Mortuary Technician Resume Guide

Mortuary technicians prepare bodies for burial, cremation, and other forms of disposition. They are responsible for embalming and dressing the deceased in preparation for viewing or funeral services, as well as helping to organize memorials. Additionally, they may help with paperwork related to death certificates and other legal documents.

Your skill and compassion in preparing the deceased for their final resting place is unparalleled. To make employers aware of your abilities, you must write a resume that will convince them to hire you.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Mortuary Technician Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Mortuary Technician Resume Sample

Dariana Ritchie
Mortuary Technician

[email protected]
677-805-3637
linkedin.com/in/dariana-ritchie

Summary

Amicable mortuary technician with 5 years of experience in the funeral industry. Skilled at preparing bodies for viewing, arranging and coordinating funerals, and providing bereavement services to grieving families. At XYZ Funeral Home, achieved a 20% increase in customer satisfaction rating by implementing more efficient post-death procedures. Experienced working with diverse cultures and religious customs while maintaining poise under pressure.

Experience

Mortuary Technician, Employer A
Worcester, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Compiled detailed documentation regarding all deceased persons, including cause of death and other pertinent information in accordance with mortuary regulations; decreased record processing time by 25%.
  • Developed and implemented innovative methods to maintain body tissue integrity during the embalming process; this resulted in a 15% decrease in cases where families requested open casket services for their loved ones.
  • Coordinated communication between funeral homes, medical examiners, hospitals and family members of the deceased to ensure that all paperwork was completed accurately and on-time according to state laws.
  • Exhumed over 150 bodies from gravesites using specialized tools while adhering strictly to safety protocols; minimized potential health risks associated with handling human remains by 95%.
  • Meticulously prepared corpses prior to funerals or burials which included dressing them as per instructions given by families & sanitizing facilities regularly; significantly improved customer satisfaction ratings related to overall appearance of decedents at final viewing services (+20%).

Mortuary Technician, Employer B
Fort Worth, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Transported deceased bodies from hospital and other locations to the mortuary, ensuring proper handling of remains in accordance with safety regulations.
  • Autopsied over 200 corpses and conducted full examination of organs to determine cause of death; achieved a 95% accuracy rate in autopsy reports submitted to local health boards.
  • Substantially reduced paperwork by implementing an automated database system for tracking deceased persons, resulting in improved efficiency within the department.
  • Structured funeral proceedings according to customer requests while providing bereaved families with appropriate emotional support during their time of need; increased satisfaction ratings by 25%.
  • Advised clients on cremation services and burial options as well as applicable laws pertaining to final dispositions; saved customers $1,500+ on average each year through cost-effective solutions offered.

Skills

  • Embalming
  • Autopsy Assistance
  • Body Preparation
  • Cremation Services
  • Grief Counseling
  • Funeral Home Operations
  • Mortuary Science
  • OSHA Regulations
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Education

Associate Degree in Mortuary Science
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Mortuary Science Technician Certification
American Board of Funeral Service Education
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

A resume summary/objective for a mortuary technician should be written in such a way that it captures the attention of the hiring manager. In this section, you can highlight your experience with embalming and preparing bodies for funerals, as well as any other special skills or certifications you have obtained. You could also mention how many years of experience you have working in funeral homes and what makes you an ideal candidate for the position.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Diligent mortuary technician with 5+ years of experience in embalming, arranging funerals and cremations. Skilled in preparing corpses for burial or cremation, providing families with bereavement counseling services, coordinating memorials and other related activities. At XYZ Mortuary successfully completed over 200 funeral arrangements on schedule while reducing costs by 35%. Passionate about helping grieving families through difficult times.

Talented mortuary technician with 4+ years of experience providing quality care and service to grieving families. At XYZ Funeral Home, prepared over 300 bodies for burial or cremation while maintaining a high level of respect and professionalism. Skilled in embalming, restoration, presentation services as well as funeral home operations. Adept at working with diverse cultures and religions within the community respectfully.

Hard-working mortuary technician with 5+ years of experience in the funeral industry. Seeking to join ABC Funerals as a mortician and use my diverse skill set, attention to detail, and commitment to providing excellent customer service for bereaved families. At XYZ Mortuary successfully completed embalming tasks within 24 hours of receiving bodies while maintaining highest level of care and respect for deceased persons.

Seasoned mortuary technician with 5+ years of experience preparing deceased individuals for burial and cremation. Skilled in body preparation, embalming, dressing and casketing. At ABC Mortuary achieved a 95% satisfaction rate from families served due to my compassionate nature and excellent organizational skills. Excellent attention to detail; able to ensure accurate paperwork is completed correctly for each case.

Energetic mortuary technician with 10+ years of experience in embalming, preparing bodies for funerals and memorial services, and assisting funeral directors. Skilled in obtaining medical records to ensure accurate filing of death certificates as well as managing the maintenance/cleaning of mortuary equipment. Looking to join ABC Mortuary Services to provide compassionate care during a difficult time for families.

Professional mortuary technician with 10+ years of experience in embalming and preparing bodies for funerals. Demonstrated expertise in the application of cosmetic techniques to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Possesses a comprehensive knowledge of cadaveric anatomy, pathology, disinfection/sterilization protocols, and safety procedures necessary to perform duties safely and effectively.

Reliable mortuary technician with 5+ years of experience providing excellent care to the deceased and their families. Skilled in embalming, cremation operations, funeral preparation, body transportation, and general mortuary duties. Currently looking for a new role at ABC Mortuary that will allow me to utilize my knowledge and expertise in order to provide dignified service to grieving families.

Passionate mortuary technician with 8+ years of experience in the funeral industry. Seeking to apply expertise and skills to ABC Funeral Home, where I can help families during their time of need. At XYZ Mortuary, coordinated over 200 funerals per year and handled embalming processes for up to 10 bodies daily while maintaining strict adherence to regulations.

2. Experience / Employment

For the experience section, list your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Stick to bullet points when describing what you did and achieved; this makes it easier for the reader to digest the information quickly.

When writing out each point, think about how you can convey details of what you did and any quantifiable results obtained. For example, instead of saying “Prepared bodies,” say something like “Performed embalming procedures on 30+ deceased individuals per week according to established protocols.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Prepared
  • Embalmed
  • Dressed
  • Transported
  • Disposed
  • Sanitized
  • Assembled
  • Dissected
  • Reconstructed
  • Autopsied
  • Cremated
  • Disinfected
  • Exhumed
  • Restored
  • Disinterred

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Assessed
  • Compiled
  • Coordinated
  • Demonstrated
  • Developed
  • Expedited
  • Facilitated
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Embalmed over 100 bodies in the last year, providing families with a respectful and dignified experience during their time of loss.
  • Dressed over 500 deceased individuals for burial in accordance to family-specified attire; reduced average dressing time by 15%.
  • Actively assessed postmortem changes occurring due to external factors such as temperature fluctuations and chemical reactions from embalming agents; identified potential issues before service delivery was finalized.
  • Streamlined mortuary processes by implementing new equipment and technologies that increased operational efficiency by 20% while reducing costs associated with manual labor activities.
  • Administered makeup, hairdressing & other restorative artistry services on 200+ individual cases within designated timeframe without compromising quality standards set by management team.
  • Diligently prepared and embalmed over 100 bodies per week, adhering to all safety protocols and regulations set by the local government.
  • Disposed of hazardous medical waste from autopsy procedures in accordance with health department guidelines; reduced contamination risk incidents by 22%.
  • Formulated individualized preservation plans for each body based on client preferences, utilizing specialized chemicals to complete processes within 24 hours or less.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with families during viewing services; successfully handled 40+ grieving family members a day without incident.
  • Spearheaded a new training program that increased the efficiency of mortuary technicians’ duties by 30%, leading to improved customer service ratings throughout the facility’s operations team.
  • Utilized embalming equipment, tools and supplies to embalm over 50 bodies for funerals each month with precision and care.
  • Revised funeral service plans according to the family’s or deceased’s wishes; revised upsell offers tailored to individual families that resulted in a 10% increase of revenue from additional services.
  • Prepared corpses for viewing by dressing them, applying makeup & styling their hair; reduced preparation time per body by 30 minutes on average while maintaining a professional appearance throughout the entire process.
  • Sanitized all work stations before and after use according to safety protocols; lowered incidences of contamination by 15%.
  • Reliably disposed of medical waste materials such as used needles, soiled gauzes etc., adhering strictly to hospital regulations at all times without fail.
  • Represented the funeral home in a professional manner during the transfer of decedents from hospitals, nursing homes and private residences; successfully completed over 200 transfers with no reported issues.
  • Reduced preparation time for each body by 25%, resulting in improved efficiency when handling multiple cases per day; created detailed records and reports to ensure accuracy at all times.
  • Participated in embalming procedures that required precision and attention to detail while adhering strictly to safety regulations set forth by state guidelines; prepared bodies according to family wishes & religious customs as needed.
  • Effectively operated cremation equipment, ensuring proper incineration of remains while complying with EPA regulations regarding emission rates of toxins into the environment; maintained accurate logs on file for review if necessary.
  • Cremated up to 20 bodies daily within scheduled timeframe, utilizing knowledge gained through completion of Mortuary Technician Certification coursework combined with hands-on experience gained on the job.
  • Thoroughly disinfected and cleaned over 50 mortuary equipment pieces per day to ensure sanitary conditions in accordance with state regulations.
  • Facilitated the preparation of 25 bodies for funerals each week, including embalming, dressing and cosmetology services; improved efficiency by 15% through streamlining processes.
  • Assembled caskets and other burial containers according to customer requests while ensuring safety standards were met at all times; reduced lifting/carrying injuries by 20%.
  • Improved body identification accuracy rate from 85% to 99%, allowing families access to accurate information about their loved ones in a timely manner without any discrepancies reported due to negligence or errors on my part.
  • Assisted medical examiners during autopsies as needed, adhering strictly to protocols regarding tissue samples collection & storage procedures; maintained updated records of every autopsy conducted accurately and completely within 5 minutes after completion on average.
  • Expedited embalming process of up to 15 decedents per day with a 95% accuracy rate and reduced time spent on preparation by 2 hours.
  • Dissected postmortem remains to identify cause of death; accurately documented findings in patient files while adhering strictly to health and safety standards at all times.
  • Introduced new techniques for the preservation, stocking and inventory control of mortuary supplies; raised efficiency levels across operations by 30%.
  • Successfully prepared bodies for open casket viewings through cosmetics application, dressing, suturing wounds & arranging hair according to family requests; improved customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.
  • Reorganized storage units for funeral accessories such as flowers & religious artifacts – reducing clutter throughout the facility and saving $500/month in overhead costs associated with item management systems upgrades.
  • Achieved a 95% accuracy rate in preparing deceased bodies for viewing, embalming and cremation; reduced preparation time by 15%.
  • Mentored newly hired technicians on body preparation procedures and safety protocols; conducted training sessions which led to a 20% decrease in errors.
  • Independently managed the restoration of over 100 deceased faces per month, ensuring that all cosmetic work was completed with utmost care and respect for the departed individual’s wishes.
  • Restored facial features using mortuary cosmetics, waxes & dyes according to customer preferences while adhering strictly to all health & safety regulations during each procedure.
  • Presented beautifully prepared remains at funerals and memorial services, leaving grieving families with lasting memories of their loved ones’ final moments.
  • Confidently embalmed and prepared over 200 deceased individuals for funeral services, restoring features to a natural-looking state and dressing the bodies according to customer preferences.
  • Disinterred gravesites in preparation for burial; improved disinterment process by 25% through implementation of new techniques that reduced damage done to caskets.
  • Optimized storage space usage within mortuaries by developing an efficient inventory management system, reducing clutter and increasing capacity by 40%.
  • Reconstructed facial bones/tissues on damaged or decomposed remains using advanced suturing techniques; successfully restored 15+ badly deteriorated corpses back into presentable condition with minimal effort required.

3. Skills

Skill requirements will differ from employer to employer – this can easily be determined via the job advert. Organization ABC may require a mortuary technician to have experience with embalming and cremation, whereas Organization XYZ may need someone who has expertise in funeral services.

It is important to tailor the skills section of your resume for each job you apply for because many employers use applicant tracking systems these days; they are computer programs that scan resumes for certain keywords before passing them on to a human.

In addition to simply listing skills here, it can be beneficial if you elaborate further on some of the most relevant ones in other sections such as the summary or experience area.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Autopsy Assistance
  • Body Preparation
  • Cremation Services
  • Disinfection and Sanitation
  • Embalming
  • Funeral Home Operations
  • Grief Counseling
  • Mortuary Science
  • OSHA Regulations

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume will depend on the amount of experience you have in the field. If you are just starting out and have no work experience, mention your educational background below your resume objective. On the other hand, if you already have a few years of working as a mortuary technician under your belt, it might be best to omit an education section altogether and focus more on showcasing relevant job responsibilities instead.

If including an education section is necessary for this role, try to list courses or subjects related to being a mortuary technician that could help demonstrate why hiring managers should choose you for the position.

Associate Degree in Mortuary Science
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your expertise in a certain field. They show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to learn and develop yourself professionally, as well as prove that you are knowledgeable about the industry.

Including certifications on your resume can be very beneficial when applying for jobs, especially if they are related to the position or company you’re interested in. This will give hiring managers an idea of how qualified and experienced you are with specific skillsets required for success in their organization.

Mortuary Science Technician Certification
American Board of Funeral Service Education
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Dariana Ritchie, this would be Dariana-Ritchie-resume.pdf or Dariana-Ritchie-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Submitting a cover letter is an important part of the job application process. It is typically 2 to 4 paragraphs and serves as a way for you to explain why you are interested in the role, and how your experience makes you uniquely qualified for it.

Cover letters also allow hiring managers to get a better idea of who you are as an individual by providing insight into your character, goals and accomplishments beyond what’s written on your resume. Even if not required, writing one can make all the difference in helping land that dream job!

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Roosevelt,

I am writing to apply for the position of mortuary technician at Smith Funeral Home. As a certified mortician with 5+ years of experience in the funeral industry, I have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional care to grieving families.

In my previous role as a funeral director, I was responsible for all aspects of funeral arrangements, including embalming and preparing bodies for viewing. My experience has taught me how to handle even the most difficult situations with compassion and professionalism. I am confident that I can provide the same level of care and service to your clients.

I am also experienced in managing a team of staff members, which will be an asset in coordinating funeral services. In addition, I have a strong background in accounting and bookkeeping, which will be helpful in managing your finances.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you soon so that we can discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your business. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Dariana

Mortuary Technician Resume Templates

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