How to Become an Embalmer

Embalming is a career path pretty much immune to economic changes. Sooner or later, we are all going to need an embalmer's services and, with a rapidly aging population, they are in higher demand than ever before. If you are considering this career, here's how to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• American Society of Embalmers website
• Telephone
• Email address
• Money or financial aid for tuition at the program of your choice
• Academic counselor
• Internship at a funeral home
• Certificate of completion for a Funeral Science program
• Passing score on a state embalming test

1. Look over the list of schools maintained by the American Society of Embalmers. Click on the second button of the right-hand menu bar to see the latest list of schools offering Funeral Science or embalming programs.
2. Go through the list to see if there is a Funeral Science program close to you. The list will include the name of the school, the address, the phone number and the email of a contact person who can answer your questions.
3. Contact the director of the program that you are interested in via email or phone. He or she will be able to tell you if there are prerequisites you must meet prior to acceptance into the program, the program duration and the cost.
4. Apply to the program that interests you most. Upon acceptance, meet with an academic counselor to plan out what courses you need to take and when to complete your internship.
5. Complete all coursework and satisfy the requirements of your internship. Make sure you have met all the requirements of your state licensing board at the time of graduation.
6. Study for and pass the examination offered by your state's Board to recieve your embalming license. You are now qualified to work in any funeral home in the state.

Tips & Warnings

• Each state has a different name for the Board that oversees and licenses embalmers. Usually the name of the board includes the words "Funeral" or "Embalming." The address and phone number for your state's Board are also on the American Society of Embalmers school list.
• Not every state has a school or program dedicated to Funeral Science. You may have to go to another state to complete your studies. Contact your state's Board to see if there are special requirements you must meet to be licensed in your state in addition to graduation from an accredited program.

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