Considering a job as an embalmer

Want to help people who are going through hard times? Embalmer jobs are for people who find it easy to bring peace and comfort to others.

Embalming jobs are out there for the taking — even if they’re not typically on that list of “what I want to be when I grow up.”

It’s true that death is a taboo subject that no one is in a hurry to discuss with young people, but being an embalmer is just like practicing any other trade.

• Embalming jobs may not feature prominently on the typical career radar, yet they play an important role in our society.

Because it's directly connected to death, the job of embalmer can seem a bit off-putting. Some might even wonder what could bring somebody to choose such a career path.

• However, the profession of embalmer—also called thanatologist—is very rewarding because it involves bringing bereaved families some comfort in a difficult time.
• In fact, the people destined for embalmer jobs are not hard-hearted; rather, they have well developed empathy skills and a sensitive nature.

The main task of the embalmer, of course, is to prepare the remains of the deceased for viewing and for burial.

• Typically, that process involves using chemical products to clean and preserve the body and give it a natural look for open-casket viewing. In some funeral centres, the embalmer may also be the funeral director.
• In such cases, embalmer jobs also entail meeting with the bereaved and handling all the administrative details of visitation and funeral arrangements.

Becoming an embalmer requires some special training and certification.

• Obtaining a license is usually possible after completing a college program combined with on-the-job training for 12 to 20 months.

Since the role of the embalmer is to prepare the body for viewing, it's essential that he or she be a good listener who respects the family’s requests. The bereaved rely on the embalmer to capture the essence and personality of the deceased for the final viewing.

It's a responsibility that should be handled with care and attention so that the family’s memories of the deceased can live on peacefully. Other qualities required for the profession include:

• Tact
• Emotional equanimity
• Discretion
• Listening and empathy skills
• Self-discipline

The funeral home staff is a primary support for the family after the death of a loved one.

• True, embalmer jobs may not conjure in our minds when we think of careers, but that’s only because we tend to shy away from the subject of death.
• The embalming profession is one of the most humane ones there is; helping the bereaved and bringing the deceased dignity in death is just as valuable as wanting to preserve life.