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Video Transcript

Funeral workers are a bridge to the rituals that take place at the end of life. They help people make plans for their own future burial or cremation, and those who make arrangements for a person who has died. Embalmers, morticians, and funeral arrangers prepare bodies for burial according to legal requirements. They may withdraw blood from organs, close incisions, and apply makeup to give a lifelike appearance to the deceased. Morticians and funeral arrangers, also known as funeral directors, also help clients resolve insurance claims and provide families with resources on overcoming grief. They plan the details of a funeral, including decorating for services and arranging transportation for mourners. Funeral home managers conduct the general matters of running a funeral home; they determine prices for services, handle marketing and public relations, and manage facilities and staff. Funeral attendants assist with set-up for viewings, funerals, or memorial services. They may greet people as they arrive for an event and serve as an usher or help people to and from cars for graveside services. Funeral workers often need to coordinate funeral services within 24 to 72 hours of death. This can mean working long, unpredictable hours evenings and weekends. An associate’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science followed by 1-3 years of on-the-job training are typically required for embalmers, morticians, and funeral arrangers. Funeral home managers typically have multiple years of experience working as a mortician or funeral arranger. These workers usually need a state license. Funeral attendant positions generally require a high school diploma and some work experience with the public.