The path to becoming a licensed mortician in Michigan requires academic study, practical experience, and state-specific testing. The license granted is for the practice of Mortuary Science, encompassing the responsibilities of both a Funeral Director and an Embalmer under a single credential. The profession is regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through the Bureau of Professional Licensing. This oversight ensures all professionals adhere to the standards outlined in the Michigan Occupational Code governing death care services.
Educational Requirements for Michigan Licensure
The foundation for licensure begins with securing a degree from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Michigan law requires applicants to have graduated from a three-year course in mortuary science at an accredited institution. This typically translates to earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science.
Programs must provide instruction across subjects including human anatomy, pathology, chemistry, restorative art, and funeral service law. One recognized institution is Wayne State University, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science.
Completing the Required Apprenticeship
After fulfilling academic requirements, candidates must enter the practical training phase, known as resident training or apprenticeship. Applicants must first obtain a Resident Trainee license from LARA before commencing work under a licensed Michigan mortuary science professional. The standard training duration is one year, requiring the trainee to be employed full-time (not less than 40 hours per week).
The apprenticeship requires documentation of experience in both embalming and funeral directing. The trainee must perform a minimum of 25 embalmings and complete at least 20 instances of funeral directing services, such as removing remains, securing death certificate information, and assisting with arrangements. The state allows a six-month waiver of this one-year residency requirement if the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree.
Passing the Licensing Examinations
Candidates must pass two distinct tests covering national standards and state-specific regulations. The first requirement is the National Board Examination (NBE), administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB). The NBE is split into the Arts section and the Science section.
The second mandatory test is the Michigan State Law Examination, also known as the State Jurisprudence Examination, administered by PSI Services, LLC. This test focuses exclusively on the statutes, rules, and ethics governing mortuary science practice within Michigan. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 75% on each required examination to qualify for licensure.
The Final Application for Licensure
Once the educational, practical, and examination requirements are completed, the final step is submitting a formal application to LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing. The applicant must submit proof of graduation, successful exam scores, and documentation of the completed resident training.
The state reviews the applicant’s background to ensure they meet the statutory requirement of good moral character. Final approval requires the payment of the required state fees. Upon review and approval by the department, the official Mortuary Science License is issued, permitting the individual to practice legally in the state.
Maintaining Your Professional License
A Michigan Mortuary Science License requires periodic renewal every two years, expiring on October 31 of odd-numbered years. Maintaining the license involves meeting a mandatory Continuing Education (CE) requirement. Licensees must complete not less than four hours of eligible CE courses during each year of the two-year license cycle.
At least two of those four hours must be dedicated to specific, practice-related topics, such as technical skills for embalming, restorative art, funeral ethics, grief counseling, or state statutes and rules. Failure to comply with the CE mandate or the biennial renewal process will result in the license lapsing.
Career Context and Job Demand in Michigan
The job outlook for morticians and funeral directors in Michigan shows a growth rate projected at 4.0%. This demand stems from the state’s aging population, which ensures a steady need for death care services. The job requires working irregular hours, as funeral services must often be arranged outside of a standard workday.
Salaries in Michigan for licensed funeral directors vary based on location and experience. Data indicates the average annual pay is approximately $57,426, though the range can extend from the mid-$40,000s for entry-level positions to over $66,000 for top earners. Job prospects are generally favorable for individuals who have earned the dual license.