4 answers
Lee
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
1754 views
How to become a mortician/embalmer?
I am a senior in high school, graduating spring of 2027. I hope to attend a nearby community college (only one in my state with this degree I can find). I plan to become an embalmer, and have taken Chemistry, Anatomy, Biology, and am currently taking Accounting (for the business side of things). I am unable to take Physcology, but I am taking sociology (for the grief side of things). Is there any other courses or research topics anyone would recommend? I do plan on someday owning, or at least managing a morgue.
Also, I have read about interviews to get into the program. What sort of questions should I be prepared to answer?
Many thanks!
4 answers
Joy Ferguson
Author
41
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Joy’s Answer
I think calling a funeral home and they can help you. I don't know of any courses. It's good you plan to own a morgue. Some questions to prepare is what made you want to be a mortition? Best of luck.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Lee
Hiram Chu
High School College Counselor
11
Answers
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Updated
Hiram’s Answer
Chemistry, Anatomy, and Biology make up the academic high-school-level foundation that mortuary science programs expect. Most programs don't teach Physiology as a standalone high school subject and fold it into a college-level Anatomy & Physiology course taken during the program itself. One year of high school biology and chemistry is listed as sufficient prerequisite prep at many schools for their college-level Anatomy and Physiology course. So a missing Physiology course isn't a red flag to worry about.
Since you're already taking Sociology, pair it with Psychology, if available since it's one of the most consistently required prerequisites across programs. Programs typically list General Psychology as a required prerequisite, sometimes with an additional psych course, and several schools go further with a dedicated grief course, if available. Speech/Public Speaking or Communications courses are also advisable since funeral directors run arrangement conferences and lead services that require verbal communication skills. Most programs require a communications course, with public speaking fundamentals specifically recommended. Business Law, Small Business Accounting, or Intro to Entrepreneurship courses, if available, also can prepare students for ownership and the legal environment of business, which are natural extensions of your Accounting course you're already taking. Microbiology, if available as an AP Bio elective or dual-enrollment option, is another consideration since embalming is fundamentally about pathogen control, and it shows up directly in the funeral-service curriculum itself, with Microbiological Studies as a core first-year course in many programs. A religion/world religions elective, if offered, is also useful since funeral homes serve families across many faith traditions. Finally, a drawing/art elective isn't a prerequisite, but it's worth knowing embalming programs teach "restorative art," so reconstructing features and cosmetology work for viewings are technical skills worthy of showing in your application.
For further research, I recommend you find out more about your state's specific licensing path, including apprenticeship hours required after the degree, the National Board Exam, and continuing education rules. These vary significantly by state and is worth knowing before any potential interview. Several programs require proof of completed Hepatitis B immunization series before clinical work begins, which can take months. So, starting it senior year isn't too early. Also know basic OSHA/formaldehyde exposure standards, which is something programs expect familiarity with.
Most programs will have selective, faculty-panel interviews layered on top of GPA cutoffs conducted by the Program Director and faculty once prior application steps are complete. The most important questions to have real, specific answers for are:
-Why this field, specifically? (do give a standard "I want to help people" reply)
-How will you manage the emotional weight of the work day to day and stay professional under it?
- What specific skills/qualities make you suited to this work?
-What is your comfort level with the physical realities — bodily fluids, odor, decomposition, and difficult cases like child deaths or trauma - of this industry?
-How would you handle a grieving family's difficult or unusual request, including across religious/cultural lines?
-What is your understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities involved — confidentiality, consent, regulatory compliance - of this industry?
One final tip is to go interview or shadow a local licensed funeral director. It's not just good prep since some programs literally require it as part of the application, it also give you useful material for answering every question above.
Since you're already taking Sociology, pair it with Psychology, if available since it's one of the most consistently required prerequisites across programs. Programs typically list General Psychology as a required prerequisite, sometimes with an additional psych course, and several schools go further with a dedicated grief course, if available. Speech/Public Speaking or Communications courses are also advisable since funeral directors run arrangement conferences and lead services that require verbal communication skills. Most programs require a communications course, with public speaking fundamentals specifically recommended. Business Law, Small Business Accounting, or Intro to Entrepreneurship courses, if available, also can prepare students for ownership and the legal environment of business, which are natural extensions of your Accounting course you're already taking. Microbiology, if available as an AP Bio elective or dual-enrollment option, is another consideration since embalming is fundamentally about pathogen control, and it shows up directly in the funeral-service curriculum itself, with Microbiological Studies as a core first-year course in many programs. A religion/world religions elective, if offered, is also useful since funeral homes serve families across many faith traditions. Finally, a drawing/art elective isn't a prerequisite, but it's worth knowing embalming programs teach "restorative art," so reconstructing features and cosmetology work for viewings are technical skills worthy of showing in your application.
For further research, I recommend you find out more about your state's specific licensing path, including apprenticeship hours required after the degree, the National Board Exam, and continuing education rules. These vary significantly by state and is worth knowing before any potential interview. Several programs require proof of completed Hepatitis B immunization series before clinical work begins, which can take months. So, starting it senior year isn't too early. Also know basic OSHA/formaldehyde exposure standards, which is something programs expect familiarity with.
Most programs will have selective, faculty-panel interviews layered on top of GPA cutoffs conducted by the Program Director and faculty once prior application steps are complete. The most important questions to have real, specific answers for are:
-Why this field, specifically? (do give a standard "I want to help people" reply)
-How will you manage the emotional weight of the work day to day and stay professional under it?
- What specific skills/qualities make you suited to this work?
-What is your comfort level with the physical realities — bodily fluids, odor, decomposition, and difficult cases like child deaths or trauma - of this industry?
-How would you handle a grieving family's difficult or unusual request, including across religious/cultural lines?
-What is your understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities involved — confidentiality, consent, regulatory compliance - of this industry?
One final tip is to go interview or shadow a local licensed funeral director. It's not just good prep since some programs literally require it as part of the application, it also give you useful material for answering every question above.
Thank you for the advice.
Lee
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
147
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Lee,
Your efforts in preparing for your future career are truly inspiring. Your interest in becoming a mortician or embalmer, along with the courses you have chosen in Chemistry, Anatomy, Biology, Accounting, and Sociology, show you are laying a strong groundwork for both the technical and human aspects of this field.
Courses and Areas to Explore:
1. Science: You are doing great with Chemistry, Anatomy, and Biology. If possible, consider adding microbiology or pathology.
2. Business: Accounting is a smart choice for running a funeral home. Courses in business management or marketing could further enhance your skills.
3. Social Sciences: Sociology helps you understand grief and family dynamics. Since psychology isn't available, try exploring related topics through books or online courses.
4. Communication: Courses in public speaking or writing can help you support families during sensitive times.
Preparing for Program Interviews:
Interviewers often want to know about:
a. Your motivation: Why you chose this career and what draws you to embalming or funeral service.
b. Your preparation: How your studies and experiences have readied you for the program.
c. Your understanding of the profession: Knowledge of both the technical tasks and the emotional support families need.
d. Your long-term goals: Whether you aim to manage, own, or specialize in the field.
e. Your personal qualities: Compassion, professionalism, resilience, and respect for cultural diversity.
Next Steps:
1. Research the community college program thoroughly and understand its requirements.
2. Consider shadowing or volunteering at a funeral home for practical experience.
3. Read about grief counseling, funeral service ethics, and embalming techniques to deepen your knowledge.
4. Keep building both your academic and interpersonal skills both are crucial in this profession.
Your dedication and curiosity will guide you well as you move forward. Owning or managing a morgue is an admirable goal, and the steps you are taking now will help you gain the expertise and confidence to achieve it.
Your efforts in preparing for your future career are truly inspiring. Your interest in becoming a mortician or embalmer, along with the courses you have chosen in Chemistry, Anatomy, Biology, Accounting, and Sociology, show you are laying a strong groundwork for both the technical and human aspects of this field.
Courses and Areas to Explore:
1. Science: You are doing great with Chemistry, Anatomy, and Biology. If possible, consider adding microbiology or pathology.
2. Business: Accounting is a smart choice for running a funeral home. Courses in business management or marketing could further enhance your skills.
3. Social Sciences: Sociology helps you understand grief and family dynamics. Since psychology isn't available, try exploring related topics through books or online courses.
4. Communication: Courses in public speaking or writing can help you support families during sensitive times.
Preparing for Program Interviews:
Interviewers often want to know about:
a. Your motivation: Why you chose this career and what draws you to embalming or funeral service.
b. Your preparation: How your studies and experiences have readied you for the program.
c. Your understanding of the profession: Knowledge of both the technical tasks and the emotional support families need.
d. Your long-term goals: Whether you aim to manage, own, or specialize in the field.
e. Your personal qualities: Compassion, professionalism, resilience, and respect for cultural diversity.
Next Steps:
1. Research the community college program thoroughly and understand its requirements.
2. Consider shadowing or volunteering at a funeral home for practical experience.
3. Read about grief counseling, funeral service ethics, and embalming techniques to deepen your knowledge.
4. Keep building both your academic and interpersonal skills both are crucial in this profession.
Your dedication and curiosity will guide you well as you move forward. Owning or managing a morgue is an admirable goal, and the steps you are taking now will help you gain the expertise and confidence to achieve it.
Thank you for your detailed overview! I really appreciate it!
Lee
Jamie Wiles
Artist, Writer, and YouTuber
22
Answers
Chesterfield, Virginia
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Hey there. Well, if the degree you are pursuing is in mortuary science, then you are halfway there. The courses you should be learning are: Human anatomy and pathology/Embalming and restorative art techniques/Microbiology and public health/Funeral service law and ethics/Grief counseling and business management. After that, it is an internship of one to three years with a professional. Plus, there are state exams and licensing you need to do to be an mortician or embalmer. Best of luck.
Jamie, thank you!
Lee
Delete Comment
Flag Comment