While on duty the funeral director is expected to dress in business attire. Above all the funeral director must reflect a personable, sincere and professional manner. A small percentage of the funeral directors' time is spent preparing bodies. The overwhelming majority of time is spent working directly with families. An Associate Degree or its credit hour equivalent is required.
Most programs also require the successful completion of practicum time within a funeral home.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education also offers a scholarship program for which you can apply after you have completed at least one term of study in an accredited funeral service program. Approximately one half of each years applicants are granted a scholarship. Deadlines are March 15th and September 15th each year. Your local state funeral directors association is also a potential source of financial aid. The US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation recognize it as the sole accrediting agency for academic programs that prepare funeral service professionals.