Mortuary Field in Indiana

Work History Self-Employed, Admin Support, Nuclear Power Plants – East Coast 1983 - 1985 US Army – Military Intelligence Analyst 1985 - 1995 University of Central Oklahoma – Bachelor of Science Degree Funeral Services 1995-1998 Applewoods Corporation – Various funeral homes in Oklahoma and Kansas 1998-2005 Trade embalmer 2005- 2006 Mortuary Officer – US Army, Landstuhl, Germany Jan 2006-Oct 2007 Mortuary Specialist – US Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Dover AFB, DE Nov 2007 – Aug 2016 Owner, Parker’s Voice, LLC Aug 2016-Present

Definitions IC 25-15-2-8 "Embalmer" Sec. 8. "Embalmer" means a person who is licensed as an embalmer under this article. As added by P.L.246- 1985, SEC.1. IC 25-15-2-9 "Embalming" Sec. 9. "Embalming" means the temporary preservation and disinfection of human remains by the internal or external application of chemicals or by other methods in preparation for disposition. As added by P.L.246-1985, SEC.1.

Definitions IC 25-15-2-11 "Funeral" Sec. 11. "Funeral" means a memorial service or ceremony for a deceased individual where human remains or cremated remains are present or a memorial visitation or viewing of the human remains of a deceased individual. As added by P.L.246-1985, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.237-1995, SEC.4. IC 25-15-2-12 "Funeral director" Sec. 12. "Funeral director" means an individual who has a funeral director license issued under this article. As added by P.L.246-1985, SEC.1. IC 25-15-2-13 "Funeral director intern" Sec. 13. "Funeral director intern" means an individual who has a funeral director intern license issued under this article. As added by P.L.246-1985, SEC.1.

Funeral Director Intern Qualifications IC 25-15-4-2 Funeral director intern licenses Sec. 2. (a) To qualify for a funeral director intern license, an applicant must: (1) be an individual who is at least eighteen (18) years of age; (2) submit proof that the applicant has not been convicted of: (A) an act that would constitute a ground for disciplinary sanction under IC 25-1-11; and (B) a crime that has a direct bearing on the applicant's ability to practice competently; (3) have a diploma from an accredited high school; (4) have successfully completed either: (A) a course of education consisting of: (i) thirty (30) semester hours or forty-five (45) quarter hours of college level work in a regionally accredited postsecondary educational institution that includes course work in the subjects of English, the humanities, science, business, and other electives that apply toward a baccalaureate degree from the postsecondary educational institution; and (ii) four (4) academic quarters, or its equivalent, in an accredited college, school, or department of mortuary science approved by the board; or (B) a twenty-one (21) month program in an accredited college, school, or department of mortuary science that has been approved by the board; and (5) pay the fee set by the board for a funeral director intern license. (b) The board may require an applicant for a funeral director intern license to pass an examination before issuing a license to the applicant. As added by P.L.246-1985, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.214-1993, SEC.43; P.L.2-2007, SEC.321.

What is a Funeral Professional Works with the bereaved, providing sensitive, effective intervention during a time of emotional need.  Is a professional caregiver who enables families and communities to express their concern for life and the living.  Is a motivated man or woman who practices a unique vocation and who is legally required to possess certain professional qualifications. Is involved in a variety of activities within the community.  Carries out administrative and logistical tasks required by law, custom, and accepted practice.  Indiana Funeral Directors Assoc.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Funeral Service Professional   Provides support to the bereaved during initial stages of their grief.  Arranges and directs funeral ceremonies.  Arranges for removal of the deceased from the place of death.  Prepares the body according to the wishes of the survivors and requirements of the law.  Secures information for legal documents.  Files death certificates and other legal papers.  Assists survivors with details for filing claims for death benefits.  Helps individuals adapt to changes in their lives following a death through post-death counseling and support group activities.   

Why Should You Enter Funeral Service?   You are a caregiver who desires to serve others.  You believe that ceremony is an effective means of expressing feelings and meeting needs.  You are tolerant of ways in which people of different faiths and cultures express their feelings and practice their beliefs.  You are interested in the technical sciences.  You exhibit sensitivity and compassion for those with whom you are in contact. You are interested in learning all aspects of a business. 

What Type of Responsibilities Will I Have? Each funeral home may have a different outline of apprenticeship duties. Duties may include, but not be limited to: removals from place of death  assisting with preparation of remains  observing funeral arrangements  assisting with funeral services  assisting with evening visitations  assisting with operation of the crematory  miscellaneous janitorial and building maintenance  cleaning of vehicles  Some tasks may seem menial, but it is important to remember that we all began at the same point.

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