Funeral Director
Why Is Funeral Direction a Job of Tomorrow?
Death is an inevitable part of life, and with a large part of
the population reaching its golden years, funeral arrangements are becoming more of a reality. Out of all the deaths in 2007, 70 percent were casketed and had some form of ceremony performed to go along with the mourning process, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Funeral services are costly and complex to orchestrate, making funeral directors a valuable resource in assisting families and loved ones through the tough time of ensuring that the deceased receives the best burial ceremony possible. Employment opportunities for funeral directors are expected to increase 12 percent by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Funeral directors make an average salary of $49,620 annually.
What Does a Funeral Director Do?
Funeral directors are responsible for handling the burial ceremony of a deceased individual. As burial traditions vary between cultures, funeral directors must be sensitive and mindful of honoring the wishes of the deceased individual’s family. They must interview the family who is handling the arrangements to find out what the family wishes to be done, and what special services will be required. Funeral directors handle all of the details of the services, such as the locations, dates, and times of memorial services and burials of the deceased. They also prepare obituary notices for newspapers, as well as arrange hearse services, pallbearers and clergy, and transportation for the mourners and grave decorations between the funeral home and grave site. Funeral directors can also organize for a body to be prepared for an out-of-state burial if the family wishes for the deceased to be buried elsewhere. Many funeral directors are also trained in embalming, a process that preserves the deceased’s body during the process between death and burial. After embalming a body, funeral directors take care of the aesthetic appearance of the deceased, arranging the deceased’s clothing and applying cosmetics to the deceased’s face in order to give him or her a more natural appearance. After the ceremony, funeral directors submit the required paperwork necessary to obtain a death certificate for the deceased, as well as assist the family of the deceased in arranging for insurance claims.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Funeral Director?
Funeral directors must be licensed, have two years of formal education in funeral services, complete a one-year apprenticeship, and pass an examination. Prospective directors should plan on attending college for at least two years to earn an education in mortuary science. Mortuary science courses include anatomy, pathology, embalming techniques, and other related topics. Licensure requirements vary by state.
