Morticians and funeral directors both play important roles in the funeral industry, but their job duties are quite different. In this article, we’ll examine the key differences between these two professions.
Quick Overview – Morticians vs Funeral Directors
Here’s a quick look at how morticians and funeral directors differ:
- Morticians handle the physical embalming and preparation of the deceased.
- Funeral directors arrange the logistics of funerals and memorial services.
- Morticians work mostly behind the scenes, while funeral directors interact with families more directly.
- Morticians require specific training and licensing related to embalming.
- Funeral directors coordinate with various parties like clergy, cemeteries, crematories etc.
- Morticians prepare the deceased for viewing and burial/cremation.
- Funeral directors help families plan personalized funeral services.
Job Duties: Morticians
The primary job duty of a mortician, also sometimes known as an undertaker or embalmer, is preparing deceased individuals for burial or cremation. Their core responsibilities include:
- Embalming bodies to temporarily preserve them and restore natural appearance
- Washing and disinfecting bodies
- Setting facial features and closing eyes and mouth
- Restoring damaged bodies through techniques like prosthetics and reconstructive surgery
- Applying cosmetics to create a natural, life-like appearance
- Dressing bodies and placing them in caskets
- Keeping records of embalming practices used
Morticians carry out these tasks in the embalming room within funeral homes. They follow universal precautions to handle human remains in a safe, sanitary manner. Morticians may also oversee cremations and ensure all legal and ethical guidelines are met.
Skills and Qualities
Working as a mortician requires certain skills and personal qualities. These include:
- Knowledge of embalming chemicals, techniques and instruments
- Understanding of human anatomy
- Attention to detail
- Dexterity and steadiness of hands
- Ability to stand for long periods
- Comfort working with deceased individuals
- Adherence to health and safety standards
Training and Licensing
Morticians must complete formal training in embalming through a mortuary science program. These are 2-4 year programs offered at many community colleges and technical schools. Courses cover areas like:
- Anatomy
- Chemistry
- Embalming techniques
- Restorative art
- Funeral industry ethics
- Business management
After graduating from an accredited mortuary science program, morticians must pass the National Board Exam issued by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. They must also complete a 1-2 year apprenticeship and obtain licensure in their state before practicing. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure.
Job Duties: Funeral Directors
Funeral directors, also referred to as funeral arrangers, organize all aspects of funeral and memorial services for families. Their key duties include:
- Meeting with families to discuss funeral plans and options
- Presenting casket/urn choices and other products like funeral stationery
- Coordinating with religious and fraternal groups for funeral rites
- Arranging transportation of the deceased
- Completing and submitting necessary paperwork like death certificates and permits
- Facilitating burial or cremation
- Directing funeral processions and grave-side services
- Comforting bereaved families
Funeral directors manage all these details while adhering to the family’s wishes, cultural traditions, and budget. They aim to create meaningful, personalized funeral services.
Skills and Qualities
Funeral directors need certain skills and qualities to succeed, including:
- Compassion and empathy
- Multitasking ability
- Attention to detail
- Business management skills
- Knowledge of burial customs
- Comfort speaking in public
- Ability to work flexible hours
Training and Licensing
Most funeral directors need 2-4 years of post-secondary education. Accredited programs in funeral service or mortuary science cover topics like funeral directing, embalming, funeral law, and business management. Some programs include apprenticeships.
After completing training, funeral directors must pass the National Board Exam administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. Requirements for licensure vary by state. Continuing education is necessary to maintain licensure.
Work Environment Comparison
Morticians and funeral directors generally work in the same funeral homes, crematories and mortuaries. However, there are some differences in their work environments:
| Morticians | Funeral Directors |
|---|---|
| Spend significant time working alone in the preparation room | Interact with many people – families, clergy, officials etc. |
| Exposed to hazardous chemicals and blood-borne pathogens | Coordinate office work and funeral arrangements |
| Must stand for long hours to embalm | Transport families in funeral home vehicles |
| Use specialized instruments and equipment | Comfort grieving families during ceremonies |
As you can see, morticians deal with more hands-on body preparation, while funeral directors largely provide client services and event coordination.
Career Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 32,300 morticians, undertakers, and funeral directors employed in the United States in 2021. Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, adding about 2,100 new jobs. This slower-than-average growth is due to an aging population requiring more funeral services.
The median annual salary for morticians, undertakers, and funeral directors was $59,000 as of May 2021. The highest 10% earned over $96,060 annually.
Funeral directors at larger funeral homes or in urban areas tend to earn higher wages. Location, level of experience, and licensure also impact salary levels.
Key Differences Summary
In summary, here are some of the core differences between morticians and funeral directors:
- Duties: Morticians physically prepare bodies, while funeral directors arrange funeral logistics.
- Client Interaction: Morticians work behind the scenes, and funeral directors work closely with families.
- Training: Morticians study embalming methods extensively. Funeral directors get broader training.
- Work Setting: Morticians spend more time in preparation rooms. Funeral directors meet families and coordinate events.
- Outlook: Employment for both occupations is projected to grow moderately over the next decade.
Conclusion
Morticians and funeral directors have distinct but complementary roles within the death care industry. Morticians handle the important task of preparing bodies for burial or cremation. Funeral directors coordinate meaningful ceremonies, transport, and other details so families can honor their loved ones.
Both professions require technical skills, licensing, and a compassionate nature. Their services help provide closure and comfort for grieving families. Morticians and funeral directors will continue to be in demand as they help meet the funeral needs of an aging population.