View our Becoming a Minnesota Funeral Director brochure

Education Requirements

1. A Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Mortuary Science received from an accredited school.

2. Received a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree and attended an additional course of study in Mortuary Science from accredited schools.

3. "completed credit hours at accredited colleges or universities that in the numerical aggregate and distribution are the functional equivalent of a bachelor of arts or science degree and have completed a separate course of study in mortuary science from a program of mortuary science accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.”  For more information go to  http://www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu/  The University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program.

Examinations

Once all education requirements are met, a potential Funeral Director must complete additional examinations.

1. Successfully pass both portions, Arts and Science, of the National Board Examine written by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

   1. "or any other examination that, in the determination of the commissioner, adequately and accurately assesses the knowledge and skills required to practice mortuary science.”

2. Successfully pass the State Licensing Examination

   1. This examine pertains to all rules and laws in Minnesota that pertain to Mortuary Science

   2. A copy of the rules and laws will be made available before the test is administered

Internship

An individual is applicable for internship in the state of Minnesota once they have met the educational requirements and have successfully passed all examinations. This internship must be registered with the Minnesota Department of Health. The internship must be completed under the supervision of a licensed Minnesota Funeral Director. The following must also be completed:

1. Pay the correct fee

2. File a registration form provided by the Minnesota Department of Health
   

3. Any changes in information from what was provided during registration must be immediately reported.

The internship must be a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. Up to three months of this internship may be waived if "upon satisfactory completion of a clinical or practicum in mortuary science administered through the program of mortuary science of the University of Minnesota or a substantially similar program.” During the internship, the intern must complete:

1. At least 25 embalmings

2. The arrangements and directing of at least 25 funerals

These embalmings, arrangements, and funerals will be documented on case reports provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. When the internship is completed, the intern may apply for a Minnesota Funeral Director’s License valid from January 1st-December 31st. Every  license must be renewed before December 31st each year.

For more in-depth information on licensing requirements in the state of Minnesota please contact the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Division.

Minnesota Department of Health
Health Regulation Division
Attn: Mortuary Science Section
P.O. Box 64882
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0882

Phone: 651-201-4200
Toll Free: 855-663-3078
Email: health.mortsci@state.mn.us

https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/mortsci/index.html

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Past Presidents Scholarship Fund  

For over two decades the past presidents of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) have generously supported scholarships for students enrolled in the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota.

In support of their steadfast commitment to funeral service education, in 2007 a new permanently-endowed scholarship fund was established by MFDA past presidents. This fund was made possible with contributions totaling in excess of $25,000, given by past presidents between 2005 and 2007.

The purpose of the fund is to provide one or more scholarships annually to students enrolled in the University of Minnesota’s Program of Mortuary Science.

The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Past Presidents Endowed Scholarship Fund honors the professional contribution of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association and its leadership, especially the organization’s past presidents. The goal of the fund is to insure the highest quality training for future generations of Minnesota funeral directors.

Scholarships are awarded spring semester each year by the University of Minnesota.   

For information visit: https://med.umn.edu/mortuaryscience/faqs