The embalmer profession is part of the funeral service industry, blending technical skill with compassionate service. This work centers on the physical preparation of human remains, enabling families to conduct viewing services. The role requires specialized knowledge and the ability to manage sensitive tasks. This career demands both scientific precision and artistic sensitivity.
Defining the Embalmer’s Role
An embalmer is a licensed professional responsible for treating human remains to temporarily halt decomposition and restore a lifelike appearance. This practice is built around three objectives that guide every procedure.
The first objective is sanitation, which involves disinfecting the body to eliminate potential public health risks. The second is temporary preservation, using specialized chemicals to slow the natural process of decay, necessary when there is a delay before final disposition.
The third objective is presentation, often called restoration. This involves using techniques to return the deceased to a familiar and peaceful appearance for viewing. This restoration provides a comforting “memory picture” that can assist the grieving process. The practice of embalming gained prominence during the Civil War, establishing its place in modern funeral customs.
The Embalming Process and Core Duties
The embalming procedure is a multi-step process beginning with the initial preparation and sanitation of the remains in a dedicated preparation room. The embalmer washes the body with germicidal soap and relieves rigor mortis by flexing the limbs. Facial features are then set, involving positioning the eyes using plastic eye caps and securing the mouth to achieve a natural expression.
The primary task is arterial embalming, where the embalmer raises a major artery and a corresponding vein for injection and drainage. They inject a mixture of preservative chemicals, typically containing formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, into the arterial system. This fluid displaces the blood, ensuring the chemical solution is distributed throughout the tissues to delay decomposition.
Following the arterial phase, cavity embalming treats the viscera within the thoracic and abdominal cavities. A hollow instrument called a trocar is inserted through a small incision to aspirate gases and fluids from the internal organs. Highly concentrated cavity fluid is then injected into these areas to complete the internal preservation.
The final stage involves restorative and cosmetic work to enhance the body’s presentation. Minor restoration may include using waxes or plaster to reconstruct features damaged by trauma or illness. The embalmer or a mortuary cosmetologist applies specialized cosmetics, styles the hair, and dresses the deceased in clothing selected by the family. This combination of preservation and restoration prepares the remains for a viewing or service.
Essential Skills and Temperament
The work requires psychological fortitude and meticulous technical abilities. Professionals must possess conscientiousness and attention to detail, as chemical formulas and delicate restorative work demand precision. They must ensure all procedures are followed, respecting the dignity of the deceased and the family’s expectations.
Emotional resilience is necessary to navigate repeated exposure to death and the grief of others without becoming overwhelmed. Embalmers must balance empathy for the bereaved with emotional detachment to perform technical aspects effectively. This balance allows them to serve as a calming presence while executing their duties with professional objectivity.
Physical stamina is a practical requirement, as the job involves standing for long periods and physically moving and positioning human remains. The embalmer must also be adaptive, as each case presents unique challenges requiring problem-solving to achieve an acceptable presentation.
Education and Licensing Requirements
The formal path to becoming a licensed embalmer begins with education at an accredited mortuary science program. These programs are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) and typically result in an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The curriculum includes:
- Anatomy
- Pathology
- Chemistry
- Restorative art
- Public health
Upon graduation, candidates must pass a national standardized test, typically the National Board Examination (NBE). This comprehensive exam covers both the science and arts of the profession and is a prerequisite for licensing.
Licensure is mandated at the state level, and requirements vary significantly across jurisdictions. Most states require a provisional licensure or apprenticeship period lasting one to two years. During this time, the apprentice must complete a specified number of successful embalming and funeral case reports, sometimes up to 35 to 50, under the direct supervision of a licensed professional. Finally, the candidate must pass a state-specific examination on local laws and regulations before receiving a full license.
Career Outlook and Work Environment
Embalmers primarily work in funeral homes, but positions also exist in trade embalming services, medical schools, and morgues. The career field offers job stability because the demand for death care services remains steady. While overall job growth is slow, opportunities persist, especially for individuals licensed as both an embalmer and a funeral director.
The median annual wage for embalmers is around $56,000. This figure can vary widely based on geographic location and years of experience. The work schedule is demanding, often requiring a full-time commitment beyond regular business hours. Embalmers are frequently on-call, necessitating irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond promptly to the needs of the funeral home.