How Long Does It Take To Become A Mortician In California. This information may be transferred to other governmental and enforce
This information may be transferred to other governmental and enforcement agencies. Mortuary Science students will become familiar with the nature of chemicals utilized in the mortuary setting, as they develop a qualitative understanding of the chemical aspects of tissue decomposition and preservation. With our Funeral Services A. to 7:00 a. Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness & compassion. Jan 8, 2025 · New licensed morticians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. Learn how to become a mortician with this detailed guide. Courses include biology, funeral service management, and embalming. There Sep 26, 2017 · If you hold an embalmer’s license in another state and have worked as a mortician or embalmer for three out of the past seven years before relocating to California, you do not have to serve an apprenticeship. Estimated Cost: Per California Civil Code Section 1798. But, how much schooling do you need to pursue this profession? In this article, we will explore the education requirements, training, and certifications needed to become a mortician. The Cypress College Mortuary Science Program prepares students to take the National Board Examination, California Embalmers Examination, and the California Funeral Directors Examination. Check your state requirements for specific information. Once there, the mortician may perform embalming responsibilities, or he/she may oversee the work of a staff embalmer. Requirements vary significantly by state or province, primarily concerning the duration of apprenticeship and specific coursework, but generally adhere to a national standard for licensure. Lower-division courses are introductory classes. Types of Mortician Degree Programs Some states require only a high school diploma or one year of mortuary school, but most states require an associate degree in mortuary science. Who is the ABFSE? The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the national accrediting body for college and university programs in Funeral Service and To become a mortician, you should first earn a degree in funeral service. The most common post-secondary schooling requirement to become a mortician is either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in mortuary science. Once you pass that and become a state-certified cosmetologist, you can practice desairology as well! Taking the mortician route If you want to be involved in the whole process and not just the makeup aspect, you could become an embalmer. You can’t go it alone, though. Degree, you gain the technical expertise and communication skills to become a licensed funeral director or embalmer or registered direct disposer in the state of Florida. Abandoned Applications: Applicants who fail to take the Embalmer examination within one (1) year after being notified of eligibility will result in the application for licensure and/or examination to be considered to have been abandoned. Jul 18, 2022 · Typically, when someone thinks of the type of person who aspires to be a mortician, they might think of someone who is fascinated by macabre. To become a mortician typically takes three to four years. No schooling required, not a lot of stress because the service details aren't on their shoulders and no continuing education. Mortuary assistants work at funeral […] Dec 19, 2025 · Learn about becoming a mortuary cosmetologist, including a job overview, its importance and multiple ways to begin in this career, with steps you can use. Getting started You're on your way to a career in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science! Getting started can seem overwhelming - here you'll find information and answers regarding the education needed to begin your career. How Long Does It Take to Become a Mortician? Typically, becoming a mortician requires several years of schooling, training, and real-world experience. Becoming a mortician involves a blend of compassionate service and professional expertise. The process consists of four steps: 8 hours of pre-licensing training, application for the guard card, and 32 additional hours of post-application training. You can do 6 months before school, and 6 months after school, as long as you fulfill some education requirements. Tasks performed by mortuary assistants include preparing the deceased for a funeral, moving the body from the hospital to the funeral home, or preparing paperwork. Renewal Period: Annually. Community colleges do not offer upper-division classes. Check out this great infographic that provides fast facts about The Conference & ABFSE. The program prepares individuals to become a mortuary science practitioner, funeral director and embalmer. Aug 4, 2023 · I plan on starting the process of becoming a mortician after graduating highschool this year so I want to know how long it takes so I can plan financially and base other decisions on how long it'll take. Funerals often combine tradition, ritual, reunion, mourning and celebration. Some choose a bachelor’s degree for broader opportunities. A general mortician’s license is the most common type of mortician’s license in California, and it allows you to perform all of the duties of a licensed funeral home. Embalming of protein and the effects relative to the blood, body pigments and tissue staining are a primary emphasis of the As a general rule, most states require that candidates for funeral directing and/or embalming licensure fulfill licensing requirements as follows: be a high school graduate; pass a background check; complete mortuary college; pass national or state board examinations; serve an internship/apprenticeship; and pass a state-specific mortuary jurisprudence exam. How do I become a mortician? To practice as a funeral director or mortician, applicants need to be at least 21 years old and have to complete an accredited funeral service or mortuary science degree program. See what education, training or certification is usually required to practice this occupation. Job Bank’s website will be unavailable due to system maintenance from 12:00 a. American Board of Funeral Service Education The ABFSE serves as the national academic accreditation agency for college and university programs in Jul 21, 2024 · Mortuary School: How to Become a Mortician, Embalmer or Funeral Director Within the U. Nov 2, 2019 · In order to get licensed as a funeral director in California, applicants must meet several requirements, pass a licensing examination, and pay a yearly licensing fee. It typically involves completing an accredited mortuary science program to gain foundational knowledge in embalming, restorative techniques, and funeral service management. That’s where a mortician, also known as a funeral director, comes in. Aspiring morticians must complete a mortuary science program from an accredited institution, typically earning an associate degree. Jul 8, 2024 · Serve a one to three-year-long internship or apprenticeship Morticians in Connecticut, on the other hand, must: Earn an associate degree in Mortuary Science Secure an apprenticeship Successfully complete the National Board Examination, administered by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) Take the Connecticut board exam 2. Mar 4, 2022 · How to Become a Mortician, Embalmer or Funeral Director The typical entry-level credential is an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited mortuary school. May 26, 2025 · Becoming a Certified Mortician involves a structured qualification process, emphasizing both rigorous academic study and extensive practical training. These programs generally take two to four years. If you are interested in becoming a mortician, be sure to read this entire article so that you can gain an understanding of what the profession entails. Ivy Tech offers an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science, where you will learn the aftercare of bodies and funeral services. The job of a mortician assistant can be emotionally distressing and physically tiring. Mar 2, 2024 · In essence, to become a mortician, one must complete an accredited mortuary science program, secure a license, and gain practical experience from seasoned funeral directors. Upper-division classes generally specialize in your chosen major and are more advanced. The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau (Bureau) provides assistance to veterans, active duty military personnel, and their spouses/domestic partners who would like to become licensed in California or are currently licensed and called to active duty. Read More CNA Skills to Level Up Your Career How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA? The length of time it takes to become a nursing depends on the state you live in. Becoming a certified mortician involves a blend of formal education, hands-on experience, and rigorous state-specific examinations. Morticians do a lot of the work for funerals in order to alleviate the burden on grieving loved ones. The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. CNA/NAT classes can last 4-12 weeks at minimum but some programs can be up to 6 months. I would attend Cypress College, as they are the closest school with a mortuary science department. Please help!!!! Jan 16, 2025 · Mortuary school is a crucial step in becoming a skilled funeral director or mortician. – Dalai Lama XIV The Mortuary Science Department at Cypress College prepares individuals for a career that cares for the dead and comforts the living. Terms such as funeral director, undertaker, and embalmer can be used interchangeably to describe the roles within a funeral home or mortuary. The journey typically starts with earning an associate degree in mortuary science, followed by completing an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience. The first option is to get a general mortician’s license. Accreditation Status: The Mortuary Science Program at Arapahoe Community College is accredited by We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. What degree do you need to become a mortician? To become a mortician, you typically need an associate degree in mortuary science from an ABFSE accredited program. How long does it take to become a mortician? It generally takes two years to complete an accredited funeral service program to become a mortician. Mar 8, 2025 · Learn the steps to become a licensed funeral director in California, including education, apprenticeship, exams, and renewal requirements. This program includes embalming, anatomy, funeral service practices, and business management coursework. For more information, see the Notice Regarding Publication of Colorado Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Cypress (home to 50,000 people) is 10 miles from Long Beach and 20 miles outside of Los Angeles. I live in Southern California, I'm 19, and I'm pretty certain that I want to be a mortician. It takes several years to obtain license and you don't really make the amount of money to balance your personal life. To become a mortician, you'll need both education and training. A two-year degree from a community college or trade school allows students to take a large step toward their goal of becoming a funeral service manager. Find Information and Tips About Becoming a Mortician Including Education Requirements, Job Description, Salary, and Career Information. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause I’m gonna graduate hs soon and I’ve wanted to be a mortician since I was like 10, but I don’t know what the timeline of becoming one is? I plan on going to either the University of Minnesota or PIMS, but I don’t know when I should become an apprentice/intern, or other funerary-specific timeline things I need to do. Jan 30, 2024 · After that, you’re eligible to take your state’s cosmetology licensing exam. Becoming a mortician, also known as a funeral director, is a deeply meaningful career path that combines technical expertise, compassion, and dedication to service. , Eastern Time (ET). Usually, you must take lower-division courses before enrolling in upper-division classes. Another name for mortuary assistant is mortuary technician. Aug 28, 2025 · Funeral home managers typically have multiple years of experience working as a funeral director or mortician before becoming managers. At Eastwick College, earning an associate degree in funeral services takes 24 months when taken during the day and 27 months when taken at night. Dec 16, 2025 · Discover what it means to be a morgue attendance and explore a step-by-step guide on how to become one with a list of the most essential skills to develop. Jul 23, 2025 · Tables Created by BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Tables May 2024 May 2024 OEWS data for Colorado and its areas are now available. You will be required to submit a new application which must be accompanied by the required fee. As a mortuary science student, you will prepare for employment as a funeral director and embalmer. Some states require only those morticians who perform embalming to obtain a license, or require embalmers to obtain an additional license. Apr 24, 2025 · In this post, we explain how to become an independent medical courier, what are the medical courier job duties, and much more. We've compiled information by state to help you get started. A funeral director takes the load off of the grieving families back by helping set up a funeral, embalm the body, and prepare it for display in the casket. It gives you an opportunity to get a taste for the industry and whether or not you would like it. , mortuary jobs typically require either an associate or bachelor's degree in funeral service or mortuary science plus licensure How to become a funeral director in California? As mentioned, California requires morticians to have a funeral service, cremation and embalming license. S. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. If a deceased person died in another state, the mortician makes plans to transport the body to the funeral home. Redwood City, CA Phone: (650) 306-3226 Program 6 days ago · Mortuary assistants work in morgues, hospitals and funeral homes and assist morticians and pathologists with their work. In general, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree in mortuary science, which takes about two years to complete. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real licensed mortician resumes. Business skills. Nov 9, 2023 · The specific requirements to become a mortician, embalmer, or funeral director vary by state, but in most cases, the general steps toward a career in funeral services are the same. Sep 30, 2021 · Want to know how to become a mortician and how much you can earn? Find out what to expect and how to get started with online courses. Our Funeral Service Education program provides practical experience in embalming techniques. Becoming a Licensed Mortician Once you have finished your education and training, there are three tests you may need to pass to become a licensed mortician in your state: The National Board Exam (NBE) The State Board Exam (SBE) Your state's Laws, Rules, and Regulations (LRR) exam Some states require only one test. Jan 16, 2025 · As a mortician, also known as a funeral director or undertaker, you will play a crucial role in honoring the deceased and supporting grieving families. What Degree Does a Mortician Need? Sep 23, 2025 · How long does it take to become a mortician? The length of time it takes to become a mortician depends on your state’s requirements for licensed funeral directors. Occupational profile application National (HTML) (XLSX) State (HTML) (XLSX) Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area (HTML) (XLSX Jan 4, 2026 · Here, we break down how to become a wedding officiant with a step-by-step guide, key tips, and answers to the most common questions. Jun 18, 2025 · How to become a security guard in California Becoming a security guard in California is a fairly simple and straightforward process. Morticians provide vital support to grieving families, guiding them through funeral arrangements while honoring the deceased with dignity and care. Becoming a mortician is a potentially very rewarding career choice, but it does require significant dedication and hard work. While the requirements to become a mortician may vary slightly between states, we've provided a basic roadmap below. Apply now to start your career as a funeral director. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a licensed mortician based on U. Mar 10, 2025 · Take the necessary courses. m. It’s also common for morticians to travel to private homes, places of worship, cemeteries, and other sites for funeral services. Let’s take a look at the process of how to become a mortician, as well as what qualities an aspiring mortician should hold Oct 28, 2025 · Morticians and funeral service professionals are important members of their communities. Dec 11, 2025 · Your definitive guide to the legal requirements and professional steps for obtaining California state licensure as a mortuary professional. What type of hours do morticians work? It’s not uncommon for a mortician to work on the weekends. National Funeral Directors Association Certification and Training programs allow you to become certified or trained in a variety of areas in the funeral profession, including arranging, cremation, pre-planning, celebrant, and more. To apply for licensure as a funeral director, submit the following: A completed application form and required filing fee. Becoming a licensed mortician is a process that combines education, practical experience, and state-specific licensing requirements. 5 days ago · How long does becoming a mortician take? It depends on your state and the educational path you choose. Discover the necessary steps, skills, and education needed to start your career in funeral services. 1 day ago · Learn how to become a mortician, including education requirements, licensing, skills, and career opportunities in funeral services. If you're considering attending an online mortician school, you should get in touch with the school first to see what kinds of classes they require in-person attendance for. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. For people who are interested in a mortician’s career, a degree in funeral service is necessary. Special License Requirements: Must be employed by or own a licensed funeral establishment in order to engage in the practice of a funeral director. After completion of the program, a one to three-year internship follows. While being okay with death and dead bodies naturally comes with the job, mortuary sciences are a bit more complex than that. Mortuary Science is a field of human and community service which offers a variety of work, intellectual challenge and satisfaction of helping the bereaved through life's most trying period. Authority: Business and Professions Code Sections 7615, 7618-7623; California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1204. Do I need to pass a licensing exam to become a funeral director, and are there language accommodations for non-native English speakers in California? Yes, you must pass a licensing exam to become a Funeral Director in California. Oct 1, 2023 · Start a career in mortuary science. But how long does it take to complete mortuary school? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of mortuary education and answer the question: how long is mortuary school? Direct Answer: How Long is Mortuary School? Take the next step toward your future with a trusted mortician school offering flexible online learning—and move closer to your goal of becoming a funeral service professional. Nov 15, 2024 · As a public university, they have a reputation for providing a strong education to those who are interested in a future career as a mortician. Some states might also require a bachelor's degree, pushing your education to four years. Dec 11, 2025 · Overall, the process of becoming a mortician can take anywhere from two to five years or more, depending on specific requirements in your location and how quickly you complete your degree program and apprenticeship. Typically, a mortuary science degree takes two to four years to complete depending on the program. According to the BLS, the job can involve exposure to contagious diseases if personal protective equipment is not used correctly and consistently. Visit Job Bank to learn more about professional licensing and other regulatory requirements in Canada. They work long, irregular hours when needed to prepare for several funerals taking place on the same day. 17 (Information Practice Act), the Chief of the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau is responsible for maintaining information in this application. Location: Cypress College is located in Cypress, California. Learn all about Mortician educational requirements, degrees, majors, certifications, online courses, and top colleges that will help you advance in a Mortician career. When they become licensed, they are qualified to work in a funeral director or arrangement Sep 1, 2015 · Just becoming a licensed mortician/funeral director in California is going to take some serious effort as a student, a minimum $400 – $500 investment, and several months of “hurry up and wait”. Applicants are advised to contact Nebraska is a split apprenticeship state. How long does it take to become a mortician? It can take two years to complete an associate degree program in mortuary science. This means that to become a mortician in California, you must complete a funeral service training course and get a license. In Cali you need at least 60 credits of college level classes to take the FDR exam this is for your state license to be a funeral director. For more information on the available programs visit the Bureau's Military Information web page. Find out what is typically needed to work as a mortician in Canada. Licensing requirements vary by state and can also be different for embalmers and funeral directors. Jan 8, 2025 · What level of education is required for Morticians? 33% of Morticians have an associate degree, 35% major in mortuary science. How To Become a Mortician. Click here for everything you need to know to perform such a role. Long shifts are common, as you will need to provide services for multiple clients in the same week. As a Mortuary Science student […] Jul 25, 2019 · Most states also require postsecondary education, an apprenticeship and licensing. Morticians manage every part of a funeral and must be able to fulfill several roles, including informal grief counselor, salesperson, event planner and keeper of customs. Are you interested in a career in the funeral profession? Consider one of California's Mortuary Science Programs American River College Department of Mortuary Science 4700 College Oak Drive Sacramento, CA 95841 Phone: (916) 484-8350 Program Website Cañada College Funeral Service Education Associate in Science Degree Program 4200 Farm Hill Blvd. Nebraska is a split apprenticeship state. Learn the basic requirements to become a Mortician. Gain employment as funeral directors and embalmers. Minimum degree you need to become a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer is an associate of applied science degree. Average Time to Process Application: 30 days. Dec 10, 2025 · Learn what a mortician does and the pros and cons of this profession, including how they can overcome some of the challenges that are a part of the career. This degree can take anywhere from 15 month to two years. Apr 17, 2025 · Discover how to become a mortician, including education, licensing, training, and what daily work in funeral services looks like. Sep 6, 2023 · To become a mortician, you need to take very specific steps in your education and training. Mar 11, 2025 · To become a mortician, a typical requirement is an associate's or bachelor's degree in mortuary science. Let’s explore the requirements to become a mortician, including the skills, general education, and certification requisites needed to land the job. . Most funeral homes hire "funeral ambassadors". There are two primary routes to becoming a licensed California mortician. Dec 11, 2025 · Discover how to become a funeral director with valuable information about educational and training requirements, state requirements and answers to frequently asked questions. In very large funeral homes, they may be separate positions. Oct 15, 2018 · How Long Does It Take to Become a Mortician in Connecticut? While the length of programs will vary, most associate degree programs can be completed in about two-years’ time. May 17, 2024 · Learn the step-by-step process of becoming a mortician, including education requirements, certifications, job duties, and career prospects. After the death of a loved one, many family members don’t want to have to deal with all the ins and outs of a funeral. Sometimes, morticians do both the embalming and the funeral services.