What It Takes To Become A Mortician

February 17, 2017

Share this article

Whether you’re considering becoming a mortician yourself, or you want to ensure that you’re working with highly trained funeral professionals, you may be curious about the process of entering a funeral services career. Here are some details about what it takes to be a mortician.

What Is a Mortician?

A mortician, or funeral director, works with families to plan and carry out the details of final arrangements for their loved ones. This may involve moving and preparing the individual for the funeral, responsibility for a service respecting the family’s spiritual requirements and beliefs, and carrying out the cremation or burial.

Becoming a mortician requires high levels of compassion, business acumen, and interpersonal communication skill. The job often involves being on call at all hours of the day, which means that funeral directors also need strong dedication to their chosen path.

Education Required

In most states, a mortician must have a minimum of an associate degree in Mortuary Science. Some funeral homes in Arizona and around the country require a bachelor’s degree. According to the American Board of Funeral Service Education there are about 60 Mortuary Science programs available across the United States.

Mortician and funeral director licensing requirements vary from state to state. Some states have their own state exam, while others, including Arizona, require candidates to pass the national board exam. An apprenticeship is also often an integral part of a mortician’s training, taking place before, during, or after mortuary school.

Caring and Compassionate Service

When you come to Mountain View Funeral Home, you can feel confident about the services you will receive, as Arizona also requires that morticians get 12 hours per year of continuing education. With nearly 70 years in the funeral services industry, our family owned and operated funeral home is also known for our caring and compassionate staff who are here to help. We have the necessary training, experience, and understanding to give our clients the comprehensive level of service they deserve during this difficult time.

For more information, please contact us at Mountain View Funeral Home.

Recent Posts

Red, white, and blue memorial wreath on a front porch railing with flowers and ribbon
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • September 10, 2026
Twenty-five years later, we still remember. Our Vice President, Elisa Krcilek, spoke with Fox News about Apache Junction’s 25th anniversary memorial ceremony for September 11. Elisa serves on the event committee, and Mountain View is proud to take part. Please join us. Friday, September 11, at 8 a.m. Apache Junction Veterans’ Memorial Park 1001 N. […]
Man speaking at a podium outdoors beside a colorful flag and garden backdrop
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • September 2, 2026
For 75 years, Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery has proudly served families in Mesa, Arizona, with compassion, integrity, and respect. Founded in 1951, our fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home and cemetery has built a lasting legacy of caring for families during life’s most difficult moments. This anniversary video honors the dedicated people, meaningful relationships, and […]
News interview in a hallway with a woman speaking to a man, “LIVE” and “Donate blood today” banner visible.
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • August 5, 2026
Every blood donation has the power to save lives. On July 23, Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery proudly partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Community Blood Drive in Mesa, Arizona. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we collected 18 units of blood, helping provide lifesaving support to […]
Group of people outdoors at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, holding a blue ribbon in front of a building.
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • August 5, 2026
Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery proudly celebrated our 75th Anniversary with a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at our beautiful Desert Star Mausoleum in Mesa, Arizona. Hosted by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, this memorable event brought together local business partners, community leaders, vendors, families, and friends as we celebrated 75 years of serving […]
Community hall with seated audience facing a stage with blue curtains and speakers; banner reads “Valentine’s Day: A Second Chance at Love”
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • December 5, 2023
A second chance at love is possible. Mountain View Funeral Home hosts a Valentine's Day event for individuals experiencing loss.
Two TV news anchors sit at a desk in a studio with a city skyline backdrop and a flood alert ticker.
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • December 5, 2023
Be a fly on the wall at your own funeral. Living funerals are growing in popularity. Learn more.
Memorial wall honoring U.S. Navy and World War II with wreaths and American flags at a ceremony
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • December 5, 2023
More than 2000 wreaths were placed at Mountain View cemetery during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony in Mesa.
News anchors beside “Memorial Day” graphic on FOX 10 studio set
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • June 20, 2022
Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, 2022.
Person in a white shirt speaks into a microphone outdoors beneath blue and yellow flags.
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • March 22, 2022
Wreaths Across America visited the Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa to lay down wreaths on the graves of veterans.
Dusk scene of a lit park with palm trees, a decorated tree, and a memorial ceremony area with flags and candles.
By Mary Antonette Gaudino • March 22, 2022
Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa to host a drive-thru event for families to celebrate those lost to COVID-19.
SHOW MORE