Funeral Director/Embalmer

Individuals in funeral service careers provide advice and counseling, legal documentation, assistance with administrative tasks, and the logistical management of human remains. Funeral service professionals provide counsel and advice to people prior to death as well as during and after bereavement. They must be sensitive to requirements of law, custom, and the accepted practices of the individuals and communities with whom they work.

Work Environment
Funeral service personnel may be self-employed or employed by funeral businesses, the military, hospitals, educational institutions, and professional associations. Because death can occur at any time, hours vary and can be long.

Job Outlook
More than 22,000 funeral homes in the United States provide opportunities for funeral service personnel at varying levels. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, individuals with additional course work in communications and business are in demand in funeral home management. The demand for funeral services will rise as the population continues to grow.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Three schools in Texas offer mortuary science programs that require from 15 months to two years of study. State law requires that professionals follow academic training with a one-year apprenticeship and pass the national and state examinations. Most mortuary science programs lead to an associate degree. Individuals desiring additional education can transfer course credit from accredited community colleges to four-year institutions. Courses taken at proprietary schools may not be transferable to other institutions.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $48,000 - $85,000.

Educational Programs
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
415 Barren Springs
Houston, TX 77090
800/628-1580
Fax: 713/873-5232

Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
3909 S. Buckner Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75227
800/235-5444
Fax: 214/388-5466

San Antonio College
Department of Allied Health Technology Mortuary Sciences Program
1300 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78212-4299
210/733-2905
Fax: 210/733-2907

Professional Associations
American Board of Funeral Service Education
P.O. Box 1305
Brunswick, ME 04011
207/798-5801
Fax: 207/798-5988