Embalmer onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: State embalmer license, National Board Exam (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: embalming machines; instruments; embalming chemicals; PPE and ventilation
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Embalmer training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Wear full PPE
Ventilate and monitor formaldehyde exposure
Follow bloodborne pathogen rules
Dispose of waste properly
Shadow an experienced embalmer through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: prepare the preparation room
Supervised practice: set facial features
Supervised practice: cosmetize for viewing
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Prepare bodies for embalming: independently
Perform arterial and cavity embalming: independently
Perform restorative art: independently
Dress and cosmetize the deceased: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, State embalmer license)
Discuss the career path: Apprentice Embalmer → Licensed Embalmer → Restorative Specialist
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Prepare the Preparation Room
Set Facial Features
Cosmetize for Viewing
Embalming techniques
Anatomy
Restorative art
Cosmetology for the deceased

How to measure onboarding success

Rebooking and retention rates
Revenue or sessions per week
Client reviews and complaints
90-day retention

How Embalmer training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Embalmer Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Embalmer Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Embalmer Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Embalmer Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)