| Many people have the strong drive and desire to | | | | directors primarily are tasked with providing comfort to |
| return to school, but aren't sure that a traditional | | | | family and friends during their time of grieving. |
| education is right for them. They know they want to | | | | Funeral directing is a unique career, and needs a |
| experience the thrill of learning something new and of | | | | special type of person to succeed. Aspiring directors |
| mastering a fresh and novel skill. For these students, | | | | need to possess composure and tact. They also need |
| attending school to earn a vocational degree may be | | | | strong communication abilities in order to properly |
| the very best choice for their higher education | | | | address the needs of the family. Finally, they need the |
| endeavor, especially at an online college. | | | | desire and ability to empathize, sympathize and |
| Students may wonder what the difference is between | | | | comfort people in a time of sorrow. |
| a vocational degree and a traditional college degree. A | | | | College programs for funeral services usually last from |
| traditional college degree has a major focus on | | | | two to four years. The American Board of Funeral |
| academic knowledge, specifically in fields most | | | | Service Education accredits somewhere around 60 |
| specifically associated with school, like mathematics or | | | | mortuary science programs, of which the majority are |
| literature. Vocational degrees offer some academic | | | | two-year associate degree programs offered at |
| background, but are more focused on helping the | | | | community colleges. Mortuary science programs |
| student learn immediately marketable knowledge | | | | include courses in anatomy and physiology, as well as |
| related to a specific trade or occupation. | | | | embalming techniques and restorative art. However, |
| Typically, vocational degrees are associated with | | | | many graduates end up owning their own businesses, |
| occupations like cosmetology or auto mechanics. | | | | so programs also include business management and |
| However, one of the most under looked occupations | | | | accounting classes. Psychology, grief counseling and |
| that can be entered by earning a vocational degree is | | | | funeral service law classes are also included in order |
| funeral services. Following the completion of a two or | | | | that students may learn how to properly and |
| four year vocational degree, students can pursue a | | | | appropriately communicate with their grieving clients. |
| fulfilling career in the field of funeral services acting as | | | | Following their degree, students can expect to |
| a major pillar of support to their community. | | | | complete an apprenticeship that lasts from one to |
| Many people may think they know what a funeral | | | | three years under an experienced and licensed funeral |
| director does, but they may not fully understand the | | | | director. Licensing varies from state to state, being |
| implications and responsibilities of the job. A funeral | | | | required in all 50. Licensed funeral directors typically |
| director removes the deceased to a mortuary, | | | | must be over the age of 21, with two years of formal |
| prepares the remains, arranges and directs funeral | | | | education, a completed apprenticeship and a passed |
| ceremonies and makes preparations for burial, | | | | qualifying examination. |
| cremation or donation. Most importantly, funeral | | | | |