The demand for skilled embalmers is increasing as the population ages. Prospective embalmers must complete professional training and apprenticeships, pass state board exams, and obtain a license. Embalmers can work in funeral homes, hospitals, and morgues, and may go on to become directors, head embalmers, or teachers. Business and accounting classes can also be useful for those who want to become funeral home directors.
As the population continues to age, the demand for skilled embalmers continues to increase. The job of an embalmer is a challenging one that often calls for irregular maintenance hours and long work weeks, so it first requires a strong commitment to the field. A candidate does not need a college degree to become an embalmer, but a prospective embalmer will need to complete a series of professional training in order to obtain a license and be able to practice. Most states also require embalmers to be at least 21 years old.
To become an embalmer, students must complete training through scientific burial programs that can take up to three years to complete. These programs are usually offered at technical schools or mortuary homes, where students learn about state laws regulating the handling of dead bodies, how to identify the cause of death, and accepted embalming practices. Some universities offer four-year degrees in funerary science, but most states do not require completion of that program to become an embalmer; experience is considered more important. Upon completion of their chosen program, most students will need to apprentice at a funeral home before they can be fully licensed. Apprentices serve from one to three years, depending on the laws of the state where they work.
After completing the apprenticeship, students must prepare for and pass the state board exam to become an embalmer. There are national and state exams in the US and many other countries have similar setups. Testing centers are located throughout the country and test prep materials are available online through the International Conference of Funeral Examination Boards.
Once the potential embalmer has completed training and received their license, they can find jobs through placement programs at their mortuary school. In addition to working in a funeral home, embalmers can find jobs in hospitals, medical schools and morgues as they prepare bodies for autopsies, studies and dissections. As they become more experienced in their field, many embalmers go on to become directors of funeral homes, head embalmers at hospitals or morgues, board members of various professional organizations, or may choose to teach new students.
Embalmers who want to become directors of funeral homes may also want to take some business and accounting classes in order to better manage and market their services. These classes can be found at local community colleges and universities. Becoming an embalmer can lead to a multitude of careers and learning opportunities for the dedicated professional.
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