Mortuaries | What Makes a Qualified Mortician?

As you research local mortuaries, you may have also met the mortician on staff. These are also known sometimes as funeral directors. Most people trust that the mortician they are working with is skilled and trained. However, should you be concerned about any aspect of your loved ones end-of-life wishes or other funeral-related issues., here’s a list of skills, traits and knowledge a mortician is required to be able to work for mortuaries:

• They need interpersonal skills to competently interact with the variety of people who have lost a friend, family member, or spouse. They need to be able to explain funeral details in a way that doesn’t further upset them.

• Patience and compassion are very desirable traits for a mortician to possess.

• The ability to know when to comfort others and also when to give them space without asking too many questions is key.

• Strong scientific skills are necessary. This includes a general knowledge of science, including chemistry, microbiology and anatomy. It also includes specific scientific skills used by morticians, such as embalming and restorative arts.

• Since many morticians take on the responsibility of running mortuaries, too, business skills are also essential. Small business management, bookkeeping and computer skills are all needed.

• Morticians need to be able to relate to grieving people effectively. They are typically required to undergo psychology of grief and bereavement-counseling training.

Morticians receive specific education through the American Board of Funeral Service Education-approved programs, as well as on-the-job training at mortuaries. Last but not least, most states require morticians and or, funeral directors to have a license. Arizona is among these states.

If you have any questions about Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery’s mortuary, or our qualified mortician on staff, we’ll be glad to address them. We’ve over 60 years of experience assisting people with end-of-life decisions and are here to help you in your time of need.