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Job Description: An apprenticeship is a formal method of training in a skilled occupation or trade. For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (OATELS) website. OATELS is the Federal program that administers the National Registered Apprenticeship System (NRAS). It is a consolidation of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and the new responsibilities of the employer and labor liaison dedicated to building a workforce for the 21st century.

Among the most ancient professions is that of an individual who prepares the dead for burial. More than 5,000 years ago, Egyptians developed a process for the preservation of those who had died. That process was so sophisticated that human remains from the period are found in an excellent state of preservation today. Apprentice embalmers practice this essential service by preparing human remains for burial in conformity with the legal aspects of public health and sanitation. They are resident trainees at mortuaries. They work directly under the supervision of licensed embalmers. They learn to perform the different tasks which are involved in preparing bodies for burial. They may also be called apprentice morticians or apprentice undertakers. Most funeral directors are trained, licensed, and practicing embalmers.

Duties: Apprentice embalmers do all the tasks which funeral directors or licensed embalmers assign them. Specific duties may include some or all of the following:

• Drive funeral home vehicles
• Wash bodies with germicidal soap
• Remove body fluids and replace with embalming fluids
• Pack body cavities with cotton
• Apply cosmetics to make the deceased person appear normal
• Dress deceased individuals and place them in caskets
• Serve as pallbearers and/or attend the visitation suite
• Provide assistance to bereaved family members and friends

Working Conditions: Apprentice embalmers often work long, irregular hours. Mortuaries and funeral homes are usually open in the evening and on weekends. Embalmers must follow strict health regulations because they often come in contact with the remains of persons who had contagious diseases. The work of preserving and preparing the body is normally done in a laboratory setting.

Educational Requirements: Apprenticeship programs for embalmers are offered by mortuaries under the supervision of a licensed embalmer. To become an embalmer, applicants must have one year of apprenticeship training and one year of study at an approved college of mortuary science. Courses typically include principles of embalming, preservation techniques, and bereavement skills. To become a licensed embalmer, students must pass a state examination.

Outlook: The estimated number of embalmers in Tennessee is 170. It is projected there will be an increase of 10 percent in this occupation through the year 2012 with 10 openings annually. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 23, 2008