Washington state’s first funeral services education program graduated its first class at Lake Washington Technical College in Kirkland, reports the Seattle Times.
Students learn business aspects of running a funeral home, the psychology of dealing with grieving family members and the science of embalming. They also learn restorative art. They may be faced with restoring the body of a gunshot victim, or someone who died in a car accident — hence the skull class.
Many of the new graduates earned bachelor’s degrees before deciding to pursue a career in funeral services. For some, it’s a second or third career.
Robin Grant, 24, couldn’t find a job after graduating from Washington State with a biology degree.
Adam Horton, 33, has a teaching degree from the University of Washington and almost earned his master’s degree in education, before deciding to change careers.
Erin Wilcox, the program’s director earned degrees in English and religion, while working at a funeral home. Her boss suggested she go to mortuary school to become a funeral director.
