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.

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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

I know this thread is kind of old, but I couldn't help posting! Thanks to everyone who posted on this thread. I found so much good information and it gave me hope to strive on in nursing. The resources mentioned here are great, everyone's insight and comments are also so helpful!

So thanks to this great board, I'm definitely looking into forensic nursing!

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

Hello, mono_fade and welcome to allnurses.com

Good luck with your plans to be Forensic Nurse!!

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Hello all...

this may sound silly... and I'm sorry but... are there any nursing jobs that entails working with the dead... other than forensic nursing...

thank you! :)

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Tequilajane said:

This may sound silly... and I'm sorry but... are there any nursing jobs that entails working with the dead... other than forensic nursing...

Hello, Tequilajane and welcome to allnurses.com

Glad you joined the site.

Not a silly question at all.

Some Forensic Nurses work with entities dealing with catastrophes and devastation like with post-Katrina. These nurses may practice medico-legal death investigation. You might check with American Red Cross and research the National Response Framework Resource Center.

Some pursue the Death Investigation certification as well.

Many will delve into the specific "Evidence Collector" role.

Some law enforcement agencies look for Forensic Nurses to work with them.

Hope this helps and if you have other questions, please post here.

We also hope you enjoy allnurses.com!!

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Specializes in NICU.

Fantastic thread. So mant options out there. I will be puruing my master's soon and have always been interested in forensic nursing but never really new how to go about researching education for it. Great information on here. thanx

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Hi, welcome. I would suggest that you obtain your psychiatric mental health nurses certification. This will add credibility to your resume. nanacarol

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Hello! I would love to do Forensic nursing full-time. I have been doing pediatric nursing for 3 years now and would like to get my NP and do forensic nursing full time specifically working with children. It is hard finding any SANE jobs to get started and even harder for forensic jobs that are not specifically SANE. Do you have any tips or advise? Thanks!!!

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You have hit the nail on the head. Forensic nurse jobs are few and far between. They are mostly employed by the county. Looking at the state of economy, when counties are already firing people, don't expect to be hired. Those that are hired and stay in those jobs do so by having insider connections.

The closest practical thing to do would be to get into an ER and get SANE certified. This way, you have a regular job,get paid better, and get to do forensic work if you like it.

If you think forensics is a good way to get off the floor, you are not on the right track.

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This is my specialty of choice I was going to do law but I really wanted to be a nurse it's a best of both worlds!!!! And I live in Los Angeles so I'm assuming there is a place for me :) my plans are to do all ge and nursing pre reqs and when(not if... It's so cal) I get wait listed get an associates in aj... Then by the times that's done I should be off the bla list... And off to be wowza!!! Oh how I love law and nursing...

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It fascinates me how someone can tell what, how, etc had happened an incident. I enjoyed watching forensics tv programs like csi, is there a course to be a forensic nurse? How many yrs would i be studying then? Is there aNy special requirement? Like do u need to be an np?

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It sounds like you have great knowledge about this nursing specialty. I would love to get more information from you about Forensic Nursing. Is there a way to e-mail or contact you other than via these threads? I have alot of questions, and not sure where to start this career change. Thanks.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
nurst26 said:
It sounds like you have great knowledge about this nursing specialty. I would love to get more information from you about Forensic Nursing. Is there a way to e-mail or contact you other than via these threads? I have alot of questions, and not sure where to start this career change. Thanks.

Hello and Welcome to allnurses.com

How about start a new thread and pose your questions. That way, others can benefit from the questions and answers from us.;)

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