If you are wondering about mortuary jobs, the first thing to think about is whether you can handle the tasks that go along with the job. It is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining and not everyone can handle working with cadavers every day.
There are many different positions at a mortuary. You could work as a hair stylist, cosmetologist, mortuary's assistant, funeral director, or even as a member of the support staff.
Students that are working towards a mortuary science degree often look for entry level positions in order to gain experience in the business. One popular way to do this is to work on the funeral home support staff. This could include doing simple office work, minor duties during funerals, and even grounds keeping. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, just contact local funeral homes and ask about open positions.
Another opportunity for students, or anyone without a degree, is a transport technician. In working as a technician, you could be hired directly by the funeral home or by a third-party contractor that work for various funeral homes in the area. As a transport technician, you would be required to transport the deceased from the place where they passed to the coroner or funeral home. You will often have to console grieving families and friends at the scene and possibly answer their questions.
If you plan on making funeral services a career, most states require an apprenticeship in order to get your license. This is a great way to learn all about the business and obtain new skills.
If you already have a degree in mortuary science, you are able to work as a funeral director or embalming technician. Funeral directors arrange many details of funeral services, which can include but are not limited to casket and urn sales, floral arrangements, memorial table setups, and other details. You will be required to help families pre-plan funeral services and you will often need to console the grieving families and friends of the deceased.
