Embalmer Job Description
There were an estimated 8,090 embalmers in the United States in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Embalmers are responsible for carrying out tasks related to preparing dead bodies for a funeral.
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Duties
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Embalmers and funeral directors who serve as embalmers often wash, shave, remove blood from, apply embalming fluid to, use wax or plastic to shape, put makeup on, dress and/or arrange dead bodies. Embalmers sometimes fill in as pallbearers, assist during funeral services, prepare bodies for autopsies, deal with bodily remains, file police reports and/or help with autopsies, according to Stateuniversity.com.
Education
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Embalmers generally need to obtain a 4-year degree in mortuary science from an accredited university, and serve as an apprentice under an experienced embalmer or funeral director before becoming an embalmer or funeral director, according to Stateuniversity.com.
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Skills
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There are several skills embalmers should have: knowledge of biological, chemical, medical, psychological and business principles; the ability to speak English and ideally, other languages; knowledge of laws related to their industry; and/or intermediate to advanced writing, clerical, communication, reading, equipment maintenance, time management, and customer service abilities.
Work Environment and Hours
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Embalmers generally work in funeral homes, hospitals, medical schools or morgues. They often work 40 hours a week, but some embalmers, working for smaller funeral homes, are on-call during nights and weekends.
Wages
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Embalmers made an average yearly wage of $38,100, in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Funeral directors earned an average yearly wage of between $38,980 and $69,680, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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