I’d always figured my Congressman, Representative Thomas J. Bliley Jr., to have made a good career move midway through his life. Young Tom, as he was affectionately called during his mortuary days, was perhaps eager to move from the shadow of Old Tom, his father.

I used to snicker at Young Tom, running a chain of area funeral homes much the same way Young Bobby ran his father’s grocery stores. Now I realize just what went into the grueling years as a mortuary scientist. He was a fool to give it up.

John Tyler Community College offers Richmonders a chance to do something most of us have only dreamt about: pursue a degree in Funeral Services. A chance to be like Young Tom.

The Funeral Services Program celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. That’s 25 years of providing “the professional attitudes that will help the student become a fully licensed funeral director and embalmer.” The program brochure notes that graduates are qualified to seek employment as funeral supply sales persons and casket sales persons.

But more exciting than the career opportunity is the chance to broaden the scope of one’s own knowledge of and appreciation for embalming and restoration techniques.

The program’s lab is equipped with three adjustable embalming tables and modern embalming machines. And best of all, the associate degree requires just four semesters of study—less if you’ve completed some of those general education requirements.

Ok, you’re wondering, but what exactly do I learn? Good question.

In Theory of Embalming I and II, you’ll develop an understanding of the “signs and tests for deaths;” how to recognize postmortem changes in a body; tips on “positioning the body and posing the features;” and “factors that influence fluid distribution and blood drainage.” An added bonus: 3 lab hours each week! Hands-on experience! You won’t get that kind of schooling at VCU.

You’ll learn more about your future as a scientific embalmer, including your professional role as a “health guardian.”

More importantly, two restorative art courses “introduce wax and non-wax treatments such as swellings, feature corrections and hair restoration.” The courses also “focus on problem cases which require illusory corrections, matching wax color to skin and the masking of small and extensive discolorations.”

Folks, I hate generalizing about our generation, but I’m confident that many of you would jump at the chance to pursue an AAS degree in Funeral Service. But you’re concerned about the cost. Forget it!

John Tyler is a steal compared to overpriced four-year institutions. One credit hour is just $44 for Virginia residents—a mere $3,080 to complete the 70 credit program. Compare that to one year at VCU or UR. It’s like shopping at the Big Flea!

Call the Funeral Service Program at John Tyler Community College at 796-4178 to receive a free packet of information. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.