Embalming a body is a clinical process that includes a preservative, sanitary and cosmetic process to prepare the body for burial. The funeral director washes the body with antibacterial soap and replaces the blood with embalming fluid. Mortuary science degrees require courses in biological sciences such as anatomy, pathology, physiology, embalming techniques and restorative art to ensure proper techniques.
Funeral directors usually work in small businesses run by families. Duties for running the business include keeping records of services rendered; filing state and federal tax forms; preparing invoices; bookkeeping and marketing; and preparing and sending obituaries. Business courses such as communications, business management, accounting, computers, client services and funeral home management are required.
Funeral directors help plan services, deal with grief and must understand differences in religious practices. Social science courses such as grief counseling, psychology, funeral service law, ethics and business law aid in preparing the student to take on career responsibilities. Courses in written and oral communication are a requirement to help the funeral director relate with family members and other mourners.
Apprenticeship requirements vary by state and can range from one to three years of supervision under a licensed funeral director. The apprenticeship may be completed either during or after mortuary school, and provides students with experiences in various aspects of funeral services, including embalming and transferring the body.
Laws vary by state, but all states require a funeral director to be licensed. The majority of states require the person to be at least 21 years old, to have acquired two years of formal education and to pass the qualifying examination. Examinations generally include both written and oral sections. Since laws vary by state, the student needs to be familiar with the requirements for his particular location.
Currently, at least 30 states require that funeral directors receive continuing education credits to uphold their licenses. Numerous state and national associations offer continuing education programs specifically for licensed funeral directors. The courses offer continued support in the areas of communications, counseling and management.