So You Want To Be An Embalmer: Questions Answered

Senior embalmer Jennifer Burge answers your questions about embalming. Thank you to everyone that submitted questions via our social media channels. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for the next video in our series:
So you want to be...
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[@lotty7408]

It’s pain that whenever I get told “what do you want to be when you are older?” Because many people will find me weird if I tell them that I want to be an embalmer, it’s honestly a very calm and heartfelt job and I find it so fascinating.

[@KH-bt2fs]

That sound dumb that’s like saying a person Is weird because they wanna be a doctor 😂or a paramedic

[@mdpramanik7060]

I like the dead more than the alive

[@MattPhonee]

@@mdpramanik7060 Same. They can't talk back....

[@hestiahaze6526]

@@redbetta2191 you just killed the vibe

[@bex4506]

i said it to many family when i was in junior high and they hated it so i changed it, now i’m 20 sophomore in college and just changed my major to mortuary science

[@kravetheave]

I didn't think I'd ever meet people on the Internet who want to be Funeral Directors, Morticians, etc. I've found my people.

[@nighttimetelevision2969]

Hi

[@meep9963]

Yes! This is actually what I’m interested in, I just need to get into the headspace

[@chriscarey1806]

Me too love it

[@alexachipman]

I'm interested in it

[@billieschultz9304]

I'm 11 and I want to be a mortician 😁💙💜

[@ZKETCH42591]

Iv'e always wanted to get into the mortuary practice, I find it to be just as big an art form as much as a science. I find that i can use my art skills in this field and would love to try.

[@richardgary7873]

It is also a good idea to visit a funeral home to see if this profession will fit you; it isn't for everyone, it is a calling. See if a funeral home will let you watch an embalming before making an investment in something that may not fit you, like I did. I went on to graduate from mortuary school with embalming being rewarding for me in helping families say, "Goodbye... for now."

[@richardgary7873]

Actually, this is how I got started in funeral service by boldly asking if I could view an embalming; yes, it took a few funeral homes before one gave me the opportunity but I was persistent and was allowed to view one, it did help in my decision so off I went to Mortuary College spending some good money; embalming became my favorite aspect of service to families.

[@richardgary7873]

My advice to potential funeral directors/ embalmers, never give up if this is what you want to do...it won't be easy, it will be tough and very sad at times. The bottom line, service to families; ALWAYS be open and honest to them keeping in mind what they are going through. Most of all, YOU are the caretaker of the deceased, the family has placed their trust in YOU...respect that!

[@richardgary7873]

Unfortunately, with some, not all funeral homes, the bottom line is profit; they seem to lose sight that a personal loss has occurred. If I could go back, I would've researched the firms I worked for better than I did. I can see offering families products outside of what their wishes may be, but that's it...offer, don't fabricate to sell better. My sympathies on the loss of your father, I hope things worked out for you and your family. Don't lose sight on what you want to do, but like I said, research, research, research...it will help make the best decisions for yourself.

[@michellebattersby3243]

I'm just starting school for mortuary science and I'm excited (not in a weird way)

[@shy3139]

michelle battersby how did you start to even look for a school and sign up for classes?

[@allysauce2946]

Cheyane Pettit in my state (MD), there’s a program for an associates degree in mortuary science. see if any colleges or universities near you offer a program :)

[@ryeomo3109]

Own that weird happiness! Be unapologetically proud! You deserve to be happy about that because I definitely would be. I hope you learn lots.

[@alexachipman]

How expensive is it?

[@alexachipman]

@natokim :( there is where I am, but I looked into it and can't afford it sadly. I think I'll try to track down some used textbooks to study, just out of curiosity.

[@xiaosenxie2774]

A noble profession that gives loved ones closure and allows people to heal emotionally. I think this is the most attractive aspect of becoming a mortician/embalmer.

[@dananowak1189]

Thank you for this video. I'm so pleased to see an embalmer representing the industry with such grace and reverence. God Bless you.

[@smug8567]

I heard you're more than friends. I heard Dick Rivers come in there and caught the two of you all bowled up and going at it in the same room with poor Miss Ogletree, her dead as a doornail laid out on a gurney.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

@@smug8567 SO FUNNY !! Thank You !! This subject needs some levity every once in a while !!

[@smug8567]

@@ms.martiegallego8834 For sure

[@MaryClareVideos]

I loved when she said " to undertake this job" 😺👍

[@caroljohnston4018]

I loved the way you said "Deceased person" instead of The body You make the person human

[@TobinBrothers]

Of course. We believe in caring for people with respect and dignity after their death. It is an honour for us, one that we take very seriously.

[@courtneyperkins1361]

This has helped me so much. I've always wanted to be an embalmer but I wasn't sure of the steps to take to become one.

[@TobinBrothers]

Glad to hear it Courtney! good luck on your journey.

[@Victoriajean76]

Very respectful industry however..... children/babies too heartbreaking for me. All the respect in the world for these professionals

[@CatRyan2022]

This is amazing. Thank you for being so open and honest about it all.

[@dravidianalchemist]

always wanted to do this. i’m 18 years old still in sixth form, once i finish my A Levels this year I’ll start a level 3 mortuary technician apprenticeship! So fucking excited

[@laurenwegner6634]

There’s so little information on how to become an embalmer…I’m currently in pre-nursing and if anything, working with the living has just confirmed my true passion of working with the deceased. I’ve always been fascinated with careers like this but I tried to force myself into a box I thought I should fit in… Tomorrow I’m planning to start going around to my local mortuaries and asking if they need help and I’m hoping somehow someway I can make my dream come true. I have a degree in biomedical sciences, and an associates in biology, so I hope somebody can give me a chance 💖

[@fruitsalad5976]

How did you go? I am currently passing on my expressions of interest to all my local funeral homes around, I had an interview today to finger's and toes crossed :)

[@signoreloya5317]

Oh my freaking goodness.....we are one of the same..because I am ALSO pursuing my pre-nursing degree (im graduating June 2023!!!😭) and want to be an embalmer! This is so rare and exciting, I hope we both become amazing embalmers soon

[@signoreloya5317]

@@fruitsalad5976 How did it go? Did you get the job??

[@bubbliibiotch931]

I don’t really understand why people think it’s weird. It’s just like any other art like pottery, painting, and dancing.

[@ODevreaux2965]

Thank you so much for this video. I am at the beginnings of my journey into funeral service. Much appreciated....

[@ashleya3731]

I'm planning on starting Mortuary School when I finish my Bachelors and I'm so excited to start! Thank you for answering these questions!

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

Some one has to do it, Thank God !! I couldn't !!

[@axelslegitmarineparadise5040]

This is my dream career, I’m so excited to start !

[@katerogers]

I graduate from the Dallas institute in three weeks! Its been hard but if you're thinking about going to school, just do it! I've loved my time there!

[@danielaarevalo8880]

Can you tell me more about your experience? Graduated in three weeks?!

[@namgibiased5644]

^ yes please

[@katerogers]

@@danielaarevalo8880 The program is 15 months, at the time of the original comment, my graduation was in 3 weeks, I am now graduated. The school adequately prepared me for my career and the national boards, of which I passed on the first try. I am now an apprentice funeral director!

[@mamak4214]

@@katerogers what school did you choose? I'm in oregon and having a seriously difficult time finding something

[@katerogers]

@@mamak4214 dallas institute of funeral service

[@Sherrilynn27]

This was wonderful! As a Funeral Director Intern, I also embalm bodies. It is difficult to explain why I wanted to and love doing what I do. The language you used is similar to mine when trying to explain. It is a privilege and an honour to be able to present those who are grieving with a good last memory of their beloved. That these relative strangers offer there most trusted moments having only faith that we will caringly and with utmost dignity, care for their people as we would our own...truly humbling. What I learned in school regarding why one would embalm a body if it will be interred in only a few days...DPR...disinfection, preservation, restoration. A body does begin chemical processes Immediately after death which aid in it's decomposition. We do this so that the body is presented in a fashion that makes the deceased look peaceful and at rest. Again, thank you for the amazing video. Keep up the great work. Here's to the last responders.

[@angelbasham6631]

Thanks for what you do my husband looked so peaceful and asleep

[@missb.5342]

Hi there! Please help me understand. After being an embalmer for a few years, is it possible to get into forensic pathology?? And do you need a degree to become a funeral director??

[@ennylesjayrrie7924]

Thank you for sharing this video, it's very informative indeed. And I agree with Jennifer that this kind of job is not just a profession but rather a vocation or calling. I'm a registered nurse and would also like to study embalming in the future. Wish I could visit Tobin Brothers someday and meet you guys.

[@midnajanedoe]

I'm starting school in Spring 2022 in Applied Science Funeral Services

[@briannotafan3368]

if you don't have a family member involved in the profession your screwed have a apprenticeship guaranteed before applying for college

[@Airborne76]

As a prospective embalming student, thank you for this video. It was very informative and encouraging 👍😊

[@notavailabletilltomorrow]

For those who expect to just be an embalmer- you most likely won’t be able to just get hired for that. It’s not something you just get hired for. You most often funeral direct as well. And most of the time you need to open your own funeral home. Even if you’re an embalmer you still have to work with the family.

[@TobinBrothers]

This is not always the case, at least not within our company.

[@hh-kr6nn]

funeral director is a completely different certificate. i would have to go through 4 years of schooling rather than 2.

[@stephannunez1490]

If my family doesn't own a mortuary should I even bother in the field of embalming ? Given that mortuaries are often family owned businesses?

[@hobi8385]

I have that question too. My dream would obviously be to have my own funerary, but in the meantime I need to work and learn about business too.

[@jenya-was-here]

Same question.

[@AlexCovaVlogs]

I had that question too. There is another funeral director/mortician on KZbin by the name Evie Vargas and she had some thoughts on it. She basically said that the best thing to do is talk to people who run your local homes & mortuaries. It's a small field, and even with family run businesses, they may still need people. Ask A Mortician & Cold Hands (both YouYubers in the field) said to go for it because there are plenty of these places looking to hire someone and 'pass the torch' so to speak.

[@generalbuddy2114]

I think it’s worth it for sure. There’s a lot of funeral homes owned by big corporations that still use family names to not scare off families. I don’t have any family in the industry or any connections but I’m in my first year of schooling for it and have two interviews tomorrow for internships

[@indigothecat]

I highly recommend looking into Caitlin Doughty and Alua Arthur. These ladies took some unconventional routes to work within the funeral industry. Becoming an embalmer is far from the only way in!

[@buckybarnes8099]

Thank you so much for answering these questions, I am looking into this field and this is great information. ❤

[@murphrdnmurphrdn2952]

I was an embalmer for over 27 yrs it has been a gratifying career!

[@aphroditearuba415]

I wish i followed my dream of doing that

[@dunkindonutz9292]

These comments make me feel so comfortable, most people tend to look at me weird when I say I wanna be an embalmer :[

[@Noahyw-.]

why am i even getting interested in a job when im still in 7th grade - alright time to head out ok but being an embalmer sounds cool like damn i feel like i want to be an embalmer im like rlly sure about that

[@mephistopheles7545]

It’s never to early to start your life, you’ll be 18 sooner than you think. You should really consider this career if you’re serious.

[@bloodangel7731]

I am also very fascinated with funeral directing and embalming in particular

[@lucybreech3435]

A question I have is how do you get used to any smells? I've been in a viewing room once and it was so cold and smelled awful and I had to come out. I couldn't be around the smell all day like that. I take my hat off to people like this.

[@chirstianbenn4831]

Also embalming is not for the faint of heart

[@megfinn2336]

What an educational and beautiful video that is! Thank you!

[@jimbart76]

Respect to you

[@pituy_]

Hey random 18yr stranger here I've been thinking over the last few years that I wanted to be a embalmer, funeral director, mortician etc (I wrote it off as teenage stuff) but as I've gotten older I've realized it's a honest work field that I really want to get into I just don't know what to do to get into it, it's not something like other typical jobs where you could just ask parents or adults for advice with Currently I am planning to go into nursing for awhile to get a hand in the medical field and then banch off into mortician study. Is there any advice any of you could give me ?

[@TobinBrothers]

Depending on where you are located, there is likely an institute or association of embalming, or another relevant organisation that could assist you with this line of enquiry. If you are in Australia, you could try aieptyltd.org/education-careers/

[@krissaylawl6416]

not everyone is born for a job like that.

[@forrniteplayerz4593]

For most embalmers i would imagine it be a ‘Calling’ for them 🙂

[@MaryClareVideos]

I've always wanted to do the cosmetic part (hair and makeup) after the embalming process.

[@haib3ll]

forrniteplayerz I agree it has to be a calling. As a small child I had always told my mother and family that it was what I wanted to grow up and be. Of course I didn’t know exactly what it was but I knew I wanted to care for the deceased. Now that I’m out of highschool and looking into college mortuary science is still what I’m wanting to do. It’s been really heavy on my heart lately especially after losing my mom a year ago.

[@kaylahastings5946]

@@haib3ll I'm so sorry you lost your mother, may she rest in peace. I lost my father 2 weeks ago, I was lucky to have been there with him when he passed and got to see how well he was cared for and I couldn't believe how beautiful he looked at his viewing. I have never really thought about doing this myself as a career, although I am now feeling very drawn to mortuary science.

[@hb11912]

My mother who passed away in 2010 was cremated at this Funeral Home

[@martha.m.g]

Wow I wanna do this

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

I think your delightful.

[@melissar1146]

Thank you for this information! It has been very helpful.

[@moonless3843]

I've gotten to thinking about this recently, this help me

[@caribaez5711]

Sounds so cool 👼

[@username48457]

Every country is different on requirements. In the USA every state is a bit different too. Most states require an associates degree and a few require a bachelors, which I find insane since the job doesn't pay very well for what is expected.

[@tribeofenoch]

Think of this as the only job that allows you to respect people while they are still alive!

[@kitsunesan1036]

I'm going to the school that teach me how to embalm, going to be the best job, at least no need to face customers or Karen, best job for introvert like me

[@notavailabletilltomorrow]

No. You still have to work with the family. Also- they’re grieving people. Not Karens. Grieving is a highly intense and emotional process and you will face people who show sorrow through anger. Not a job for an introvert.

[@esharenee4186]

I couldn't do it. It takes heart. 😢

[@reenasingh6178]

So well presented👍thank u madam🙏

[@lovejena6138]

Yes I want if depend the salary

[@MattPhonee]

I want to enter the field, but I'll have to take such a high dose of antidepressants that I'll prolly die...

[@elenawilliams32]

Hi, I'm in Melbourne, Australia and have wanted to join this profession for quite a few years. Would a funeral parlour take on a mature age student? Also, im currently a hairdresser who can also do makeup, would that be of any advantage in a job application? (I realise that there's a vast science based side to the profession) Do I do the cert 4 course first, or in conjunction with a funeral home? Thankyou in advance.

[@TobinBrothers]

Hi Elena, It would depend on the role you are going for, but yes, embalmers require specific training for their job. If you are interested in completing the relevant certificate you could visit www.fida.com.au or head to our website tobinbrothersfunerals.com.au for more information. All the best!

[@elenawilliams32]

@@TobinBrothers Thankyou for your response. I'll definitely look into it.

[@Isaac_cobo]

ok no disrespect to the 0:02 Chrysler 300 but damn

[@teeteerenfro]

I'm 55. I've been a veterinary nurse for 28 years. I'm now persuing a career as an embalmer/funeral director. I see that 20 years ago you were likely 30? I hope I'm not offending you by that. I think it's a great segway from the veterinary profession. How was it being in class with all the young ppl? Was it an accepting atmosphere?

[@UsoTeaMor]

Could you recommend any mortuary science schools to attend? I'd like to become a mortician but I cannot find any schools that offer a 2 year program no matter how much i search! I'd very much appreciate the help. Thank you

[@coleslaww4346]

One that's pretty good is San Antonio College. I plan on going the fall of 2023 and it's a two year college. You can get your Morituary Science AAS (Associate of Art and Science) Here's a link to the college's MS course for more info: www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/protective-services/mortuary-science/

[@kyndallburns5026]

@@coleslaww4346 kansas city community college

[@lucifer5788]

I feel ya. I live in AZ even went to my local funeral home and they couldn't tell me nothing. I had to contact my board of funeral directors of my state. Emailed them and they handed me the info I needed. Ask local colleges if they offer mortuary science. I'm still in the process of having the FASFA go through and give me a grant. It depends on your state laws. In AZ you need your associates in mortuary science a year as an apprentice and then once your done with that you send your paperwork to the board to be reviewed. And than.... You can be a certified embalmer

[@Crowski]

I want to go into obituary work but I don't even know where to start. I'm 35 female...

[@HAMAJEJ1260]

Do you clean the inside of the ears?

[@LastCallB5ChallengerHellcat]

sort of... comes with the washing and first disinfecting the body prior to embalming

[@catherinekershaw903]

I find it hard to believe that you have never been shocked. I haved worked at the sharp end of trauma care for years, and even our most experienced trauma surgeons can be shocked at some of the injuries sustained by human beings. We are all professional enough to not show are shock to patient or family..... But to say that nothing shocks you?...... M mm that I find hard to believe. I think it is healthy to be shocked, but professional not to show it.

[@Yellowplays0099]

I want to work in the funeral industry like office type work I know the office type work isn't all I'll be doing when I looked it up it says sometimes people that work in the office often have to help the director with the body ! Would you have to have any education to work in a funeral home doing office stuff and helping the director with what they need help with

[@danielab817]

Question, will everything i need to know be in mortuary school, and also how do i get started, im going to graduate highschool soon and dont know what to do first

[@TobinBrothers]

Hi Daniela, it may depend on where you're located and what pathways you choose to take. if you're in Australia, you can check out aieptyltd.org/education-careers/ for information about embalming. Another option might be to contact funeral homes in your region to ask for information. Good luck with graduation and all the best in your career.

[@simplymelonge01]

Thanks

[@SgtxAnus]

damn u guys r in australia or something i was like "I want the funeral home with the weed leaf logo to burry me now"

[@v.c.447]

I am in contact with a collage about their mortuary science degree and I am intrested (not a weird way)

[@darwinduffis3604]

Oyes

[@sobojetty]

So do I want to be an emb............................ Noooooooooooooooo!!!!😬😬😬

[@rider8410]

Is it weird that I wanted to be a mortician?

[@Stxg3]

No.. it's not weird. I want to be a mortician too.

[@krystalcuellar9115]

this is something I wanna do

[@talkingatom9590]

do i have to take a premed course in order to enroll in an embalming school? or after grade 12 (senior high), i could take embalming already?

[@isabellasegarra7929]

Look up the course curriculum for whatever school offers it. There should be prerequisite classes like English, psychology, public speaking etc. Just general ed classes before the more specialized ones

[@briannotafan3368]

i searched i wanna get bombed not embalmnied

[@marjannoory939]

Brian notafan 🤣😂🤣😂

[@larryulery3729]

Thank you for your video what is the ratio of embalming fluid to water.

[@LastCallB5ChallengerHellcat]

I might be late to this post but as a student in this practice the ratio is is known as the PDF (primary dilution factor) thats the concentration of index or emb solution with water---- the mathematics of this is cxv = c1xv1 ---- the first c is index the first v is how many oz of that index (each bottle of formaldehyde comes in 16oz ALWAYS) then its = c1 the pdf and v1 the total solution - the machine is always different but contain a max of 3 gallons or known as 384 ounces - so if you have a 15 index and 16oz of that index its 15 x 16 = to blank divided by the total amount of oz of solution and water together (example 150 oz of water + that 16 oz of formaldehyde emb fluid = 166oz is the total, hope this helps

[@LastCallB5ChallengerHellcat]

but every case is always different so youll "hit" the body with different supplements and different pdf's

[@jacquesdemorton5871]

Water has no preservative qualities or the ability to improve the presentation of the deceased. High quality embalming fluids need no dilution with water. Cheap flluids need dilution, but I have never worked for a company that use them or cut other corners in order to save money.

[@independentpuppy7520]

No thanks. I'm too squeamish for that sort of thing. Can't stand the sight of blood for one thing. In any case I'm opposed to embalming for myself and want to be buried naturally. At least we have the option to reject it.

[@jaysonmendoza8320]

I like embalma

[@lisahenry8250]

What country do you hold a license in for mortuary work?

[@mickey1695]

what about for like. the genitals? nothing?

[@jear9542]

I'm taking a business degree, can i be a mortician after college?

[@marjannoory939]

Why am I here?

[@phyllisgabbard7887]

Why would ones lips be swollen in coffin?

[@esharenee4186]

I hate death too much

[@SquareBoxHead]

Death is part of life

[@soulitafire2445]

I still don't understand why you would want to do this???

[@dylancruz1576]

I want to be mortician

[@sublimesamoyed]

I don’t like the idea of embalming - at all.

[@catherinedubrovna7756]

I guess she works mostly by herself?

[@bettyblack545]

I need to pray over All the bodies. In Jesus name Amen Amen Amen

[@beachbum1523]

Not exactly a promising career choice. Mortuary services are a dying industry.