When it comes to a career in the mortuary, you’ll want to find one that combines a passion for the human body and a keen interest in the etiology of death. A career in mortuary science is one of the most rewarding fields to pursue, and can lead to several benefits for you and the families you serve. To learn more, read on. Here are a few of the benefits of being a mortuary science student.
In New South Wales, for example, a deceased person must undergo full embalming before being transported abroad or stored in an above-ground vault. However, embalming is not necessary for all burials; temporary embalming improves the look of a body and is often performed prior to viewing. An embalmer must be certified to perform embalming in a mortuary. Some cultures, however, do not permit embalming.
The word mortuary is derived from the French samay raina, meaning “proud student.” It was originally used to describe the inner wicket of a prison, where unclaimed bodies were kept for identification purposes. Today, it is mostly used in North American English, though the British version of the word mortuary is the more common one. In British English, euphemisms are used for the word “morgue” to make it more palatable to patients.
A mortuary also serves as a place to hold a funeral. They process a body and work with families, religious ministers, and cemeteries, arranging for public viewings, receptions, and funeral services. Often, the mortuary staff will embalm a deceased person. The body is then placed in a coffin, which may be transported to a cemetery. The funeral home may also provide services for cremation.
A career in mortuary science can lead to many benefits, including being a strong leader, compassionate service worker, and an expert in the human body. It is a career that requires the right person to be committed to a mission and a passion for the profession. When it comes to working with the deceased, the job will make you a highly sought after employee. You will be able to use these skills to help people, and you can use them in a number of ways.
A mortuary will provide you with a variety of funeral services and will often be less extensive than a funeral home. Most mortuaries don’t offer cremation services on site, but they can help connect you with a provider who does. A mortuary’s main service is body storage while you make funeral arrangements. This can be a less expensive option, though you will probably have to pay more for it. A mortuary may also have a dedicated grief counselor to help you work through the emotional process.
The Hudson Valley Community College mortuary science program offers a degree program that prepares students for the funeral service field. Students learn to develop relationships with bereaved families and communities, and how to apply the principles of public health and safety. Students will also learn how to embalm a body and apply restorative art techniques. The completion of this degree requires the passage of a national board exam. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply for state licensing.
While the mortuary industry is heavily regulated, there are always concerns about consumer protection and the dignity of the dead. Environmental concerns don’t get nearly as much attention, but regulators will look into the industry periodically. A mortuary should always follow the rules and regulations of OSHA to protect the lives of the people who are in their care. If a mortuary is not compliant with these rules, it will have a difficult time maintaining a legal and moral reputation.