licensing.

A quality school for funeral directors will offer an apprenticeship during the program's length. The apprenticeship normally involves working at a local mortuary to obtain hands-on experience. You will assist the funeral director with embalming practices, as well as working with families who are planning funerals. This real life experience provides a new perspective on funeral directing; you will see the human side of the profession by working with grieving family and friends.

Courses provided by a school for funeral directors should include grief counseling. Death and grieving must be handled with sensitivity; along with the services provided, a funeral director needs to demonstrate compassion. Classes explaining death and people's reactions to it will help you understand the clients' perspective when they enter the funeral parlor.

Funeral directing also involves business management. A good school will provide business courses to help you manage expenses and choose pricing structures for basic funeral services, such as wakes and burials. You should look for a school that stresses good business practices that are complemented by proper funeral processes.

Another important school attribute is help with exam preparation. United States' licensing requires an examination for each funeral director. You should look for a school that offers exam preparation courses. Normally, these courses will cover exam test formats and even conduct practice tests to ease the pressure of the real test.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-school-for-funeral-directors.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.