How to become a Funeral Director
Becoming a funeral director is like most other professions in the sense that it requires a mixture of education, job training, apprenticeship and experience. In order to join this wonderful profession, our best advice is that you see it more as a calling and less like a job. Funeral directors sacrifice so much of their own lives to serve others that this job is closer linked to that of a first responder than most other Canadian occupations. For those of you who believe you have what it takes to selflessly serve your community around the clock all year, follow this simple step by step guide to becoming a funeral director in Canada.
Step One: Get Educated
Given that being a funeral director is a highly specialized profession, not every Canadian post secondary institution offers a related program. In fact there are actually quite few schools that have a designation for those looking to become a funeral director. Here are the schools that offer programs in this stream and will put you on the path to becoming a funeral director in Canada:
Step Two: Understand The Provincial Regulations
Now that you have received an education in funeral service, the next step is to understand the laws that govern the profession in the province you live in. Pay close attention, though, these may be different than those in the province in which you hope to work. For more information on the specific laws of each province and territory click the link below for an overview of regulations from ocean to ocean.
Step Three: Find or Create a Job
Okay, so you have your education and credentials. You understand the regulations of the province and now it is time to start your job search. Like other jobs, finding available postings for funeral directors can be done on any national job search site like Indeed, WowJobs and Google jobs. Simply type in "funeral director jobs" and you will see numerous postings. In most cases, you will also be able to secure an internship, work placement or apprenticeship through your education. If neither of these options sound like the right fit, it is important to note that death care has become a heavily entrepreneurial business and opening up your own facility or business is totally an option. All you have to decide is which one of these options is right for you.
Being a Licensed Funeral Director is NOT the only Job!
Looking to become part of the death care profession? Not sure about being a funeral director? Luckily, there are many jobs within the funeral profession that are helpful to families and require compassionate, knowledgeable and professional people to do them. If you want to get involved with this wonderful industry but just aren't sure how, check out our guide to the many jobs available in Canadian Death Care.
