Funeral Director Apprentice

You're working toward your funeral director license, which means you're knee-deep in mortuary science classes during the day and embalming labs at night. Yes, you practice on real people. Yes, it's as intense as it sounds. You shadow licensed directors during arrangements, learn the business side of death (casket pricing, vault options, FTC Funeral Rule compliance), and develop the emotional resilience to have a grief counseling conversation at 10 AM and a business negotiation at 11 AM. Your friends don't fully understand your career choice, but you know this work matters.

Learn the skills

Courses and certifications to get you job-ready

What you'll actually do

• 01Shadow licensed directors during family arrangement conferences
• 02Assist with embalming and preparation of the deceased under supervision
• 03Study mortuary science coursework — anatomy, chemistry, funeral law, business management
• 04Learn the paperwork side: death certificates, permits, insurance claims, FTC compliance
• 05Help coordinate logistics for services, from the viewing room setup to the cemetery procession
• 06Develop the ability to have a completely normal conversation about decomposition over lunch