AAMI Newsletter — Issue No. 4
Preparing compassionate professionals for the world’s most dignified, AI-proof career.
Welcome to issue four of the AAMI Newsletter. We promise not to clutter your inbox — only updates once or twice a month on all things AAMI. In this edition:
Centennial Merch (New swag is here!)
New application (Coming soon)
The Big Story (Cremation Rate Doubles Burial for First Time in U.S. History…)
Hot Topics (Quick headlines)
Announcing the NEW ALUMNI PAGE on AAMI.edu
AAMI celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026 — and loads of new items are here! Step into our next century in style with the exclusive new collection now available. We’ve curated a lineup of premium wearables and shareables to help you honor our history while looking forward to the future.
Featuring:
Limited-edition designs featuring the prestigious AAMI Centennial logo
Active wear Nike apparel with an AAMI twist to flex those muscles
Fresh fits including street-ready hoodies, windbreakers, and tees
Daily essentials from mugs to mousepads to even (wait for it) wine tumblers
Travel essentials like durable duffle bags and backpacks for life on the go
Visit the AAMI Merch Store to grab your gear — own a piece of the history you’re helping to write!
We welcome new students to the start of our spring semester in January 2026! In addition, an important update for all to know — AAMI will be rolling out a brand new SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION soon.
The new application will reduce the 20+ sections an applicant used to have to wrangle down to one easy streamlined page. The goal is to remove the pain and headaches of old technology and to help applicants apply faster and more efficiently than ever before. Visit the website for more information.
We’re excited to update you as we roll it out. Stay tuned!
The Big Story
Cremation Rate Doubles Burial for First Time in U.S. History, Trend Accelerating
Industry reaches historic tipping point as projections show cremation headed toward 82% by 2045, with all 50 states preferring cremation by more than 50%
The National Funeral Directors Association’s 2025 Cremation & Burial Report confirms what many in the profession have witnessed: cremation has reached 63.4% nationally – more than double the 31.6% burial rate. It’s the first-time cremation rates have exceeded burial by more than 2:1, marking a fundamental shift in American end-of-life arrangements.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing. By 2035, every U.S. state will have a cremation rate exceeding 50%. By 2045, cremation will account for 82.3% of all dispositions, with burial declining to just 13%. Only three states currently maintain majority-burial preferences, down from dozens a decade ago.
What’s Driving the Change
The shift reflects converging cultural and economic forces. Americans identifying as Christian dropped from 78% to 60% between 2007 and 2023, while religiously unaffiliated adults grew from 16% to 28%. Cost pressures and geographic mobility also play roles.
The Workforce Reality
Despite industry transformation according to the data, while many careers face automation and displacement, funeral service offers something rare: stable, predictable demand that can't be outsourced or automated. With 4% steady growth and significant replacement needs from retiring professionals, graduates enter a field where skills stay relevant and jobs stay secure – even as other industries face disruption
The profession’s evolution demands practitioners fluent in both traditional burial practices and modern cremation services. Families choosing cremation still seek meaningful remembrance – 61.4% express interest in green options, while over half of funeral homes now offer livestreaming. Technology integration, personalization, and comprehensive service remain differentiators.
Education programs have been tracking this shift. AAMI published on this topic in December 2025, emphasizing how cremation’s rise is expanding career paths beyond traditional directing – from crematory operations to pre-planning to restorative art – reflecting broader industry adaptation.
As NFDA President Christopher P. Robinson notes, the heart of funeral service – helping people honor lives with dignity – remains constant even as methods evolve. The question facing the profession isn’t whether change is coming. It’s whether enough skilled professionals will be ready to meet it.
🎓NEW ALUMNI PAGE: career opportunities, transcripts, more - Check it Out
📝 AAMI Blog: Exploring Career Paths Beyond Funeral Directing – Read Now
💻 Pet Cemetery: Pet funeral services to reach $3.75B by 2030 – See the Stats
🛍️New Merch: AAMI celebrates 100-year anniversary - Shop Now
🌟DEAD Talks in Vegas: ICCFA conference gets underway Jan 13-15 – Register
🏛️ Earn 6 CE Credits: NFDA virtual conference Feb 17-18 – Learn More