Introduction to embalming and mortuary facilities
Our Embalming Academy offers a week long course (5 days) that is an introduction to embalming for those employed in the funeral industry - it will provide an insight into how and why embalming is carried out and help students learn new skills. Please be aware that we receive many applications from potential students and due to demand this is a course for those already employed within the funeral industry. We are only able to facilitate approx 24 students over the year as the course is delivered on a one to one basis, ie not a classroom situation.
Due to a our main tutor retiring, we are currently not accepting applications for the Embalming Academy, and at this stage we are unsure when we may be able to accept applications in the future.
Course schedule
It is a hands-on course under one-to-one supervision. On the last day you will be given a practical skills assessment, upon completion of which you will receive a certificate of achievement and a copy of your assessment.I. INTRODUCTION TO EMBALMING AND MORTUARY FACILITIES
1. Procedure for booking in and booking out the deceased
2. Check identity of deceased
3. Checking paperwork
4. Consent
5. Confidentiality
6. Health & Safety
II. PREPARING DECEASED FOR EMBALMING
1. Disinfection of Deceased
2. Surface anatomy
3. Identifying problematic areas
4. Feature setting (eyes & mouth)
III. MIXTURE OF FLUID & CHOOSING CORRECT INCISION SITES
1. Mixture of fluid
2. Raising of vessels
3. Injecting vessels
IV. EMBALMING
1. Embalming procedures
2. Circulation
3. Distribution of fluid
4. Aspiration of cavity
5. Treatment of cavity
6. Suturing technique
7. Leakage control
8. Specialist procedures (skin slip, bed sores etc)
V. PRESENTATION OF DECEASED
1. Eye closure
2. Mouth closure
3. Presentation of hands and fingernails
4. Washing and presentation of hair
5. Application of cosmetics (if required)
6. Final presentation in the coffin
Full assessment and a written report will be provided at the end of each course.
Successful students will be issued with a certificate on course completion.
Course location
Oakvale Funeral Home
106 Whitehouse Loan
Edinburgh
EH9 1BD
Directions
By car - There is a private car park at Oakvale Funeral Home which students can use.
By bus - Details of all buses running throughout Edinburgh can be found on the Lothian Buses website. Their journey planner will provide information on which services to catch from Edinburgh Bus Station on St Andrew Square or the train stations (Waverley and Haymarket).
Flying - The nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport. The Airlink 100 bus service runs regularly between there and the city centre.
Course fees
The cost for the 2022 Introduction to Embalming and Mortuary Facilities is £1150 plus VAT (£1380) for 5 days of supervised one-to-one tuition.
A 10% NON refundable deposit (£140) will be required at confirmation of booking to secure your placement - this will be deducted from your final payment of fees.
(Please note: once booked to attend, full payment of course fees must be received a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the course start date.)
Specialist courses tailored to individual requirements can also be discussed.
THE COST OF THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE:
• All practical instruction
• Supply of any course paperwork
• Provision of disposable protection
• Eye protection
• Hair protection (if needed)
• Provision of one-to-one tuition to all students
• One set of embalming scrubs
THE COST OF THE COURSE WILL NOT COVER:
• Travel and accommodation (see note above)
Payment of fees
Single payment
If this option is chosen, fees will become payable by a single payment at least 4 weeks before the start of the course.
Multiple instalments
If this option is chosen the fees can be paid in instalments but the total amount will need to be paid at least 4 weeks before the start of the course.
Refunds
The 10% deposit paid at the time of booking is NON refundable.
No refunds will be paid for cancellations within 14 days of the course start date, unless the Academy is in breach of contract.
Course criteria
There are no minimum qualifications required to attend the course and it is suitable for those with no previous experience in the funeral profession.
Student placements on the course will only be offered to those applicants already employed within the funeral industry. If we have any free dates available following this first selection then these may be offered to applicants with no experience in either field. All placements are offered at the discretion of
Applications
Due to a our main tutor retiring, we are currently not accepting applications for the Embalming Academy, and at this stage we are unsure when we may be able to accept applications in the future.