A career in funeral service isn’t one that most people grow up imagining. However, as they gain experience, understanding, and a drive to help people in need, many find themselves called to this important line of work. Funeral service, also known as mortuary science, is a field that ensures deceased individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and skill—and that grieving loved ones are supported during life’s most difficult times. This career is deeply meaningful and fulfilling. Plus, there is a lot you can do in mortuary science, depending on your interests and skills.

If you’re considering funeral service, you might be asking: “What can I do with a Mortuary Science degree?” You’ll be excited to know there are a multitude of career paths available, from the well-known funeral director role to more behind-the-scenes work as an embalmer. Let’s explore the many funeral service careers available.

5 Careers in funeral service you can land with a Mortuary Science degree

1. At-need and pre-need consultants

Funerals are events that require planning. Many decisions need to be made for a funeral, whether that’s deciding the type of service, choosing between burial and cremation, or selecting the right merchandise and florals for the service. The problem is, these conversations often happen during an extremely vulnerable or emotionally intense time, as a family is grieving their loss. This is where at-need and pre-need consultants come into play.

Some people don’t want to burden their family with the planning details and choose to coordinate their funeral preferences ahead of time, with a pre-need consultant. Pre-need consultants educate individuals or couples about their options, help them lock in pricing, and set up payment plans for the services.

At-need consultants, on the other hand, work with families directly following a death. These consultants guide families through urgent decisions related to the funeral service, while simultaneously exercising compassion, support, and clarity during such a difficult time.

2. Embalmers

Embalming is a cosmetic process that prepares a deceased body for viewing (by family and friends) on the funeral day. It temporarily preserves the body for visitation before burial, which involves a combination of science and artistry.

Embalmers specialize in this restorative process. Their work involves disinfecting bodies, preserving remains, setting features (like the eyes, mouth, and hands), handling cosmetic details, and dressing the body before placing it in a casket. Sometimes, embalmers work on more advanced cases, involving deceased individuals who suffered trauma or decomposition.

Because of the complexities of embalming, embalmers are well-versed in areas like anatomy, chemistry, infection control, and restorative art. It’s more behind-the-scenes than the role of a funeral arranger or director, but it is equally important in providing families with comfort and closure on the funeral day.

3. Funeral directors (also known as morticians)

Much like their name implies, funeral directors oversee funeral arrangements from start to finish. Also known as morticians or, historically, undertakers, these professionals are the head of the funeral home. They meet with grieving families and make plans for the funeral, as well as ensure all the details are carried through: flowers, music, photos, memorials, and transportation are just some examples of what a funeral director might be responsible for. Funeral service directors also handle administrative tasks, such as managing paperwork, coordinating with cemeteries or clergy, and ensuring that regulatory requirements are met.

4. Funeral service practitioners

Funeral service practitioner (FSP) is a broad, multifunctional role that involves both embalming and funeral arranging. In some states, those with a certified FSP designation are authorized to complete every phase of the funeral process, from preparing the body to arranging the services and conducting memorials. This position is great for those who are interested in all aspects of funeral service and desire a more holistic approach to a mortuary science career.

5. Mortuary transporter

Mortuary transporters are essential to the funeral service, ensuring that the deceased is safely and respectfully transported from their place of death to the funeral home, crematory, or medical examiner’s office. This job can be physically demanding, as these individuals are constantly driving and lifting. However, their job also requires interacting with families, first responders, and medical staff.

Many report that mortuary transport is a great entry-level job within the funeral services field, and often one you can do while still in school or finishing an apprenticeship. Of course, some mortuary transporters love what they do and stay in the field long-term.

Get a free guide to becoming a funeral service professional here!

How to land these funeral service careers

The primary stepping stone for a funeral service career is an associate degree program, either in Funeral Service or Mortuary Science. These degrees are synonymous, but names can vary from school to school. The curriculum generally involves specialized coursework in embalming, restorative art, funeral service management, and funeral service law, plus a slew of science classes, hands-on laboratory experiences, and a practical internship.

Many states, such as Connecticut, also require aspiring funeral service workers (whether embalmers, morticians, or practitioners) to complete an apprenticeship, where they gain experience in a real-world and supervised setting. These apprenticeships are typically paid, and time or experiential requirements (e.g., one year) are often involved.

Licensing and certification are also key to landing a career in funeral service. Specific credentialing requirements vary by state, but generally consist of a national board examination and a series of state-level competency exams. Aspiring embalmers, for example, usually need to complete a practical skills test in addition to the traditional board and state exams.

Start your funeral service career at Goodwin

A Mortuary Science degree can open many (and often unexpected!) doors for people who are compassionate, organized, and technical; for individuals who are passionate about helping people through difficult times; for those who crave both science and creativity in their career.

Do you feel drawn to the many funeral service careers?

If so, start your career path today! At Goodwin University, Funeral Service students have the option to pursue an on-campus or online program, offering maximum flexibility for those balancing busy lives. Both programs are taught by practicing industry professionals, with high-quality courses and competency checks throughout the course of study. Graduates go on to pursue successful careers as funeral directors, funeral service practitioners, embalmers, and more.

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