Forensic Nursing (FN): Programs

Forensic Nurses deal with individuals who are victims of violent crimes such as sexual assault, battery, domestic violence, and child abuse. The following Article provides an overview of several Forensic Nursing programs. Specialties Forensic Knowledge

Updated:  

There are educational programs that prepare the Registered Nurse (RN) as a forensic specialist. There are programs for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) as well as post-master's for other Advanced Practice Nurses (APN). And, there are programs for the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) and paramedic. The APN and eligible RN can sit for Forensic nursing certification examinations.

While most educative programs vary regarding eligibility, most will require the RN to receive an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education, successfully pass the NCLEX-RN, and possess a current, unencumbered RN license in the U.S. state of practice.

When considering a Forensic Nursing program one should note if they adhere to standards set forth by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Note if they are approved/accredited by the individual Boards of Nursing (BON) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Also, Forensic Nursing post-graduate programs should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The following are a few Forensic nursing educational programs and Forensic nursing certification examination entities (not all-inclusive).

University of California, Riverside

1 - The Professional Certificate in Forensic Nursing is an online certificate program for the LPN/LVN, RN, SANE-certified Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

  • collection/preservation of evidence
  • sexual assault examinations
  • social/political implications
  • chain-of-custody
  • documentation
  • photography
  • court testimony preparation

2 - Those interested in death investigation will be interested in the Professional Certificate in Nurse Death Investigation. It is an online certificate program for the LPN/LVN and RN.

Program Contents (not all-inclusive)

  • roles/responsibilities nurse death investigator
  • collecting evidence
  • preserving evidence
  • confirming decedent's identity

Fitchburg State University

The Nursing (Forensic Nursing) Graduate Certificate is a forensic certificate program offered 100% online*.  This program is offered to the Master's-prepared Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) who has graduated from an accredited APN program and possesses a current, unencumbered APN license in his/her U.S. state of practice. (see website for complete eligibility information).

Program Contents (not all-inclusive)

  • criminal law
  • forensic science
  • care of perpetrators
  • practicum
  • scientific investigation
  • legal proceedings

*Note: Some courses have a clinical component.

SANE-SART Resource Service (SSRS)

The courses are offered online and interactive on-site for the RN and APN. Simulations are complemented by (hosted) webinars.

RNs and APNs are eligible to take the following Adult/Adolescent SANE / SAFE / SAMFE courses.

  • Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
  • Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE)
  • Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner (SAMFE)
  • Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

Program Contents (not all-inclusive)

  • perform sexual assault medical-forensic exams
  • investigate sexual assault cases
  • act as an expert witness in a sexual assault trial
  • identify, collect and preserve evidence

Duquesne University Forensic Nursing Certificate for Advanced Practice

The Online MSN in Forensic Nursing is 100% online.

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

  • broad-based forensic curriculum
  • preparation for an advanced practice forensic role
  • ethics
  • criminal law
  • preserve chain-of-evidence
  • health care policy
  • prepare for SANE certification

This certificate provides a prep course that includes the 40-hour training necessary to sit for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification exam.

Monmouth University

1 - Master of Science in Nursing: Forensic Nursing

This is a 100% online course. (view admission requirements)

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

  • child/elder abuse
  • death investigation
  • sexual assault examination
  • domestic violence

2 - Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate

Eligibility (not all-inclusive)

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Current New Jersey RN license
  • One year RN experience
  • Proof of a current $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 liability and malpractice policy

St. Louis University

The Medicolegal Death Investigators Training is a yearly, four- or five-day course for Nurses as well as other healthcare/legal/law personnel. 

Key Components (not all-inclusive)

  • document decedent profile
  • scene walk-through
  • photography
  • chain-of-custody
  • witness interview
  • body examination

Pennsylvania State University

The Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Forensics is a 12-credit program of study, which may be earned as part of the RN to BSN program or as a stand-alone certificate for the RN who holds a current, unencumbered RN license in their U.S. state of practice.

Program Topics (not all-inclusive)

  • evidence collection
  • preservation of evidence
  • documentation
  • domestic violence
  • assault
  • stalking
  • legal issues
  • ethical issues

Texas A&M University

The Master of Science in Nursing-Forensic Nursing track is a 36-semester credit hour curriculum for the BSN-educated and licensed RN. The program is approved for delivery via asynchronous distance education technology with some required visits to Bryan, TX.

Program Courses (not all-inclusive)

  • Forensic Sexual Assault Examiner Course
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Human Trafficking
  • Forensic Photography

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)(Forensic Nursing Certification)

The Advanced Forensic Nursing Certification (AFN-BC) certification and credentials are available for renewal only. (see re-certification renewal requirements)

International Association of Forensic Nurses (Forensic Nursing Certification)

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-A® or SANE-P®) certification examinations are offered twice a year in April and September.  Registered Nurses (RN) are eligible. These certifications are recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

SANE-A®Eligibility (not all-inclusive)

  • Graduate from accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program
  • Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN
  • Current, unencumbered RN license in U.S. state of practice
  • Minimum 2 years RN experience
  • Completed accredited adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours CE contact hours OR
  • Completed accredited adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours of academic coursework OR
  • Completed combined, accredited adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours of CE/contacts hours OR
  • Completed accredited adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours academic coursework AND
  • Completed sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship AND
  • Practiced as a sexual assault nurse examiner; minimum 300 hours within past 3 years

SANE-P® Eligibility (not all-inclusive)

  • Graduate from accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program
  • Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN
  • Current, unencumbered RN license in U.S. state of practice
  • Minimum 3 years RN experience
  • Completed accredited pediatric/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours CE/contact hours OR
  • Completed accredited pediatric/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours academic coursework OR
  • Completed combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours CE/contacts hours OR
  • Completed combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours academic coursework AND
  • Completed sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship AND
  • Practiced as sexual assault nurse examiner; minimum 300 hours within past 3 years

Resources

Forensic Nursing (FN)

Forensic Nursing: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Part 1

Forensic Nursing: Role of the Forensic Nurse – Part 2

To S-Rank,

Yes, you usually need one year of clinical experience to enter a SANE program. The requirements should be clearly spelled out when you ask about the program, or research education on this.

To sirI,

I've heard very good things about the Cali-Riverside program and some of my colleagues in Forensic Nursing have been certified there. IAFN is where i got my start and recommend it highly to anyone interested in this fascinating field.

To belot97,

You said you're 38 and asked if it's too late to start. NO way! If you were working on your last day before retiring, let's say, age 65, you're at triage, and a young woman presents herself at midnight wearing huge sunglasses, crying and says she fell all the way down the stairs two days ago. You notice she startles easily when you're getting the equipment out to take her vital signs. You recognize that her story doesn't match what you see and consider that this may be a domestic violence case.

What I'm trying to say is, that at any age, you STILL have the potential to make a vast difference in someone's life.

But to everyone who is interested in this field, EVERY area of nursing where you have patient contact is a potential for encountering forensic issues.

Let's take the woman who comes in at midnight wearing sunglasses and says she fell all the way down the stairs two days ago and startles easily at the slightest sound. What's wrong with this picture?

1. Sunglasses at midnight-why?

2. Delay in reporting-why?

3. She fell all the way down the stairs? Any other injuries consistent with this story? If not, do you consider that nobody falls all the way down the stairs and lands only on her eye.

4. Why is she coming in at midnight two days after her injury? Is it possibly the only time she could get away from the person who did this to her?

Let's take another example. someone here said they were an OB nurse. OK, how does that figure in forensic nursing?

20 weeks pregnant patient comes in bleeding severely and loses the baby. Upon questioning, she admits the father of the baby hit her in the abdomen, initiating the events that follow. Is this case recognized as a coroner's case becuse a traumatic event caused it to happen?How many times does this happen without being recognized as a domestic violence event?

Another example: You work in a well baby clinic and an infant comes in with a bite mark on her arm. You ask the mother about it and she says the 2 year old older brother did this while playing, but you take a closer look and the bite mark appears much wider than that of a 2 year old. What do you do?

Does anyone see how we can make a difference at any age in any nursing arena and not JUST sexaul assault?

I am a Forensic Nurse. My specialties are wound identification, evidence collection, death investigation and domestic violence. I work as a Legal Nurse Consultant, and see that sirI is also an LNC. sirI, What area of LNC do you specialize in?

I've been reading these forums from afar and will try to be more active but sirI, you are doing a great job here! Let's keep the positive flow of information going. With my dying breath, if I could help one person in the whole wide world, I would do it. Wouldn't you? Every day, we are reminded of how we make a difference in the world!

I read on another forum that a poster called Cajnet was going to do a forensic seminar in 2004. I never saw anything else on that. Did he ever do it?

Thanks for letting me be here and adding my 5 cents, cuz 2 cents doesn't get you anything anymore...(smile).

Good luck!

KC007

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
KC4NSICRN said:

I am a Forensic Nurse. My specialties are wound identification, evidence collection, death investigation and domestic violence. I work as a Legal Nurse Consultant, and see that sirI is also an LNC. sirI, What area of LNC do you specialize in?

I've been reading these forums from afar and will try to be more active but sirI, you are doing a great job here! Let's keep the positive flow of information going. With my dying breath, if I could help one person in the whole wide world, I would do it. Wouldn't you? Every day, we are reminded of how we make a difference in the world!

I read on another forum that a poster called Cajnet was going to do a forensic seminar in 2004. I never saw anything else on that. Did he ever do it?

Thanks for letting me be here and adding my 5 cents, cuz 2 cents doesn't get you anything anymore...(smile).

Good luck!

KC007

Hello, KC4NSICRN

My nursing specialty areas are, APN (OB and FNP), OB Cardiology, ED, Forensics, Education. I take any and all consulting cases, however.

As for Cajnet, you need to contact him/her privately and see if there was follow through or post on the thread Cajnet started. I'm interested as well.

Good to have you with us. Continued good luck with your career.

1 Votes

I was thinking of going into nursing after obtaining a BS in Recreational Therapy and not being able to find a job. I am really interested in Forensic Nursing. However, I have a question for you. I am thinking about doing an Alternate Entry MSN. The first year I will get the prelicense part of the nursing course, then I will have to work for a year and come back to complete the masters section. My question is, say that I do the first phase and obtain the RN status but do not want to get a masters. I would not technically have have a bn or associates in nursing. Can I still get the forensic certificate? I was thinking about FNP or CRNA but what if I decide that I really just want to do forensics and therefore do not want to go to school two more years after getting the RN? I hope this makes sense. I know its not really a traditional question but have no clue what to do. Also, I need to mention the reason I dont want to get a BSN is it would be two more years before I could be a RN vs one year for the accelerated masters. Thanks!

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
maybenurse1 said:
I was thinking of going into nursing after obtaining a BS in Recreational Therapy and not being able to find a job. I am really interested in Forensic Nursing. However, I have a question for you. I am thinking about doing an Alternate Entry MSN. The first year I will get the prelicense part of the nursing course, then I will have to work for a year and come back to complete the masters section. My question is, say that I do the first phase and obtain the RN status but do not want to get a masters. I would not technically have have a bn or associates in nursing. Can I still get the forensic certificate? I was thinking about FNP or CRNA but what if I decide that I really just want to do forensics and therefore do not want to go to school two more years after getting the RN? I hope this makes sense. I know its not really a traditional question but have no clue what to do. Also, I need to mention the reason I don't want to get a BSN is it would be two more years before I could be a RN vs one year for the accelerated masters. Thanks!

Hello and welcome to allnurses.com

Good to have you with us.

Quote
My question is, say that I do the first phase and obtain the RN status but do not want to get a masters. I would not technically have have a bn or associates in nursing. Can I still get the forensic certificate?

Probably so. But, to be certain, you must pose this question to the program in which you decide to receive Forensic Nursing education.

For example: Requirements (not all inclusive) to be certified as a Forensic Nurse with ACFEI include:

  • Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States
  • Have practiced for a minimum of 5 years as a registered nurse in the United States
  • Have successfully completed a formal didactic educational program in forensic nursing

So, technically the way you are thinking about going, you can still become educated and certified as a Forensic Nurse w/o actually having an ASN, BSN or MSN. Since requirements are "RN", one can have a Diploma to be educated/certified as a Forensic Nurse. There are also programs for the LPN and Paramedic.

Does your program award the BSN halfway through? You need to check this out, too.

Good luck with your plans.

1 Votes

Thank you for your reply. The program does not offer the bsn halfway through, or even when you get done. When you are finished with the entire program you are awarded the MSN. I just want to make sure that if I change my mind in the middle of the program (after working for a year or so) I can actually do something different with the RN title and a little more schooling without having to go back and get the bsn. My original plan was to try for anethetist school but dont know if I will have enough time to study for that type of program (I am married with a child), and have been out of school for 3 years so my study habits aren't as great. Next I thought about getting into FNP and also doing the forensic nursing (consulting) as well. Any advice? Also, I know that I do not want to be a bedside nurse, are there any other good options for RNs who dont really want to do bedside nursing?

1 Votes

lots!!!!!!!!!! case manangement , utiliazation review.., chart review, coding,

check out of the specialties allnurse has... That may help... legal nurse consultant. paralegal nurse.... it goes on and on... Good luck to you

1 Votes

Thank you Itshamrtym. I appreciate your feedback. For some reason I am just nervous that I will get into nursing and then not like it but be stuck. I am a 25 yo male who really likes adventure but also does not enjoy mass chaos (which I am sure I would have due to the fact that I have to have a year of critical care to get my masters). Thats why I am thinking forensic nursing might be a good way to go. I think that it would have excitement but not as much chaos as the ER/ED.

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
maybenurse1 said:
Thank you for your reply. The program does not offer the BSN halfway through, or even when you get done. When you are finished with the entire program you are awarded the MSN. I just want to make sure that if I change my mind in the middle of the program (after working for a year or so) I can actually do something different with the RN title and a little more schooling without having to go back and get the BSN. My original plan was to try for anethetist school but don't know if I will have enough time to study for that type of program (I am married with a child), and have been out of school for 3 years so my study habits aren't as great. Next I thought about getting into FNP and also doing the forensic nursing (consulting) as well. Any advice? Also, I know that I do not want to be a bedside nurse, are there any other good options for RNs who don't really want to do bedside nursing?

Some programs do confer the BSN halfway through, that's why I wanted you to know if yours did.

You may find it difficult to further your education in nursing w/o a degree. If you do not complete the MSN program (in your school), you will not have a degree and therefore, may not be able to move forward in your education. I know of some individuals who dropped out of an RN program (after they sat for RN NCLEX) at the very end and were not allowed to practice as an RN except in that particular state (California). And, although they were RN, they could not endorse to another state for they did not actually possess a degree. So, be very careful with that decision.

Since you already have a BS in another discipline, you can do the alternate entry to obtain NP, but you will still have to do the entire program even if you finish halfway through and able to sit for RN NCLEX.

Quote
For some reason I am just nervous that I will get into nursing and then not like it but be stuck. I am a 25 yo male who really likes adventure but also does not enjoy mass chaos (which I am sure I would have due to the fact that I have to have a year of critical care to get my masters). Thats why I am thinking forensic nursing might be a good way to go. I think that it would have excitement but not as much chaos as the ER/ED

You may not like it. Nursing is not for everyone. Not a thing wrong with that.

If you are drawn to the "adrenaline rush" of things, you might look into becoming a Paramedic, then go into Forensics. There are Forensic programs for Paramedics, too.

Just take your time and research your various options. You might, after entering into a nursing program, discover a whole other part of nursing that you are drawn to....

Good luck.

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, Medical-Surgical.

I am an RN from the Philippines, and I am very interested with forensic nursing. Since such course is not offered here, I am hoping you can help me find an institution where I can get Forensic Nursing education online. Thank you!

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, smuggy and Welcome to allnurses.com. We are glad to have you with us.

Just read through the first page of this thread and you will find several entities where you can be educated as a Forensic Nurse.

We hope you enjoy allnurses.com and good luck with your career plans as a Forensic Nurse.

1 Votes
Specializes in none at the moment.

Hi, My name is Lyndsay I just currently recevied my Lpn licensure and as of this fall i am entering my RN nursing program. This is a field I am interested in as well and i was just wondering exactly how would one go about getting into this field? or what classes to take?

thanks so much for all your help

lyndsay

1 Votes
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I would absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE to do this line of Nursing. When I was 14 I went on a field trip to see the FBI academy in Quantico, VA and I felt so strongly that I wanted to be involved in Crime Scene investigation. (before all the TV shows). Life took another path as I had a child 2 years later. But it doesn't change my passion. I have always been into crime scene photos and stuff *no not in a sick way like people seem to automatically assume*. I have been a "victim" (I hate that word) of every type of abuse since as early as I can remember to my adult years and it's always been a passion of mine to work in a field somehow related to this.

Anyway, I had pretty much given up on my dream of being in the Academy and pursuing this as it wasn't practical with my children and I had no idea that Nurses can still play a roll into this field until seeing this site. I wouldn't want to pursue it until I am really good as a nurse first. So I assume the path I am taking will be good??? My plans are to get my ADN from CC and start working as an RN. I think the State College here requires 2 years on the job and then I can pursue my RN-BSN. So after that I am assuming I would look into one of these type of schools???

Are only certain areas in need for these kind of nurses or do all cities have them?? We have a very low incident of murder (like 0 or sometimes 1) but do have a lot of sexual assaults since I live in a Major College town.

1 Votes
+ Add a Comment