What's the Difference Between a Funeral Director and a Mortician?

If you're researching end-of-life options, you know there are many elements to consider. Whether you’re just looking into the various options available, or you’ve recently lost a loved one and are planning arrangements, you may have come across some terms that you’re not used to working with, like mortician and funeral director.

You may wonder about these positions and what their responsibilities are, what role they play in funeral planning, and what the differences are between the two, if any. Morticians and funeral directors are some of the key people who will be helping and guiding you when planning a funeral or memorial service, so it’s useful to know exactly what they can help you with and how you’ll be working with them.

Mortician vs. Funeral Director: What's the Difference?

Mortician and funeral director are two different terms for the same position. They describe a professional who's involved in organizing all aspects of a funeral. They usually manage the funeral home, and they may also be the owner. Either way, they’ll be your main point of contact when making funeral arrangements.

In the past, mortician was the term most commonly used, but in modern times the term funeral director has become more popular. In the past, the term undertaker was also sometimes used to describe the same profession, but this job title is considered more old-fashioned and generally not used today. The preferred terminology may vary, depending on your location, but both mortician and funeral director are used interchangeably.

Mortician/Funeral Director Job Duties

The duties of a funeral director or mortician are complex, requiring a range of skills and knowledge. The skills range from classroom learning, such as science and mathematics abilities, to softer skills, such as customer service and providing emotional support to the families they serve. The duties may vary, depending on the size of the facility and the services offered.

A funeral director or mortician is generally responsible for managing the operations of a funeral home, including hiring and overseeing staff and looking after the administration and maintenance of the facility.

A large part of a funeral director's role is working with families who have lost a loved one. As the family's main contact person, they play a key part in helping the family make decisions about the funeral or memorial service and burial or cremation choices, as well as help plan the type of funeral that’s right for their needs and wishes.

A mortician or funeral director also helps with legal requirements and paperwork on behalf of the family. They help with the coordination and scheduling of the funeral, and they can recommend and coordinate with other important vendors, such as musicians, caterers, and religious leaders.

Funeral directors are often also trained in embalming, which they may use to prepare the deceased for viewing during the wake or funeral if the family chooses. However, in some larger funeral homes, the role of embalmer may be separate from that of the funeral director.

As they spend a large amount of time with grieving families each day, professional funeral directors should also have the personal attributes of kindness, patience, and compassion. When greeting visitors, comforting loved ones, and helping families make difficult decisions, having empathy is what sets a funeral director apart.

It also helps if funeral directors are good listeners, skilled at problem-solving, and confident in working and supporting people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. While it’s not always an easy job, the best funeral directors will ensure that everything runs smoothly while supporting the family every step of the way.

Mortician/Funeral Director Qualifications

Some funeral homes are family-owned, so many people may enter the industry with the goal of eventually taking over the family business. Others may choose to become funeral directors out of a desire to help their local community during a time of need.

To become a funeral director, a person must first complete a minimum of an associate’s degree, usually in a relevant track, such as mortuary science. This program should be accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. This type of program teaches students the practical skills needed for the role.

After graduation, they complete an internship where hands-on learning is gained from working with an experienced funeral director. Finally, students must pass a state licensing exam that legally allows them to work as a funeral director.

Some states may also require funeral directors to have an embalming license for if a family prefers to have an open casket during the wake or funeral.

Most states require funeral directors to complete professional development courses regularly to keep their license current.

If you have questions, any legitimate funeral director will be happy to share their experience and qualifications with you, so it’s OK to ask them for more information regarding their background. Having a funeral director to assist with end-of-life arrangements is a huge help to families going through a difficult time. They are there to help you with the entire process, including walking you through options, making plans, and filing paperwork.

Think of a funeral director as the main support person who will handle the logistics and complexities of a funeral or memorial service on your behalf so that you and your family can focus on grieving, remembering, and celebrating your loved one's life.

Although losing a loved one is one of the most challenging times in life, partnering with the right funeral home and funeral director can make the process easier. When visiting funeral homes and meeting with potential funeral directors, it helps to find someone you connect with as you plan your loved one’s cremation, funeral or memorial service.

The Neptune Society is the nation's oldest and largest provider of affordable cremation services. Whether you have an immediate need or want to plan cremation services in advance, we are always available to assist you and your family. Call 1-800-NEPTUNE (800-637-8863) today or contact us online to learn more.