Top 5 Professional Development Courses for Funeral Directors

A funeral director’s duties once consisted of only a few tasks (many, many years ago). However, current funeral directors and professionals are much more than that — they are managers, legal officers, CEOs, CFOs, and COOs — and many are often their own customer service reps, answering their own phones, and handling their clients’ needs from beginning to end. Because their duties have expanded, so has the need for professional development.

Below are five continuing education courses every funeral professional needs as part of their funeral director professional development. Which course do you think sounds the most interesting?

1. Modern Funeral Home Management

From specialized software and technology to new practices like online viewings and planning conferences, the death care industry is rapidly evolving. The increase in cremations, the desire to personalize funerals, and evolving burial trends such as green burials and celebration memorials all are taking death care in a new direction—away from the old days when the markup on a casket made the funeral home profitable.

Each of these changes has made Modern Funeral Home Management more important than ever. This funeral CE course explains the changes in client expectations, the importance of incorporating modern management styles into firm operations, and discusses the importance of technology to funeral service and your brand.

2. Funeral Personalization and Family Engagement

It has been increasingly common for individuals to pre-plan their funerals and put their end-of-life wishes on paper. This way, surviving family and friends know exactly how to celebrate their loved one’s life. Many people are also now shying away from traditional funerals. Instead, they are looking for alternative ways to personalize their or their loved one’s memorial.

The purpose of the course Funeral Personalization and Family Engagement is to help funeral directors create an environment that encourages families to discuss their thoughts and wishes about their funerals before the time comes. Because these wishes can be written and ideas shared, the at-need arrangements can truly reflect the unique life of a loved one.

The course also discusses the growing trend of personalized funeral services and how, by engaging families in the arrangement process, funeral directors can help families give their beloved family member one last gift and final showing of their love and affection.

3. Death Care Trends That Are Changing Tradition

The world of death care is changing. The introduction of new disposition methods, the rise of death discussion movements, and the allure of eco-friendly funerals are just a few of the trends that are affecting the funeral industry. How can funeral professionals navigate these dramatic changes and thrive in the process?

Our new course Death Care Trends That Are Changing Tradition is designed to help funeral professionals understand what is changing in the online and face-to-face world of death care, the trends that feed these changes, and steps they can take to meet the needs of their changing customer base.

4. Public Speaking for Funeral Directors

Funeral directors need to speak in public all the time. Whether explaining the services they offer, meeting with the family of the deceased, speaking at a memorial service, or training staff, public speaking is part of the job. Public speaking is also a skill that can be learned and that improves with practice.

To help with this important skill, we are pleased to offer the course Public Speaking for Funeral Directors.

Whether you’re a seasoned public speaker or become fearful at the very idea, this course provides important information on how to improve your communication skills and overcome any fears of public speaking. The course also examines how to craft an appropriate and comforting funeral speech and handle difficult conversations with bereaved family members.

5. Pre-Need Planning

Many pre-plan and pre-pay for their funerals to ensure their wishes are carried out and to avoid burdening loved ones with final expenses. The pre-need industry offers products like final expense insurance, pre-need insurance, and pre-need trusts.

In our Pre-Need Planning course, you will learn about the unique characteristics of each of these products and why they are particularly well suited for individuals whose estates would be significantly burdened by the cost of a funeral. You will also learn about the varying approaches states take to regulate pre-need contracts as well as the consumer protection standards with which pre-need professionals must comply. Finally, you’ll learn why it is important to have a will and other legal documents in place before death or incapacity.

Professional Development for Funeral Professionals

The best way for funeral professionals to invest in their professional development is through continuing education. WebCE offers the largest selection of state-specific funeral CE courses, all at an affordable price.

To order these continuing education courses and more, visit the Funeral CE Catalog or call our customer service representatives at 877-488-9308.