Surviving Mortuary School | Little Miss Funeral

[@ashleyestelleics]

I’m taking 18 hours of virtual mortuary school right now and I feel more dead than the bodies downstairs. 2 more semesters left to go!

[@squalli1297]

I went to mortuary science college over 40 years ago. I don't believe the curriculum had changed much since. I've learned that if I wanted to successfully get through these courses, it would be imperative to memorize everything and acquaint myself with the terminology by having a medical dictionary in hand after my 1st microbiology exam. I've persevered & went on to pass the state & national boards after taking them once. I've had so much coffee then that I now have an immunity to caffeine. There were 150 students on the 1st day of instruction-11 students on graduation day.

[@mombradshaw5528]

Could you recommend particular books to have on hand and memorize by heart?

[@squalli1297]

@@mombradshaw5528 Back then, we were issued course outlines where students could write notes during class which I memorized. The textbooks were for reference. One of the textbooks was "Principles & Practices Of Embalming." I don't know if it's still in print. Another was "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary." There were others on RA, accounting principles & psychology. If you're going to mortuary school, I suggest you wait for your instructors tell you which books to buy for classes.

[@mombradshaw5528]

@@squalli1297 Thank you! I just remembered..one of our family friends Ms Sally, owns a couple of funeral homes(Sally still does their embalming). She offered an apprenticeship when I'm through w Gupton(Nashville)she no doubt has some of her books. Thank you..I will look those up;)

[@dd3aththakidd]

Do you have to take any type of math with this?

[@squalli1297]

@@dd3aththakidd It was decades ago, but I remember having to write equations in Chemistry classes. Also, basic math was used in Accounting classes. These classes are provided in Mortuary Science School curriculums. I'm certain college level Math classes are prerequisites.

[@jenniferm6286]

This looks like a great resource! I am planning a career change to start mortuary school this autumn, but as convinced as I was that this is the right path for me, it has been a hard choice and a lot of digging to figure out how to make it work. Being late 30’s with a family is such a logistical quagmire, as there is only one college offering this program in my province. Thankfully, the silver lining to this pandemic is most of the courses are online! Good luck to everyone on their educational journey!

[@kylienicole8391]

If anyone is able to attend an open house event at the school they want to go to, I highly recommend it! I made connections and now have friends that I can lean on for help that are getting ready to graduate in April. I start school in August.

[@snapmac5547]

A underappreciated profession. Thank you for all you do.

[@jeremyvandeusen4317]

I’m a paramedic in Massachusetts (27 years in emergency services). I’m looking at changing careers. I’ve had several dealings with family death, including my mom when I was 19, my uncle and a few weeks ago, my dad. The same funeral home was used for all 3. A small family owned company. I’m thinking about going in that direction. There’s a college about an hour away over in NY that has a mortuary science program.

[@terryl7874]

Outstanding! I am always impressed with individual dedication to achieve their goals and pass their experiences to others. 👍

[@EmmeFen]

I'm 30 and honestly considering getting into mortuary school. I'm just shy about how to go about asking for an apprenticeship while in school. Like I've considered calling the place that handled my moms cremation since they seemed to have ppl outside the family working and were relieved at my humor and have a lot of work needed to be done, but fear is holding me back 😅

[@squalli1297]

When I attended mortuary college I learned that it was difficult to find a FH with an apprenticeship program. Many FH's believed that once the apprenticeship was over and the license came, the embalmer/FD would leave for better opportunities. I studied with a fellow classmate & shadowed him at his job at a FH. I later volunteered for approx. 2 months. I was offered & accepted a job although I wasn't looking for one-school was intense. I was granted an apprenticeship there under the agreement that I would do it off the clock. I was paid to be on-call to pick up remains nights and work funerals weekends at below minimum wage until after I graduated mortuary college. Labor laws have changed since the 70's with better enforcement. Being in this business forced me to develop social skills while working for a large family owned FH. I left after working 4 years as an asst. manager for better opportunities. I encourage you to follow your dreams.

[@BeeApple-sr3db]

What Funeral Home do you work at? What Mortuary Science College did you go too?

[@alecc.lambert2352]

Question: Do you get paid in most apprenticeships? or are they totally voluntary?

[@tim4-p3f]

An interesting aspect of the funeral industry is history. Could you comment on things like the "cold tray" used in the old days and other old time processes and equipment? Thanks, Tim

[@BeeApple-sr3db]

You should have gone to Suny or Nassau community college

[@Lee_Forre]

Are you hiring transport drivers?

[@ARTWV]

Hi, I’ve been watching your videos for a while now but first time caller. I always wondered what would happen if no one showed up at the wake and funeral of someone that already planned and paid ahead. Off topic question but curious.

[@Herewearenowentertainus]

I’m a licensed funeral director & have had that happen. We just sat in and simply attended

[@ARTWV]

@@Herewearenowentertainus kinda sad for that person.

[@ARTWV]

It’s like throwing a party and no one shows

[@Herewearenowentertainus]

@@ARTWV it is sad, but I am sure every funeral home does their best to make the most of the moment. It does happen & I see it more than i would like too, as I’m in a big city where many elderly live alone, perhaps far away from family, and many times may outlive all their friends.

[@sg2823]

Lot of work, just keep it up people! Inspiration by Lauren.

[@bvs56]

Is there financial aid for mortuary school like there is for regular college? Like having to fill out a FAFSA or get a student loan?

[@LittleMissFuneral]

Yes, I took out student loans for my schooling. If you look, there’s also scholarship opportunities. I applied for and received a $5,000 scholarship. I believe the NFDA as well as other organizations offer scholarship opportunities

[@lavarodarville9099]

How hard is Mortuary School ?

[@foxmccloud7055]

If I was planning my own funeral service, what would I need to have and do?

[@geedubb2005]

You checkbook

[@ashleymclemore3354]

I am currently finishing up my first online semester of mortuary school, do you have any tips on how to get an apprenticeship?

[@jiana2.032]

How is school going ?

[@bigtime911]

Love the hat

[@brandonholt8129]

What happens when a inmate is executed on death row and no family claims them.

[@bridgetmonger8808]

Cremation is My Last Chance For A Smoking Hot Body !!!!! I thought you could use a funny.