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)
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collection/preservation of evidence
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sexual assault examinations
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social/political implications
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chain-of-custody
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documentation
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photography
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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)
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roles/responsibilities nurse death investigator
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collecting evidence
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preserving evidence
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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)
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criminal law
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forensic science
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care of perpetrators
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practicum
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scientific investigation
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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.
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Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
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Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE)
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Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner (SAMFE)
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Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Program Contents (not all-inclusive)
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perform sexual assault medical-forensic exams
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investigate sexual assault cases
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act as an expert witness in a sexual assault trial
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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)
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broad-based forensic curriculum
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preparation for an advanced practice forensic role
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ethics
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criminal law
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preserve chain-of-evidence
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health care policy
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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)
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child/elder abuse
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death investigation
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sexual assault examination
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domestic violence
2 - Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate
Eligibility (not all-inclusive)
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); minimum 2.75 GPA
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Current New Jersey RN license
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One year RN experience
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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)
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document decedent profile
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scene walk-through
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photography
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chain-of-custody
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witness interview
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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)
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evidence collection
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preservation of evidence
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documentation
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domestic violence
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assault
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stalking
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legal issues
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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)
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Forensic Sexual Assault Examiner Course
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Clinical Pharmacology
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Human Trafficking
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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)
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Graduate from accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program
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Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN
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Current, unencumbered RN license in U.S. state of practice
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Minimum 2 years RN experience
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Completed accredited adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours CE contact hours OR
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Completed accredited adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours of academic coursework OR
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Completed combined, accredited adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours of CE/contacts hours OR
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Completed accredited adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours academic coursework AND
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Completed sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship AND
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Practiced as a sexual assault nurse examiner; minimum 300 hours within past 3 years
SANE-P® Eligibility (not all-inclusive)
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Graduate from accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program
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Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN
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Current, unencumbered RN license in U.S. state of practice
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Minimum 3 years RN experience
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Completed accredited pediatric/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours CE/contact hours OR
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Completed accredited pediatric/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 40 hours academic coursework OR
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Completed combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours CE/contacts hours OR
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Completed combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program; minimum 64 hours academic coursework AND
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Completed sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship AND
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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
RNHop
7 Posts
Hey everyone! I am currently an RN working on the Rehab unit at a hospital in my area with my Associates. I have been putting off getting my BSN until I really figured out what I want to specialize in. I only have 1 year experience so far. I am very interested in this field. More of the crime scene investigation, evidence collection side. I read through a lot of the threads, but couldnt really find any interest in this part of forensic nursing. I see a lot about SANE adult and pediatric. I am am leaning towards being a forensic nurse investigator. I know where I live now, the need isnt here....small little town! But we are moving in 3 years to a much bigger city. So during this 3 years, I am trying to get all my schooling in. I already have undergrad debt, so am trying to decide the best route to take without incurring a lot more debt. I was thinking certificate program would be a less expensive option. Do you think I am on the right path?? Sorry for the rambling!