Overview of Embalming
Embalming is preserving bodies by delaying natural effects of death. Specialist embalming solutions are introduced into the body after someone has passed away, helping give a more peaceful appearance. Embalmers are compassionate, detail-oriented with strong emotional intelligence. Median annual salary is around $45,000. Most states require an associate’s degree and specialized mortuary science program. Embalmers must pass state licensing exams. Yes, embalming can be emotionally taxing working with deceased, grieving families, respecting traditions and cultural practices.
Education and Training
Education takes at least two years full-time study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, techniques, arts, ethics, law and more. Career outlook is very favorable with high demand for embalmers. Industry expects 18% growth by 2020. An embalmer specializes in preservation and preparation of deceased bodies. Primary objective is to delay decomposition and restore a more natural, lifelike appearance. This involves embalming fluids and techniques to disinfect, sanitize, preserve the body, and cosmetic procedures to enhance appearance for viewing.
Licensing and Skill Requirements
Licensing requires completion of an associate’s degree and one year experience as an apprentice. Embalming is an essential, noble profession in the funeral industry. The job is demanding yet uniquely rewarding. Embalmers may be on call 24/7 carrying a pager. Solution may contain glutaraldehyde, methanol, ethanol, phenol, water and dyes. As a professional embalmer, you will be able to help people after they have died. Statistics show high demand, with industry expecting 18% growth by 2020. Funeral directors help families plan and carry out funerals while embalmers perform physical preparation of the body. Embalmed bodies stay preserved for a period based on the embalming process used.
Additional Information
By preparing the body chemically and cosmetically, the embalmer plays an essential role in providing respect to the deceased. While stressful and demanding dealing with human remains, a career in embalming is uniquely rewarding. Embalmers need to obtain a license to operate in their state or district. Requirements vary but most require completing basic embalming course before applying. Essential skills include empathy to comfort families, explain importance of process, physical stamina for long periods on feet lifting heavy equipment and caskets, and standing while working on a body.
FAQs
Is becoming an embalmer hard?
To become an embalmer, complete mortuary science programs taking 2-3 years full-time study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, techniques, arts, ethics, law and more. Licensing requires an associate’s degree and one year apprenticeship. Statistics show high demand, with 18% industry growth by 2020. The job is demanding yet uniquely rewarding. Median annual salary is $42,780. Most states require being at least 21 years old. As a professional embalmer, you will be able to help people after they have died.
Is being an embalmer stressful?
Embalming is preserving bodies by delaying natural effects of death. Specialist embalming solutions are introduced into the body after someone has passed away, helping give a more peaceful appearance. Median annual salary is around $45,000. Most states require an associate’s degree and specialized mortuary science program. Embalmers must pass state licensing exams. Career outlook is very favorable with high demand for embalmers. Industry expects 18% growth by 2020. Primary objective is to delay decomposition, disinfect, sanitize, preserve the body, and restore a more natural, lifelike appearance. This involves embalming fluids and techniques to enhance appearance for viewing.
Licensing requires completion of an associate’s degree and one year experience as an apprentice. Statistics show high demand, with 18% industry growth by 2020. The job is demanding yet uniquely rewarding. As a professional embalmer, you will be able to help people after they have died. Education takes at least two years full-time study before applying. Essential skills include empathy to explain process, physical stamina for long periods on feet, and standing while working. Requirements vary but most require completing basic embalming course first.
Solution may contain glutaraldehyde, methanol, ethanol, phenol, water and dyes. By preparing the body chemically and cosmetically, the embalmer plays an essential role in providing respect to the deceased. While stressful and demanding dealing with human remains, a career in embalming is uniquely rewarding. Embalmers need to obtain a license to operate in their state or district. The training to become an embalmer requires formal education through an associate’s degree program. This training typically takes at least 2 years of full-time study and is often taught as part of a mortuary science degree.
Funeral directors help families plan and carry out funerals while embalmers perform physical preparation of the body. Embalmers may be on call 24/7 carrying a pager. Specialist embalming solutions are introduced into the body after someone has passed away. As an embalmer you must be flexible when it comes to your schedule because things can change without much notice. Embalmed bodies stay preserved for a period based on the embalming process used. Embalming is an essential, noble profession in the funeral industry. The job of an embalmer is demanding yet uniquely rewarding. Many embalmers carry a pager and must always be on call. How do you prepare a body for embalming? Before the embalming begins, the body is washed in a disinfectant solution. Limbs are massaged to relieve the stiffening of the joints and muscles. Your loved ones eyes are closed using glue or plastic eye caps that sit on the eye and hold the eyelid in place. How quickly should a body be embalmed? within 48 hours.