How to Become a Mortician in Texas
A mortician is a person who deals with the dead bodies of people who have died. In most cases, the mortician will prepare the body for burial or cremation. If you want to become a mortician in Texas, there are certain steps you need to take.
History of Mortician
The word “mortician” comes from the Latin word “mortuus” which means dead body. A mortician is also known as an undertaker or funeral director. The first undertakers were in ancient Egypt and helped people bury their dead in tombs. In ancient Rome, the undertakers were slaves who worked in cemeteries.
What Is A Mortician (Job Description)
A mortician’s job is to prepare the dead bodies of people who have died. This includes washing and dressing the body, doing makeup, and arranging the hair. The mortician may also embalm the body, preserving body with chemicals.
Typical WorkDay As A Mortician
A typical workday for a mortician starts with checking the status of bodies being prepared for funerals. The mortician washes and dresses the bodies, does their makeup, and arranges their hair. The mortician may also embalm the bodies if requested by the family. After all the bodies are prepared, the mortician attends the funerals to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Annual Salary Of A Mortician In Texas
The annual salary for a mortician in Houston, TX, is $50,849 per year. The annual salary for a mortician in Dallas, TX, is $51,564. The annual salary for a mortician in San Antonio, TX, is $52,154 per year. The annual salary for a mortician in Austin, TX, is $53,070 per year.
The hourly and annual salary for a Mortician can vary depending on experience and education level.
Education and Training Needed To Become A Mortician In Texas
To become a mortician in Texas, you must complete an accredited funeral service education program and pass two exams administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. The state of Texas must also license you.
Certifications Needed To Be A Mortician In Texas
No specific certifications are needed to be a mortician in Texas beyond completing an accredited funeral service education program and passing two exams administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. However, many funeral homes require their employees to be certified by either the National Board for Certification of Funeral Service Education or the National Funeral Directors Association Board of Certification.
Skills Needed To Be A Mortician
Some skills that are needed to be a successful mortician are excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), compassionate listening skills, strong organizational skills, ability to handle stress well, physical strength and stamina (to lift and move heavy objects), good manual dexterity (to do delicate tasks such as applying makeup), and knowledge of computers (to use order-taking software).
Where Do Morticians Work?
Morticians typically work in funeral homes but can also work in hospitals, nursing homes, coroner’s offices, or medical examiner’s offices. Some morticians also work as independent contractors.
Where To Search For Mortician Jobs?
Some places where you can search for jobs as a Mortician are indeed.com, simply hire .com, and LinkedIn. com, monster.com , careerbuilder . com, or Craigslist. org . You can also directly contact your local funeral homes to inquire about job openings.
Is A Job As A Mortician The Right Job For You?
If you are interested in working with grieving people and helping them through one of the most difficult times in their lives, then a job as a mortician might be right for you. If you are interested in working with dead bodies, this job might also suit you as it involves washing, dressing, and preparing them for funerals.
If you have good communication skills, are organized, able to handle stress well, are physically strong, have good manual dexterity, and are knowledgeable about computers, you might excel in this profession.
It is important to note that this job requires long hours, sometimes including weekends and holidays, so if you cannot commit to those hours, this might not be the right job for you.
Conclusion
Becoming a mortician requires completing an accredited funeral service education program and passing two exams administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.
You must also be licensed by the state of Texas, which has its requirements that must be met.
Hey, I’m Nick Bryant, author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half the Battle and the creator of Houston Case Managers Academy. I’ve worked in the social services field for over 13 years, connecting folks with government assistance programs. One important lesson I’ve gained from working with 7,000+ clients is that having fewer job skills can make life tougher. That’s why I started Texas Trade Schools – to show you the career options available and guide you on how to get the training you need. If you have questions about employment-related resources, please let me know I’m happy to help!