#charonsintern

4.5/5 ⭐️

Let me start off by saying this, the only reason this, the only reason I didn’t give this book a full 5/5 was because it needs some revisions, which I need to stress, THOSE REVISIONS ARE COMING! When the revised book comes out I will reread and more than likely give a full 5/5 ⭐️ to because this book was incredible.

I want people to read this book, and my hope is not that it’ll create fear of the industry but rather that it’ll incite the very change the book hopes to achieve. I want you to read this book because it’s inspirational. It’s saddening, yes, but very inspirational. So much so that I spoke with Charon’s Intern and told them they have my 100% support in their mission.

Mortuary science programs vary wildly in quality, support, and outcomes. Accreditation matters more than prestige, and some programs quietly set students up for failure by underpreparing them for board exams or the harsh realities of an apprenticeship.

If you are at the beginning of this path, this decision shapes everything that follows. Here is a professional breakdown of what to look for- and what to avoid.

1. The "Gold Standard": ABFSE Accreditation

If a school is not accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), you are taking a massive risk. Most states require graduation from an accredited program to even sit for the National Board Exam (NBE).

2. The "Hidden" Stat: NBE Pass Rates

Schools love to brag about "graduation rates," but that is a vanity metric. What actually matters is the NBE Pass Rate.

The Test: Check the school’s 3-year average pass rate for both the Arts and Sciences sections of the NBE.

The Threshold: If a school consistently falls below the national average, they are teaching you to pass theirclasses, not the industry’s boards.

3. The Clinical Reality

Mortuary science is a "hands-on" trade. However, many online-only or hybrid programs struggle with clinical placements.

Ask this before you sign anything: "Does the school provide a clinical site, or is the student responsible for finding a funeral home that will let them embalm?"

The Trap: Being forced to find your own clinical site as a newcomer can delay your graduation by months (or years) and puts you in a position where you're begging for a spot instead of learning.

4. Red Flags to Watch For

Outdated Equipment: If their prep lab looks like a museum (in a bad way), your skills won't translate to a modern, high-volume firm.

Faculty Turnover: High turnover in program directors usually leads to a disorganized curriculum and "lost" credits.

Lack of Career Services: A quality school should act as a bridge to local firms for your apprenticeship. If they don't have those relationships, why are you paying them?

Hey guys my published Book (physical copy) was banned as an ebook on Amazon for whatever reason.

You can now buy it on Patreon, without needing to subscribe

This section is dedicated to the "Death-Care Professionals" of the community—those already licensed, those currently in the "prep room," and the students working toward the threshold.

🏛️ The Path to Licensure

Becoming a funeral professional is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve archived the essential steps to help you navigate the journey:

The Academic Phase: Choosing the right mortuary science program (ABFSE accreditation guide).

The Board Exams (NBE): Resources for studying for the Arts and Sciences exams without losing your mind.

The Apprenticeship: How to find a mentor, what to ask during your first interview at a firm, and the "unspoken rules" of the first six months.

Licensure by State: A growing directory of state-specific requirements (US/International).

🛠️ Industry Tools & Reviews

We test the gear so you don't have to waste your apprentice wages.

Restorative Art Kits: Deep dives into waxes, cosmetics, and feature-setting tools.

Software for the Modern Firm: Comparing case management systems (from cloud-based apps to traditional legacy software).

The "Funeral Director's Uniform": * The Shoe Guide: Our community-voted list of the best footwear for standing 12 hours on marble floors.

The Suit Guide: Durable, professional fabrics that hold up in the prep room and the chapel.

🧠 The Mental Toll & Longevity

This industry has a high burnout rate. We believe in "sustaining the server."

Compassion Fatigue: How to tell when you've reached your limit and how to recharge.

The "Off-Call" Life: Strategies for maintaining a personal life while tied to a pager.

Peer Support: Connect with other "Across the River" pros who understand the unique dark humor and heavy heart of this work.

Just listen to it, it is awesome