Which profession requires a license to prepare human remains for internment?

The profession of a funeral director is the one that requires a license to prepare human remains for internment. Funeral directors are specifically trained and regulated to handle the process of embalming, preparing, and managing the disposition of bodies. This includes ensuring compliance with health regulations, performing necessary preparations for viewing or burial, and providing the appropriate support to grieving families.

Licensing for funeral directors involves extensive education, typically including coursework in anatomy, mortuary science, and legal aspects related to death care. After completing educational requirements, individuals must also pass state board exams to obtain their license, which signifies their competency in this specialized field. This regulatory framework exists to ensure that individuals tasked with such sensitive responsibilities are qualified and adhere to ethical standards, ultimately protecting the dignity of the deceased and the needs of the bereaved families.

In contrast, while pathologists and medical examiners perform crucial roles in death investigations and may handle human remains, their primary focus is on determining cause and manner of death rather than preparing bodies for internment. Morgue attendants assist in the handling and storage of bodies but do not engage in the embalming or preparation process that requires licensure.