HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path starts with high school courses in biology, health sciences, communication, and workplace safety, plus any volunteer or part-time work that builds professionalism and comfort helping people. From there, many students look at a funeral service or embalming program at a college or other approved training provider. Program length and content can vary by school and province, and some employers may prefer related experience in a funeral home. After training, graduates often begin in an entry-level role where they learn embalming, cosmetic and restorative care, and funeral home procedures under supervision.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Preserve, sanitize and prepare human remains for funeral services
- Perform cosmetic and restorative work on human remains
- Supervise funeral home attendants and other funeral home staff.