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RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Enlisted Mortician (HM-Mortician) you are responsibility for continuing the tradition of honor and respect. You may expect to:

  • Conduct liaison with families and foreign government officials for disposition of remains
  • Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends
  • Direct preparation and transportation of remains, mourners, pallbearers, clergy, or flowers
  • Conduct funeral services as required
  • Assist in recovery and identification of remains
  • Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of fallen Sailors
  • Perform embalming duties and final presentation of fallen servicemembers as necessary

There are no part-time jobs available for this career track.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Navy Mortuary Branch combines the experience of civilian funeral directors with the highest military traditions.

Navy Morticians are shore-based and assigned to Navy Casualty with duty locations in Millington, TN, Dover Port Mortuary at Dover AFB, DE, and USMC Casualty Branch at Quantico, VA. Some Morticians may be assigned to overseas stations. A Mortician’s responsibilities could require them to travel to distant locations around the world.

There are no part-time jobs available for this career track.

TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT

Every Navy Mortician trains to become both a Hospital Corpsman and a Sailor. You will attend recruit training (known as Boot Camp) in Great Lakes, IL, for 7-9 weeks. After initial training, you report to Hospital Corps School in San Antonio, TX, to begin formal Navy technical training at “A” school for 19 weeks.

There are no part-time jobs available for this career track.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training in the field of medical support can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate's degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following:

There are no part-time jobs available for this career track.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Navy Morticians must hold a state Funeral Director/Embalmer license and have at least two years of funeral director experience to achieve a higher pay grade. A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an enlisted sailor in the medical support field in America’s Navy. Those seeking a Hospital Corpsman-Mortician position must be U.S. citizens.

There are no part-time jobs available for this career track.