About the Kaplan Forensics program...

Hi Native Sundance,

I am currently enrolled in the Kaplan course.
I know that it covers alot more of FN than just SANE.
I have just started the course but so far it is great!
Lots of online help, special pointers and forums.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
SITTI






Lord, please keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth,AMEN

Hello, LBPICU,

Native Sundance has completed the program and should already have his certificate.

We wish him good luck with his new Forensic Nursing career!!

Good luck with the Kaplan program and your new career, LBPICU. Let us know when you complete it!

I have also just started my Forensic Nurse course at Kaplan!! I am very excited and nervous at the same time. Does anyone know if in PA you can use the title FN after taking the exam (after I complete the Kaplan certification of course)?

Hey Native Sundance,

I'm an RN living in NC, I spoke with Kaplan a couple of days ago and did receive the same information. That the end of registration is this week, I'll get a $200 voucher if I send my application in by today. Somewhat pushy. Their course is at your own pace but must be completed in 12 months or sooner which is a plus; but its quite expensive at almost $4000 and you only need ONE textbook for the whole course. I'm not sure if I'm going through with this school. I I have looked into ACFEI web site and it stated they are accredited, unless I misunderstood. Although, the memebership is quite steep for me at this time. I'm currently looking into a local program that may give me the same education in forensics. Good luck to all in finding the best program. I'm still looking.

Hi Liz67,

I have not applied to or considered Kaplan. I have, however, read numerous posts about how pushy and and expensive they are, and how (disappointingly) easy the course is. The "textbook" they use can be purchased through almost any nursing bookstore. But I have also read posts that people are apparently excited about being enrolled in such a program. One thing you should know, anyone willing to pay $4000 is not going to be turned down by Kaplan, or any other similar program. It makes no difference what they say about vouchers and deadlines.

In any case, you should really research the numerous programs that are out there for those who want to be forensic nurses: there are many certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs available to those interested in the field. Some are on-site, some on-line. There's a lot of information out there on these programs. Kaplan, ACFEI, and others all have pros and cons; I think it's always a good idea to define what your needs and goals are, and choose the program best suited to those needs and goals. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) website is only one resource for information; there are many others out there. Google Forensic Nursing and follow up on everything you find. Write to these programs and ask about requirements, costs, courses and clinical sites. If I was going to pay thousands of dollars to specialize in a particular area of nursing, I would hesitate to choose a program that did not include a clinical side, quite honestly.

The bottom line is: I would never recommend choosing Kaplan, ACFEI or any other program without thorough and complete research on what all is out there first.

Denise S Covington, RN, MSN, SANE-A, CEN
Forensic Nurse Clinical Specialist
President, CT Chapter, IAFN