About Iowa?

Iowa is a state in the upper Midwest of the United States, bounded to the east by the Mississippi River and to the west by the Missouri River and the Big Sioux River. Wisconsin borders it on the northeast, Illinois on the east and southeast, Missouri on the south, Nebraska on the west, South Dakota on the northwest, and Minnesota on the north. Iowa is well-known for a variety of reasons, including maize and pork production, political caucuses, and the Iowa State Fair. It was admitted to the Union as the 29th state in 1846, and it is the only state that is bounded on two sides by navigable rivers: the Mississippi and the Missouri. Iowa is a fantastic area to live, with numerous opportunities for people of all backgrounds. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re looking for a dynamic city like Des Moines or a calm rural community like Johnston. 

Iowa’s cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. Housing costs 28% less than the national average, while utilities cost 6% less. When it comes to basic necessities like food and clothing, foodstuffs are around 4% cheaper than the rest of the country, while apparel is 4% cheaper.

What are the legal requirements of becoming a mortician in Iowa?

The Iowa Board of Mortuary Science regulates the legal qualifications for becoming an undertaker, often known as a funeral director, in Iowa. You must meet the following requirements to become a licenced funeral director in Iowa:

• You must hold a mortuary science degree from a programme certified by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
• A one-year apprenticeship under the direction of a licensed funeral director is required in Iowa.
• The National Board Exam, sponsored by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, is required.
• The Iowa Law Exam, which evaluates your understanding of Iowa’s funeral service rules and regulations, must be passed.
• You must fill out an application for licensure and pay the necessary costs.

After meeting these requirements you will be termed as a licensed mortician in Iowa. 

What is the employment rate in Iowa?

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the unemployment rate in Iowa was 3.8%. This is slightly lower than the national average of 4.8% for the same time period. Iowa’s economy is broad, with key businesses such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and education. The state also has a low cost of living, which may make it appealing to job seekers. However, the work market in Iowa, like any other state or region, varies depending on industry, geography, and other factors. According to federal figures, Iowa employers employed approximately 1.6 million people as of January.

Career opportunity being a mortician in Iowa?

In Iowa, there are numerous chances to work as an undertaker. Because the state contains several large cities with hospitals, funeral homes, and colleges, an undertaker can readily find work as an undertaker, embalmer, funeral director, professor, or instructor. As previously said, the state’s living costs are not prohibitively high, and anyone with a good wage can live a comfortable life.  Housing costs 28% less than the national average, while utilities cost 6% less. When it comes to basic necessities like food and clothing, foodstuffs are around 4% cheaper than the rest of the country, while apparel is 4% cheaper.

Funeral Director & Mortician salaries in Iowa, US range from $102,958 to $140,090, with a typical compensation of $114,640. Funeral Directors & Morticians earn between $114,640 and $122,638, with the top 86% earning $140,090.

Mortuary schools in Iowa – 

There are two main colleges in Iowa that provide a mortuary science degree with professional training – 

 

1. The University of Iowa
2. Northwestern College – Iowa

Here is the brief explanation about the course, its requirements, curriculums and tuition fees:

• The University of Iowa – 

Program Link – https://admissions.uiowa.edu/academics/mortuary-science-preprofessional-program 

Program Description – The University of Iowa does not provide a mortuary science degree programme, but it does provide course material to help students prepare to enroll in mortuary education programmes elsewhere. Courses in writing and speaking, natural sciences (general chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology), business, and the humanities may be beneficial. Our Academic Advising Centre will assist you in planning appropriate course assignments. For further information, go to the Academic Advising Center’s website.

Program Requirements – 60 semester hours at an accredited college, not including vocational courses, with a GPA of 2.00 or higher. A 12-month or longer mortuary education course. A 12-month internship under the direction of an undertaker who has been board-certified. Iowa State Board of Mortuary Science registration

Tuition fees – https://admissions.uiowa.edu/finances/estimated-costs-attendance visit this link for more information about the course tuition fees and financial cost. 

• Northwestern College – 

Programe link – https://www.nwciowa.edu/biology/programs/mortuary-science 

Program description – This programme prepares students for a mortuary science degree from a qualified professional. In terms of building a person’s skills as an undertaker, they provide instruction and education from a trained and professional person. The goal of the Mortuary Science Programme is to expertly blend the study of behavioral, physical, and practical sciences to equip graduates for positions as knowledgeable, skilled, and imaginative funeral service professionals. Graduates will be prepared to help bereaved people in their communities in a professional, dignified, and caring manner

Program requirements – Approximately half of the states demand pre-professional academic credit prior to receiving mortuary science training. The maximum period necessary (in roughly one-third of the states) is two years. Iowa requires two years of study (60 semester hours of academic non-mortuary science credit). Iowa does not require any specific courses to be completed. 

Program fees – https://www.nwciowa.edu/tuition/fees visit this link for more information.