Introduction
A mortician, also known as a funeral director, is a professional who provides essential services related to funeral arrangements, embalming, and cremation services. It’s a profession that requires a high level of compassion, empathy, and professionalism. Many people choose this career because it gives them an opportunity to offer comfort and support to families in their time of need. This article will provide insights into the requirements, responsibilities, and opportunities in the mortuary industry.
Interview with a Mortician
To get more insights about the mortuary industry, we had an interview with a successful mortician who has been in the industry for over a decade. According to the interviewee, being a mortician requires one to have a deep passion for the job, empathy towards the bereaved family, and high ethical standards. In terms of education, a mortician requires at least a degree in mortuary science to work professionally. Apprenticeship is also an essential requirement in the mortuary industry to get real-world experience. According to the interviewee, morticians need to have excellent communication skills, patience, and compassion to comfort families during their time of grief. It’s essential to be professional at all times and maintain confidentiality when dealing with clients.
Steps to Becoming a Mortician
The following are the steps to follow when you want to become a mortician:
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science is the minimum educational requirement to become a mortician. The degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to manage a funeral home, arrange funeral services, and handle the embalming process. Courses fall under science, law, and other disciplines that deal with anatomy, pathology, and public health.
Apprenticeship
Completing apprenticeship under a licensed and registered funeral director is mandatory in most states. The apprenticeship provides an opportunity for practical exposure to various aspects of the industry, including embalming, cremation services, and funeral arrangements. The length of the apprenticeship varies from state to state, ranging from one to three years.
Licensing and Certification
After completing the apprenticeship and getting an educational qualification, individuals must obtain a license to practice mortuary services. The requirements for licensing and certification vary based on the state in which the individual intends to work.
Understanding the Role of a Mortician
A mortician’s role is to provide services that guide families through the funeral process. This involves a range of responsibilities such as providing logistical support to the family, preparing the body for display, and arranging the type of service, such as a viewing, memorial, or burial. Morticians need to be empathetic, compassionate, and according to the interviewee, understand how grief works. They should maintain professional behavior throughout the whole process.
Mortuary Science
The study of mortuary science is essential for the training and practice of morticians. The courses cover a range of subjects, including anatomy and physiology of the human body, embalming techniques, pathology, and restorative art. Mortuary science also covers laws and ethics, public health and safety, and communication skills required in this field.
Working in the Funeral Industry
There are different roles in the funeral industry that one can choose to pursue. Each role requires specific skills and education. Roles in the funeral industry include funeral directors, embalmers, crematory operators, and mortuary cosmetologists. Funeral directors typically handle arrangements related to funerals, so a bachelor’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science is required. Embalmers require less education than funeral directors, but there has to be a license from the state after completing an apprenticeship. The role of a crematory operator involves the handling of the cremation equipment, and an associate degree in funeral service is required. Finally, mortuary cosmetologist requires certification by the state, which requires training in cosmetology and mortuary services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a mortician requires a high level of education and training. The key requirements include a degree in mortuary science, apprenticeship, licensing, and certification. Empathy, ethics, and professionalism are important attributes required to work in this industry. The industry offers various career paths, and one can specialize in different roles depending on their interests and passion. Those who are interested in becoming morticians should consider volunteering in funeral homes, attending training workshops, and seeking consultations from practicing morticians. In the end, being a mortician is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding profession for those who are genuinely passionate about it.