Do you wonder if the funeral home your family just worked with is doing everything above board? Would you like to help ensure that up and coming morticians are properly educated and regulated by the state or other governing body? You may want to look into a career as a mortician investigator – read on for more details: Job Overview Mortician investigators evaluate and confirm eligibility for licenses, determines if a mortician is following the laws and regulations of the governing body, typically the state, and performs

inspections and studies in this sector. This can include investigating mortuary or funeral home records, inquiring as to how remains are handled and processed, ensuring that morticians, embalmers and funeral directors follow state regulations, investigating reports of misconduct and revoking or placing restrictions on a mortician, funeral director or embalmer who is working outside those regulations and laws. Requirements and Qualifications Mortician investigators typically work a full time schedule. You will need to have knowledge of what conditions should and should not be allowed in a mortuary or funeral homes, especially those that can lead to pollution in the environment, human health risks or otherwise are not considered acceptable according to state law. Among qualities you may want to groom for this position include staying calm in stressful situations, clear communications, critical thinking, decision making and keeping accurate and orderly records. Typical Education Though a college degree is not currently required in some instances, many employers and state agencies are beginning to require a minimum of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in forensics, mortuary science, medical science or a similar field. There are many degree programs accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, including nine bachelor’s degree programs. Steps to Become a Mortician Investigator Once you have completed your degree program, finding a position in a coroner or medical examiner’s office will give you beneficial experience for this position. Becoming familiar with state laws dealing with the safe handling of human remains, embalming chemicals and other substances that may be present in a mortuary or funeral home is also beneficial. You will also need to know about communicable diseases and similar health-related issues. Similar Jobs Not quite sure if you’re ready to be “the man”? Want to see what else is out there? Here are some other career tracks you may want to check out:

• Want to lend a helping hand? Social and human services assistants help people meet their needs by assisting with benefit organizations and public information programs.
• Want a CSI job? Police identification and records officers gather and record evidence, photographs and other information at crime scenes.
• Have a soft spot for abandoned or lost pets? Animal control workers help keep loose animals off the street and away from danger.
• Are you feeling lucky? Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators oversee casino and gambling operations to be sure they’re following regulations.
• Do you like sirens and flashing lights? Police, fire and ambulance dispatchers direct those in need on the phone while sending professionals to help with emergencies.
• Have a knack for helping people through a death? Morticians take care of a deceased person’s final arrangements, including embalming, presentation, funeral services and burial.

Salary In a year, a mortician investigator averages $62,020 in salary, nearly twice as high as the average annual wages of all occupations combined at $33,840. You will typically work full time in this career track. Job Outlook It’s expected that mortician investigators will see a rise in opportunities about as fast as the average of all other careers. Though medical technology is allowing people to live longer, the larger aging baby boomer generation balances out the lower death rate.