If you are interested in:

• Helping Others
• The Human Biological Sciences
• Community Involvement
• A Business Environment

Then a career in funeral service may be right for you! Funeral service professionals work with the bereaved during times of emotional need. These professional caregivers enable families and communities to express their emotions and help them to properly grieve.

Watch this inspiring video that celebrates the career of a remarkable funeral director, Randy Anderson of Radney's Funeral Home in Alexander City, Alabama.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support to the bereaved during initial stages of grief
• Arrange and direct funeral ceremonies
• Arrange for removal of the deceased from the place of death
• Prepare the body according to the wishes of the survivors and legal requirements
• Secure information for legal documents
• File death certificates and other legal papers
• Assist survivors with details for filing claims for death benefits
• Help individuals adapt to changes in their lives following a death through post-death counseling and support group activities

Educational Overview

Most states adhere to these basic educational requirements: Please contact the funeral service college of your choice for more specific educational guidelines.

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• An Associate Degree, or its credit hour equivalent, a portion of which is in funeral service education
• Passing a state and/or national board licensing examination
• An internship or apprenticeship ranging from one to three years
• Many states require funeral directors to meet continuing education requirements to maintain licensure