If I want to start a cremation funeral business, what do I need and what I have to know?

Answer 1

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Funeral directors are licensed in all States. Licensing laws vary from State to State, but most require applicants to be 21 years old, have 2 years of formal education that includes studies in mortuary science, serve a 1-year apprenticeship, and pass a qualifying examination. After becoming licensed, new funeral directors may join the staff of a funeral home. Funeral directors who embalm must be licensed in all States, and some States license only those who embalm. In States that have separate licensing requirements, most people in the field obtain both licenses. Persons interested in a career as a funeral director should contact their State licensing board for specific requirements.

College programs in mortuary science usually last from 2 to 4 years. The American Board of Funeral Service Education accredits about 50 mortuary science programs. A few community and junior colleges offer 2-year programs, and a few colleges and universities offer both 2-year and 4-year programs. Mortuary science programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, embalming techniques, restorative art, business management, accounting and use of computers in funeral home management, and client services. They also include courses in the social sciences and in legal, ethical, and regulatory subjects such as psychology, grief counseling, oral and written communication, funeral service law, business law, and ethics.

Many State and national associations offer continuing education programs designed for licensed funeral directors. These programs address issues in communications, counseling, and management. More than 30 States have requirements that funeral directors receive continuing education credits to maintain their licenses.

Apprenticeships must be completed under the direction of an experienced and licensed funeral director. Depending on State regulations, apprenticeships last from 1 to 3 years and may be served before, during, or after mortuary school. Apprenticeships provide practical experience in all facets of the funeral service, from embalming to transporting remains.

State board licensing examinations vary, but they usually consist of written and oral parts and include a demonstration of practical skills. Persons who want to work in another State may have to pass the examination for that State; however, some States have reciprocity arrangements and will grant licenses to funeral directors from another State without further examination.

High school students can start preparing for a career as a funeral director by taking courses in biology and chemistry and participating in public speaking or debate clubs. Part-time or summer jobs in funeral homes consist mostly of maintenance and cleanup tasks, such as washing and polishing limousines and hearses, but these tasks can help students become familiar with the operation of funeral homes.

For a list of accredited mortuary science programs and information on the funeral service profession, write to:

The National Funeral Directors Association, 13625 Bishop’s Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005. Internet: http://www.nfda.org
For information about college programs in mortuary science, scholarships, and funeral service as a career, contact:

The American Board of Funeral Service Education, 38 Florida Ave., Portland, ME 04103. Internet: http://www.abfse.org/index.html
For information on specific State licensing requirements, contact the State’s licensing board.

for more information, read the whole section on the US Department of Labor website http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos011.htm

Answer 2

It depends on what state you are in and how you want ot do it.

All states require you to be licensed. This normally entails both college courses and passing a state test and background investigation, as well as posting a bond.

If you are going to have a crematorium on site you will have to have clearance from local zoning boards and have the facility built to state codes.

Some cremation businesses are branching out, without the bother of an actual crematorium. They simply prepare the body, sell caskets and the like, and provide appropriate viewing areas. But then they contract out to other crematoriums with furnaces for the actual cremation. They often then have additional services, like chartered boat rides to scatter the ashes in the ocean, etc. It takes away the expense of building and maintaining a cremation furnace.