What does it take to become a Embalmer/Funeral Director?
356163
It varies somewhat from state to state. In some states there is a difference between a funeral director (who plans funerals and runs a funeral home) and an embalmer, who does the scientific and cosmetic work on the deceased. In other states you must be both an embalmer and a funeral director to get a license.\n\nMost states require graduation from an embalming/funeral service training program (2 years in a community college or 2 to 3 years in a school of mortuary science). You must then typically serve an internship of six to twenty-four months under a licensed embalmer/funeral director.
699798
The history of embalming - start with Egyptians (or further back) - you know, mummies, canopic jars, and the like - move to modern times - go to a local funeral home and ask for a tour (I'm totally serious - they don't get serious enquiries often, so they will usually comply if they know you are serious).\nOr if your goal is to WIN the science fair, go with something in the psychology area (left brain/right brain differences maybe)- questionnaires, skills tests, and such.  You can enlist your family's help with all the "field work," and since very few people enter in this category, you're a likely winner!
957444
In most cases, I believe you have to be a licensed embalmer or funeral professional to purchase embalming fluid, because it is often abused by drug users.
479003
It depends on what sort of training programs the community you live in has to offer.  For example, I live in Northern Virginia.  In this area, you first must become an EMT-B (emergency medical technician-basic), the training for which lasts anywhere from 4 mos. to 1 year depending on what program you attend.\n\nNext, you must, in most jursidictions, work or volunteer as an EMT-B for one year before beginning classes to become an EMT-I (intermediate), the first level of advanced life support.  In the area where I live, this training level can take anywhere from 5 mos. to approx 18 mos.\n\nAfter you have successfully completed the coursework and passed the written and practical exams and received your certification as an EMT-I, you can immediately begin classes and training to become an EMT-P (paramedic).  This level takes anywhere from 5 mos. to approx. 18 mos. complete.\n\nAll levels of EMS training require classroom work, hospital rotations, and field rotations on an ambulance.  There is extensive documentation of the types of patients the student encounters, skills observed by the preceptor, etc.\n\nIn Northern Virginia, this training is available at some rescue squads, some community colleges, one university and there are a couple of private programs.  If you need to know what's available in your area, try contacting your state's department of health to begin with.\n\nFrom zero training to receiving my certification as a paramedic, it took me about 2 1/2 years and that was pretty quick.  Good luck....it's a great job!!
683811
Depending on your local EMS, but most states require you to be 18. You don't need a high school diploma but you will have a hard time getting hired besides the interfacility companys. You can take the EMT course you just can't be certified by your state. Don't be discouraged, being an EMT is a great stepping stone to any career. It shows responsibility, ability to handle stress, dependability, and maturity to be able to handle emergency situations.
668369
I saw a program on funeral practices the other day. The preserving of bodies is centuries old but in the U.S. the Civil War was pivotal in its use of embalming-it preserved the remains of soldiers so they could be shipped home. Abraham Lincoln's funeral was key in introducing embalming on a wide scale. More info:\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embalming
1161927
Although most mortuary colleges will agree that the solution concentration of formaldehyde (HCHO) to be used should be altered (increased or lowered) according to the actual state of the body at time of embalming, most funeral homes and embalmers will increase the solution stength for a ship-out body to 3-4% instead of the 1.5% "normal" solution.  For example, a 2 gal solution would be mixed with 32oz of arterial fluid holding a 30 index.  However, a strong solution though preserving, will most likely dehydrate the skin unless humectant is also employed arterially and without proper drainage surface embalming may occur.
770345
There are so many costs involved as far as overhead that it would take all day to list them.  For instance, the person that answered the phone and opened the door, the person that mowed the lawn, washed the car, picked up the body and embalmed it all need to be paid.  Along with our large utility bills, insurance premiums, and upkeep of the premises are tremendous.  That goes for any business, though, we all have large amounts of overhead.  Also, you need to be licensed to do what we do, so some of the charge is for our professional services, just as a lawyer is expensive, he also must have a license to represent you, we must have a license to embalm and sell caskets, since not just the average joe can do what we do, we get paid for our professional expertise.  Hope this helps, take care!
945342
The person above me is correct, there is not a chance any funeral director simply working for someone is going to make six figures.  He is also correct about $85,000 being the max no matter where!  The average salary is around $47,000 per year.
771117
Your best bet is to apply in person, and be dressed well.  Most funeral homes do not advertise for available positions.  If you are not licensed, you will be limited as to what you can do, such as you won't be able to embalm and making arrangements.  Your duties would be limited to cleaning the cars, helping the funeral directors, running flowers, maintenence work and so forth.  Good luck!
827699
you must have at least a level 3\nand a couple of years experience in a salon.
403339
You have to go to an approved training program which consists of 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.  You can go to the attached site to read all about the career.
6135
I would think it would depend on whether there is going to be a viewing or not and whether they are being cremated or burried.  When I die, I definitely do NOT want to be embalmed and I will also be cremated, thx.
616110
The only two sure things in life are death and taxes.\n\nSo either be an accountant or a mortician.
667771
I would love to own a gun store, or be a wildlife specialist. I couldn't ever be an embalmer at a funeral parlor. I would refuse, even with training, and it's just not in me.
795789
Actually, there are a few funeral homes that will do it but they have to be done under strict regulations.\n"In such cases, the funeral home must follow strict federal regulations for modifying the casket to make sure the lid doesn't pop open or the coffin bob around in the water.\n\nThe casket must be weighted with 100 pounds of ballast (rocks or sandbags are most commonly used) and 12 6-inch holes must be drilled into the lid and bottom, allowing water to seep in as further counterweight. The casket then must be sealed with five metal shipping bands. "
92388
I'm sorry to hear that. Did he just pass away? I'll copy this from a book I have on checklists for everything:\n1) Call a close friend or family member to help you.\n2) Find out is he had already made final arrangements.\n3) Decide about the funeral. The body can remain as is for 72 hours, so you have time to decide on your choices.\n4) If you need to relocate the body before burial plans are finalized, you can ask for a temporary storage at a funeral home. Make sure you indicate the funeral director that you might have a different option of funeral home. You can do that.\n5) Inform friends and family about service after details are finalized.\n6) Keep careful track of the original death certificate. You'll need it. Make a ton of copies.\n7) Decide on an obituary and where it should appear.\nTake care.