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

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
spongebob6286 said:
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?

Please just read through this thread. I'm sure most if not all of your questions will be answered. If you do have a question not addressed in this thread, start another topic and we'll be happy to assist you.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Thanks for this info, it was very helpful. I just passed my CFN through ACFEI and look forward to furthering my career. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs also has a forensic certification requiring 12 credits and is all online. I may pursue that next. Thanks!

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Specializes in Forensic Nursing.

Have you taken a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training) class yet? There are several that you can take depending on where you live. Also join the International Association of Forensic Nurses. A great resource and place to net work and find education and support! You can go to iafn.org and look for classes!

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Specializes in ER, ICU.
ERFNERN said:
Have you taken a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training) class yet? There are several that you can take depending on where you live. Also join the International Association of Forensic Nurses. A great resource and place to net work and find education and support! You can go to iafn.org and look for classes!

I plan to although the hospital I currently work for does not have a SANE program. I'm waiting to find a new job where I can use those skills.

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Specializes in Forensic Nursing.

Go to the IAFN web site and search the local IAFN chapters. This should help you find SANE programs in your area. FNE programs and SANE programs are not all the same. Usually SANE programs just do Sexual Assault Exams. FNE programs care for various types of victims of violence. If you are looking for a larger variety of experience with victims of violence, I would check out your level one trauma centers. Not all places have a program, this is something we are trying to education medical facilities about the importance of Forensic Nurses. Let me know if you have any other questions!!

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Wow Forensic nurse!!

I'm a nurse in South Korea, and in my country we don't have this specialty!

But I believe nurses can manage many roles in this field.:yeah:

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Interesting! :)

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Hi, I also wanted to become a Forensic Nurse. I want to go to college though. What would I need to major in though. Would it be Forensic Science or some nursing degree. I'm soooooo confused! Any information will help! Thanks!

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I am currently an RN working in the ER and I do SANE nursing on the side.

I had to take a 40 hour training class, as well as additional training with an experienced SANE. I had to go to the crime lab, as well as do an online Forensics course that my SANE supervisor provided for me.

I am required to be on call 72 hours out of the month. I have been called in for 3 cases so far.

I love being SANE, and I am looking to further my career in this field of nursing.

The best thing to do is become an ER nurse then go from there, although our program will take an ICU, L&D, or OB nurse as well.

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I was looking more in the evidence collecting and dealing with the victim, being a ER Nurse what would I have to do?

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brii09 said:
I was looking more in the evidence collecting and dealing with the victim, being a ER Nurse what would I have to do?

You will have to start by taking a credited SANE course. See if your hospital has a program. If not, check other hospitals in the area.

The SANE training will teach you how to collect evidence (RAPE kit), how to document, how to prepare for trail, and how to tend to the victim. You will need additional training on how to do pelvic exams, and how to take the pictures of injuries genital and/or non genital. My program consisted of viewing the crime lab in my city and speaking with a forensic scientist. We also had to meet with the CSI force of the local police department to learn how to take photos properly.

When I am called in for a case, I will introduce myself to the pt, establish a rapport, and gain consent for the forensic exam. I also explain the option to report to the police or not. I also offer an advocate at the bedside for support if they want it. The forensic exam can be drulling and painful. You have to yank hairs out of the victim's head from the root for DNA. They need someone to hold their hand during the exam and I always offer the victim advocate.

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Okay that sounds alot like I want to do. Did you go to college before that? What did you major in? And one more question, how do you get paid; do you get paid casely, or hourly?

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