What does it take to become a dedicated funeral director? Cody Lopasky, president of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services, delves into the education, hands-on labs, and apprenticeship that shape a skilled death care professional. With changing industry needs, students now require both academic rigor and a compassionate calling. Despite challenges, this profession is deeply rewarding. Key Takeaways 1. The profession of funeral directing is versatile. Individuals can choose to become funeral directors, embalmers, or educators within the field. This highlights a career path that caters to different skill sets and interests, beyond just working in a funeral home. 2. The curriculum at Commonwealth Institute has evolved to include more hands-on labs like funeral directing, embalming, and restorative arts, reflecting changes in accreditation requirements. These changes provide students with practical experiences that mirror real-world scenarios. 3. There are multiple types of funeral and memorial services, such as liturgical, non-liturgical, and military. Additionally, disposition methods have diversified beyond traditional burial and cremation to include newer techniques like alkaline hydrolysis, subject to state approval. 4. Becoming a funeral director is often viewed as a calling, with individuals drawn from diverse backgrounds and motivations. Commonwealth Institute offers both on-campus and online courses, providing flexible educational pathways for those interested in entering the field. 5. The profession involves emotional and technical challenges, such as working with deceased bodies and supporting grieving families. The rigor of mortuary science education prepares professionals to handle these complexities, emphasizing the importance of their role in aiding families during difficult times. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Exploring Careers in Funeral Services 05:50 Funeral Home Training Program 09:22 Texas Disposition Options Explained 13:30 Evolving Hands-On Learning in Education 14:22 Innovative Funeral Industry Training 19:58 Calling to Care for the Dead 23:44 Exploring Careers in Funeral Services 27:08 Funeral Director Licensure Requirements 28:27 Reluctance in Funeral Home Careers 33:13 "Paid Licensing Path for Funeral Work" 37:40 Preset Curriculum at Commonwealth 39:28 On-Site Certification for Off-Site Students 43:53 Embalming: One Chance, Lasting Impact Plan your visit to the museum today at nmfh.org and take a journey through over 30,000 square feet of fascinating history. Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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