A mortuary is a place where human corpses are stored until they are identified, cremated, or otherwise disposed of in a respectful manner. Morgues are designed to slow down the process of decomposition and preserve vital information about the deceased. However, this is not the only function of a mortuary.
Many people who study mortuary science go on to become funeral directors. These professionals are responsible for coordinating funeral services and working closely with the bereaved families. They also help plan life celebrations. Other careers can also be derived from a mortuary degree, such as becoming an embalmer or medical center specialist. Additionally, there are many opportunities to work as a salesperson in the mortuary industry.
Students enrolled in mortuary science programs learn about the anatomy of the human body. They also learn about the techniques used to prepare a body for viewing. These techniques include embalming (the process of preserving the body after death) and dressing. They may also have to reconstruct facial features and repair a body after an autopsy. Some cultures do not permit embalming. As with any profession, training in mortuary science is necessary to ensure a successful career in this field.
A mortuary can be located within a medical center, a hospital, or a stand-alone facility. Many mortuaries are affiliated with a funeral home. They can provide referrals in the area and can help with the funeral arrangements. However, it is recommended to contact a mortuary before you need their services. After death, most bodies decompose very quickly, making embalming a difficult process. Therefore, a mortuary uses a temperature-controlled set-up and refrigerated cabinets.
While a mortuary can provide more traditional memorial services, its primary focus is on funeral preparations. They may offer a quick viewing for immediate family members, and may not offer full memorialization services. Additionally, they may only provide cremation services, which may be more affordable. This type of mortuary is not the best choice for those who need additional guidance for the funeral or want a full service memorial.
In addition to the scientific side of the funeral business, the mortuary profession also involves social issues. Students in mortuary science programs may take courses in psychology, grief counseling, and the psychology of death. This helps them better understand the emotional needs of their clients. Furthermore, mortuary science programs also offer coursework in law and ethics. It is essential to study the law and ethics of mortuary practice to become a responsible and compassionate funeral director.
Most states require funeral directors and mortuary scientists to have a license to operate in the field. Depending on the state, there are various requirements, including age, education, and experience. Morticians must be 21 years old, have an associate degree in mortuary science, and complete an apprenticeship in the field before they can become licensed. They must also take an exam before they can practice as a mortician.
The medical certificate confirming that the deceased died is the most important piece of documentation in the funeral process. The certificate must be signed by two doctors in order to register a death. This must be done before the funeral director can take the body to the funeral chapel. All personal belongings belonging to the deceased are kept in a secure, protected place in the mortuary. The staff at the mortuary will keep these belongings and issue a receipt when they are collected.
While an associate degree program may only take two years to complete, it is possible to work in the mortuary while attending school. Apprenticeships can also be completed alongside schooling. However, they add an additional one to two years to your education. In 2012, the median salary for morticians was $46,840. The lowest ten percent earned less than $26,570 while the top ten percent earned more than $81,900.
The funeral director’s job is to work with the family of the deceased and their survivors to prepare the body for burial or cremation. In addition to this, a funeral director may also help the family adjust to their loss. A mortuary’s job is to prepare the body in accordance with the deceased’s wishes and the requirements of the law. A funeral director also coordinates the funeral ceremony and oversees the viewing.