The Profession
Who They Are
Morticians, or funeral directors are individuals who work with the loved ones of those deceased in order to hold a funeral for those who have died, as well as prepare bodies after death.
What They Do
Funeral directors provide support to the bereaved during initial stages of their grief; they transfer the deceased from the place of death to the care of the funeral home, prepare the body of the deceased person according to the wishes of the survivors and requirements of the law, secure information for legal documents, direct funeral ceremonies, and help individuals adapt to changes in their lives following a death through post-death counseling and support group activities.
Where They Work
Funeral directors traditionally work in funeral homes, which can be owned by the directors themselves, or other corporations. This can mean funeral directors take on the managerial tasks of owning a business on top of their traditional duties.
Outlook
In Minnesota, employment for funeral directors is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations. There will be job openings associated with retirements and meeting the needs of the aging population. Funeral directors practice in both small funeral homes and as part of larger corporations. Median wages for funeral directors in 2024 were reported to be approximately $59,000.
Education
Education requirements will vary based on the state in which the mortician will be working. (See: Licensing Requirements – The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards) Students looking to become a licensed mortician in Minnesota are required to complete a Bachelor of Science degree or its functional equivalent, as noted in Minnesota state law. Undergraduate coursework generally includes: anatomy, microbiology, pathology, embalming, restorative arts, psychological aspects of death and dying, grief or bereavement counseling, funeral home management, and legal requirements.
An individualized internship with a licensed funeral director/embalmer is also required for licensure.