funeral director apprenticeship

As my three month probationary period was creeping closer and closer, I felt myself getting more and more unsettled about the fact that I was still undecided whether I wanted to get my dual license (funeral director and embalmer) or just funeral director. On one side, the dual would take me more places – outside this corporation they look for duals, especially in small towns and small funeral homes. However, on the other side, I like this corporation and I like this funeral home so if I ever wanted to change my location there are a number or funeral homes in this corporation I could transfer to. With this being said I couldn’t come up with a reason to do the embalming side. In just the last couple years the funeral directors apprenticeship changed, requiring one to learn how to wash, dress, set features, cosmetize etc. So as far as the business goes, I would still have prep room experience and a good understanding of what exactly goes on in there. I felt uneasy about making the decision I had to make and decided to have a heart-to-heart with my boss.  It went really well, he agreed with every point I made and told me if I ever regretted not doing the embalming apprenticeship that the corporation could pay for me to go later on. After this conversation I felt great and at peace with my decision to just get my funeral directors license.  Basically this means I won’t be authorized or certified to do embalmings or work on autopsied bodies. Now, since I have some issues with eyes and packing *ahem* holes… I’m going to continue spending time in the prep room before my apprenticeship officially begins to get as comfortable as possible.