How to Become a Mortuary Beautician in Oregon

Mortuary beauticians prepare the deceased for viewing at the funeral.

A mortuary beautician, or mortuary cosmetologist, is responsible for preparing the deceased for viewing by their loved ones. Beauticians use their skills to dress, apply makeup and style the hair of the deceased so they can look their best for the funeral. This may also include restoration work -- to return the deceased to the appearance they had in life. This is a very important job, as it allows loved ones one last chance to see the deceased as they were in life. In Oregon, all mortuary cosmetologists must be licensed embalmers and must undergo specialized training.

Things You'll Need

• Associate or bachelor's degree
• Degree from accredited mortuary science course
• Embalmer's license

Instructions

1. Attend an associate or bachelor's course on mortuary science at an accredited private or community college, such as Mt. Hood Community College or John Tyler Community College. In order to handle remains in Oregon, you need to hold an embalmer's license, even if you will only be applying makeup. An associate or bachelor's degree in mortuary science is a prerequisite in Oregon for an embalmer's license. The program you attend should also be accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.

2. Study the specialized skills you will need to practice mortuary cosmetology while in mortuary school, such as restoration airbrushing and how to apply makeup to the dead.

3. Pass the National Board Examination in embalming, administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. Once you have done this, you will also need to pass the Oregon State Embalmer Examination (see Resources).

4. Gain experience by contacting funeral homes in your area and offering to work as an apprentice or trainee mortuary cosmetologist. Your mortuary school may also be able to arrange additional training.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have graduated from a mortuary school in another state, and have already taken the National Board Examination in embalming, you will only have to pass the Oregon state embalmer's exam in order to be awarded a license to practice as a mortuary beautician in Oregon.

References

• Oregon Mortuary and Cemetary Board: Licensing Information
• Oregon Mortuary and Cemetary Board: Which occupational license is right for you?
• Mt Hood Community College: Funeral Services Program Student Handbook
• Education Portal: Funeral Cosmetology Education and Training Program Information