Funeral Service and an Unholy Union

For ten years now, I have been a proud funeral service professional. I started in late 2014 as an apprentice funeral director. I graduated from mortuary college with a degree in funeral service. By 2017, I was a licensed funeral director and embalmer. The following year, 2018, I added a life insurance license.

We are now in 2024. It’s only been ten years, but a lot has changed in the industry’s landscape. Cremation has taken over full-bodied, traditional burial. There are more women than men in funeral services. Requirements to become a funeral director have mainly stayed the same, but the oath to remain a funeral director seems to have died and been buried.

A professional funeral director is composed and empathic and wants to create the best possible funeral for grieving families. One enters funeral service to become licensed, yes, but for the privilege to serve said grieving families. By going through your apprenticeship, schooling, and passing your state and national board exams, you get the privilege to be a funeral director.

I consider what I do an honor. I believe being a funeral director is a privilege and not a right.

Each state has its requirements, some less than others (Colorado notwithstanding), but not just anyone can sign up and become a funeral director. One goes through an accredited mortuary science program at a college campus. You don’t just skate by, either. You need to meet the grade requirements to continue this noble path.