Working in a morgue may not be the most glamorous job, but it is an important role, especially in the medical and forensic fields. In recent years, the demand for positions in morgues has risen due to the ever-increasing need for medical examiners who can perform autopsies, as well as the growing public interest in forensic science. This article will discuss the different types of jobs available in morgues, the qualifications and certifications required to be an employee, and the general duties and responsibilities of these positions. It will also provide advice for those seeking to enter the field and explore potential career paths. As always, we’ll also list some of the common benefits morgue employees may expect. Whether you’re looking for a job in a morgue or simply curious to learn more, this article will provide you with all the information you need.
6 jobs in morgues
Here are six career opportunities for working in a morgue. Click on each salary link below to access Indeed’s most recent salary data:
A funeral service assistant’s main responsibilities include preparing a funeral home for a service. They serve as a liaison between the family of the deceased and the morgue, informing the family of developments and communicating the family’s needs to the morgue. A funeral director or mortician, who frequently supervises a funeral service assistant,
Primary responsibilities: Directly supporting the medical examiner or coroner Before the coroner examines the body to determine the cause of death, they are also responsible for sanitizing the body and cleaning the work area. Morgue technicians are sometimes called medical assistants.
Once the majority of the post-mortem procedures are finished, the body is styled by a licensed esthetician. Applying makeup for the funeral service as well as cleaning and polishing fingernails are all aspects of body styling. They often create looks based on pictures that families provide. Licensed estheticians in this role are called desairologists.
Primary responsibilities: Gathering evidence from dead bodies and crime scenes Every time a death triggers a criminal investigation, they are at a morgue. In a criminal investigation, forensic science technicians examine and gather body parts used as evidence. They frequently take body tissue, hair, and fingerprint samples. Forensic science technicians work at the morgue and also process the data they gather in separate labs. They collaborate with a coroner to conduct a chemical analysis of the body in order to present their findings as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
A funeral director’s main responsibilities include controlling every aspect of the funeral rites. They frequently carry out multiple tasks, such as planning a funeral and embalming a body before placing it in a casket. They oversee funeral service assistants and communicate with other experts who are necessary to finish the funeral rites procedure. Additionally, funeral directors frequently perform mortician tasks, such as preparing the body for burial or cremation.
Primary responsibilities: In a hospital morgue, pathology assistants assist pathologists with autopsies. When necessary, they occasionally go to private funeral homes to provide additional assistance. To assist pathologists in determining the cause of death, they process and examine tissue samples from corpses.
What are jobs in morgues?
Jobs in morgues include any positions necessary to carry out a dignified burial or cremation. Working with the family and prepping the body are just two of the specific duties and responsibilities that each job in a morgue has that contribute to this process.
What education requirements do you need to find a job in a morgue?
A high school diploma is the minimum level of education needed to work in a morgue. However, you might need to pursue further education depending on the position you are applying for. For example, a high school diploma is sufficient for an entry-level position as a funeral service assistant, but a bachelor’s degree is necessary to work as a forensic science technician.
To ensure you pursue the appropriate education, you can also take into account your long-term career path. For instance, a master’s degree is likely required to work as a pathology assistant, but a medical degree is required to work as a pathologist.
How can you find a job in a morgue?
Understanding the position in which you want to specialize is the first step in locating employment in a morgue. Decide whether you want to work primarily with families, learn more about pathology, or provide direct family assistance. To learn more about the qualifications and skills you’ll need to acquire, you can then conduct targeted job searches.
For instance, developing your attention to detail and earning a degree are likely requirements if you want to work as a forensic science technician. In order to gain experience, funeral directors typically begin as assistants or in other entry-level positions.
You can search for jobs on general job boards, niche job boards for morgues and funeral homes, or company-specific careers pages. Work with your academic advisor or a campus career counselor to determine if there are any opportunities available if you intend to attend school. Advisors can also assist you in locating internships so you can gain experience in the field of your choice.
What is the working environment for jobs in morgues?
The majority of jobs in morgues are during regular business hours, though occasionally overtime may be required. Funeral directors and pathology assistants are two examples of occupations that work shifts or as needed. Although some professionals spend time in offices, the majority of work is done in morgues.
You will need to feel at ease working consistently in close proximity to corpses due to the nature of the job. People who work with or near bodies must put on safety gear, such as gloves, masks, and face shields. When handling biohazardous substances, potentially hazardous tools, and chemicals like formaldehyde, they frequently need to take extra precautions.
Career outlook for working in a morgue
Even if you start out in this industry at an entry-level position, there is plenty of room for growth. You can use the specialized experience you gain from working in a morgue to advance your career in this field. For instance, assisting with funeral services can help you gain experience needed to work as a funeral director. Morgue technicians can eventually become coroners.
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FAQ
What positions are in a morgue?
- Funeral services assistant.
- Morgue technician.
- Esthetician.
- Forensic science technician.
- Funeral director.
- Pathology assistant.
How can I work in a morgue?
The most important requirements for working in a morgue vary by position but typically include a high school diploma and some prior experience handling cadavers. Contrary to popular belief, many facilities require very little training or none at all for positions like morgue attendant.
What are morgue workers called?
The morgue’s diener is in charge of handling, moving, and cleaning the body. The equivalent position in the UK is “Mortuary Assistant,” while an “Anatomical Pathology Technician” prepares, eviscerates, and reconstructs the deceased.
