Mortuary science has been a necessary aspect of life for many centuries, going back to the embalmers of ancient Egypt. Yet, it has only become a respected education discipline and career path within the last 150 years. As any grieving friend or family member knows, funeral homes are staples of modern life; they are the first places people turn to when they need respectful, knowledgeable services for their recently deceased loved one.
For those interested in pursuing a mortuary science degree, this article explains the history and details of funeral science and the industry.
A Brief History of Mortuary Science
Modern mortuary science is based on deep cultural traditions, yet the practices have changed over the years due to new cultural norms, technologies, and public health standards. The first pivotal moment in modern mortuary science occurred during the Civil War era, when embalming was used to preserve the remains of soldiers before they were sent home.
Demand for these services grew until the first mortuary schools were founded in the early 20th century. The new funeral industry turned previously family-run services into a regulated profession requiring skill, consistency, and compliance, with laws and public health regulations evolving to turn funeral science into what it is today.
Is Mortician a Stable Career?
Death is an inevitable part of life, and people will always have a need to respect, preserve, and honor their deceased friends and family. Though it may sound inappropriate to talk about death as “future-proofing” an industry, this consistent demand is another reason why mortuary science graduates strive to offer compassionate, professional, and consistent services as part of this cultural need.
Growing and aging populations lead to opportunities for both independent businesses and large chains to meet this rising demand with new services. Jobs in mortuary science therefore have built-in long-term growth potential, balanced by the continuing need to offer compassionate services to those who need them most.
What Makes Mortuary Science a Good Career?
Mortuary science is a calling for those who want to become professionals in a field that serves grieving people in their most vulnerable moments. In addition to being a stable career path, mortuary science can be a satisfying field as well, rewarding attention to detail, strong communication, and emotional resiliency. It can also be challenging, as most grieving families need psychological and emotional care, in addition to professional industry services.
For those able to recognize both the emotional and professional sides of the field, mortuary science is a great career, in terms of economic stability and career satisfaction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, funeral service careers are growing at the national average rate, with a median salary per year of $59,420. Opportunities are flexible, including funeral directing, restorative art embalming, grief counseling (with further education), and funeral home ownership.
The Career Path of a Mortician: What to Expect
This generalized career path outlines the expectations that graduates should have when entering the field of mortuary science:
- Education: Accredited Associate’s degrees in mortuary science, usually 2 years, are in high demand.
- Licensing: Internship or apprenticeship with a funeral home will be followed by the National Board Exam and any state-specific licensing requirements.
- Entry-level Roles: These can include funeral service assistants, embalmers, crematory operators, and funeral directors.
- Advancement Opportunities: Careers can expand to funeral home ownership, general management, counseling, education, and inspection.
- Lifelong Learning: Continuing education is usually required to remain compliant with safety regulations and maintain professional licenses.
- Flexible Future: Morticians can work locally, join a corporate chain, or seek specialized roles in military services and eco-friendly (“green”) funerals.
How Expensive is a Mortuary Education?
A degree from a mortuary school varies based on the institution and the program length, but on average, students can expect to pay $10,000 to $25,000 to complete the program. These costs should cover classes, lab equipment, textbooks, licensing exams, fees, and clinicals.
Qualifying students can pursue a mortuary science degree using financial aid options, including federal grants, student loans, and scholarships, which can be offered by the institution or an established industry organization. For many students, online programs from accredited institutions can offer affordability and flexibility, especially for those with existing jobs.
Learn More About Attaining Your Mortuary Science Degree
Earning a mortuary science degree is the first step toward a meaningful career, combining studies in anatomy, psychology, ethics, business, and the practical skills of funeral service. After graduating, students can aspire to respected and well-compensated positions, such as licensed funeral directors and embalmers, which build on the long history of funeral services as valued and necessary services.
At AAMI, we build on over 90 years of experience in funeral education to give students the skills and compassion they need to be successful in this multifaceted career. Create an application or contact our team today to learn how a mortuary science degree can start your journey in this growing and rewarding field.
FAQ
What Type of Person Wants to Be a Mortician?
Mortuary science attracts people who are compassionate, detail-oriented, and has good communication skills. Though the field is a science, it also requires empathy to render effective end-of-life care and grief counseling.
How Do You Know If Being a Mortician is Right for You?
You must be comfortable discussing death and complex grieving processes while offering emotional support to strangers as if they are your own family. You must value structure, professionalism, and science, while recognizing that mortuary science is also a human service.
What is the Average Age of a Mortician?
Most morticians begin their careers in their 20s to 40s. However, students of all ages can enter the field after a career change, seeking more meaningful or stable work.
What is the Difference Between a Mortician and an Embalmer?
Morticians work with families, staff, and authorities to plan and direct funerals. Embalmers prepare and preserve the bodies using specialized chemicals and techniques. They may be employees of morticians at funeral homes, or both positions may be fulfilled by the same person.