Classes Required for Mortuary School
Mortuaries as a business in the United States began in the 1800s. (See resource 2) More than 30 states today have mortuary schools. Programs range from two to four years and divide classes into biological sciences, social sciences and business. High school preparation should include biological sciences, social sciences, speech/debate and business.
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Biological Sciences
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Proper sanitation procedures are important. Mortuary schools offer biological sciences courses that cover embalming preparation, health and sanitation. Anatomy and physiology get into detail about the human body and its systems. Chemistry provides knowledge of embalming fluids and other chemicals used. Pathology acquaints students with diseases and other causes of death. Microbiology provides important background about disease-causing organisms in death and in handling bodies postmortem in terms of sanitation concerns. Coursework also includes training in embalming (preservation) techniques and restorative art, which is important factor in preparing a body if the death was traumatic and caused visible wounds. Restorative art uses waxes, makeup and other techniques to restore the person's looks to as close to normal as possible. However, not all signs of trauma can be repaired.
Social Sciences
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Cultural differences in funerals The social sciences section of mortuary schools include psychology, counseling, death and dying, gerontology (the study of aging), world religions, cultural studies and communication skills. Psychology and counseling help future workers in this field relate to and communicate with the deceased person's living relatives and friends. Death and dying courses provide insights into the process of death and the stages of grief. Gerontology covers the process of aging and its effects on the body. Knowledge of world religions as well as the cultural differences in races helps mortuary scientists understand how different groups view death, want the body handled and types of services preferred. Classes in both written communication and public speaking help morticians relate to family members and other survivors.
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Business
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The business component of mortuary school gives student the knowledge needed to run a funeral business or be part of the company's team serving customers. This includes the laws effecting the business as well as the laws that govern embalming, burial and cremation. Mortuary study also covers business ethics, how to handle people and funeral service regulations. The federal government has regulations about transporting bodies between cities, states and internationally. Make sure to check state regulations where you intend to practice because each state has its own rules for burial, cremation and refrigerated storage as well as running a funeral business or a cemetery.
Additional
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Two-year programs at mortuary schools prepare students to become a funeral director/embalmer and take the National and State Board exams to become licensed. A four-year degree with a specialization will provide more advancement options.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sign: funeral route image by Empath from Fotolia.com foots russian art mortuary image by Pali A from Fotolia.com thai funeral image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
