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How do I start studying mortuary science on my own?
To all professional morticians out there, do you have any tips as to how I can study and research mortuary sciences? I'm unsure where to begin.
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Kira,
To begin studying mortuary science on your own, follow these steps:
Gain a foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology: Understanding the human body is essential for working in the mortuary field. You can start by reading textbooks or taking online courses from reputable sources such as Khan Academy or MIT OpenCourseWare.
Learn about funeral customs and traditions: Familiarize yourself with various funeral practices and traditions from different cultures and religions. Websites like Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, and EthnicGroans.com can provide valuable information on this topic.
Study embalming techniques: Embalming is a crucial aspect of mortuary science. You can learn about the history, tools, and techniques used in embalming through textbooks, online resources, or videos from professional organizations like the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) or the International Conference on Funeral Service Education (ICFSE).
Explore grief counseling and bereavement support: Morticians often work closely with grieving families, so understanding grief counseling techniques and providing emotional support is essential. You can learn about grief counseling through books like “Grief Counseling and Grief
Therapy: Principles and Practice” by Raphael J. Phelps or by taking online courses from institutions like Coursera or edX.
Network with professionals in the field: Connecting with current morticians can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you gain practical experience. Join professional organizations like the NFDA or attend local funeral expos to meet professionals in your area.
Stay updated on industry regulations: Familiarize yourself with state and federal regulations regarding funeral services, embalming, cremation, and other related topics to ensure you’re following best practices and ethical guidelines. Websites like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s funeral board can provide helpful information on this topic.
Practice your skills through simulations or workshops: Hands-on experience is crucial for mastering various aspects of mortuary science, such as embalming techniques or makeup artistry for deceased individuals. Look for simulators or workshops offered by educational institutions or professional organizations to gain practical experience in a controlled environment before seeking employment opportunities in the field.**
Authoritative References Used:
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
International Conference on Funeral Service Education (ICFSE)
Khan Academy / MIT OpenCourseWare / Coursera / edX
God Bless You,
JC.
To begin studying mortuary science on your own, follow these steps:
Gain a foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology: Understanding the human body is essential for working in the mortuary field. You can start by reading textbooks or taking online courses from reputable sources such as Khan Academy or MIT OpenCourseWare.
Learn about funeral customs and traditions: Familiarize yourself with various funeral practices and traditions from different cultures and religions. Websites like Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, and EthnicGroans.com can provide valuable information on this topic.
Study embalming techniques: Embalming is a crucial aspect of mortuary science. You can learn about the history, tools, and techniques used in embalming through textbooks, online resources, or videos from professional organizations like the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) or the International Conference on Funeral Service Education (ICFSE).
Explore grief counseling and bereavement support: Morticians often work closely with grieving families, so understanding grief counseling techniques and providing emotional support is essential. You can learn about grief counseling through books like “Grief Counseling and Grief
Therapy: Principles and Practice” by Raphael J. Phelps or by taking online courses from institutions like Coursera or edX.
Network with professionals in the field: Connecting with current morticians can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you gain practical experience. Join professional organizations like the NFDA or attend local funeral expos to meet professionals in your area.
Stay updated on industry regulations: Familiarize yourself with state and federal regulations regarding funeral services, embalming, cremation, and other related topics to ensure you’re following best practices and ethical guidelines. Websites like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s funeral board can provide helpful information on this topic.
Practice your skills through simulations or workshops: Hands-on experience is crucial for mastering various aspects of mortuary science, such as embalming techniques or makeup artistry for deceased individuals. Look for simulators or workshops offered by educational institutions or professional organizations to gain practical experience in a controlled environment before seeking employment opportunities in the field.**
Authoritative References Used:
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
International Conference on Funeral Service Education (ICFSE)
Khan Academy / MIT OpenCourseWare / Coursera / edX
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Talk with your local mortician or funeral director about shadowing!
Degree and training programs are available in mortuary science and funeral services! They are less common, but generally accessible.
I would also look for jobs at a funeral home, morgue, or coroners office.
The mortuary/funeral field bridges event planning, anatomy, surgery, chemistry, cosmetology, and divinity, and experience in any of these fields is helpful.
Hands on self study is basically impossible with first obtaining a job or entering a training program in the field.
Degree and training programs are available in mortuary science and funeral services! They are less common, but generally accessible.
I would also look for jobs at a funeral home, morgue, or coroners office.
The mortuary/funeral field bridges event planning, anatomy, surgery, chemistry, cosmetology, and divinity, and experience in any of these fields is helpful.
Hands on self study is basically impossible with first obtaining a job or entering a training program in the field.
Updated
Kirstin’s Answer
I would say talk to a mortician in your area. See if they can mentor you while you are in school.