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.

Good question, 'M3.

The study of forensic anthropology, simply explained, is studying remains (specifically bones) to determine not only manner of death, but apply to mass causualties such as war, famine, and/or other disasters.

Forensic science, again, simple explanation, is the gathering of evidence after a crime (civil or criminal) and applying its relevance to legalities, or the law.

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Hello siri,

:smilecoffeeIlovecof

I have a question I was almost finished with a bachelor in Social Science but headed for nursing instead. I am very interested in Forensic Nursing and that is reason why i switched careers. But there are no generic entry into the nursing field here in this border town with Mexico in Texas so I had to go back and start from scratch (Del Rio). I have just started my second semester for LVN/LPN and have applied for RN starting next fall. Am I going in the right direction? Should I finish my bachelor? I just needed 13 classes to finish the bachelor degree. Please advise.

:nurse:

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
kerslo said:
Hello siri,

I have a question I was almost finished with a bachelor in Social Science but headed for nursing instead. I am very interested in Forensic Nursing and that is reason why I switched careers. But there are no generic entry into the nursing field here in this border town with Mexico in Texas so I had to go back and start from scratch (Del Rio). I have just started my second semester for LVN/LPN and have applied for RN starting next fall. Am I going in the right direction? Should I finish my bachelor? I just needed 13 classes to finish the bachelor degree. Please advise.

:nurse:

Hello, kerslo,

What do you mean, "no generic entry into the nursing field"? Are you referring to forensics?

Depends if you want/desire the BSN. Many forensic nurses are RNs with other education (ADN, Diploma). And, some programs will offer a certificate to the LPN who wishes to specialize in forensics. There are post-BSN certificate programs.

There are post grad Forensic programs, too. I know of a Clinical Nurse Specialist Forensic program (MSN - APN specialty in forensics).

But, to answer your question, yes, you are going in the right direction. IMHO? I advise you to finish the BSN and specialize in forensics and seek certification as Forensic nurse or go on and seek post-grad certificate.

Good luck with the remainder of your program and your career aspirations!! Hope I've helped. If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me and/or post here.

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Specializes in RN Gen Sx, Orthopedics.

I am wondering about the job scope, future demand and salaries for a forensic nurse.

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

I am wondering about the job scope, future demand and salaries for a forensic nurse.

Hello, gagandeep,

Here is a link to the publication availability from the ANA regarding Scope of Practice for Forensic Nursing:

https://www.nursingworld.org/nurses-books/forensic-nursing-scope-and-standards-of-practice-2nd-ED/

It is impossible to list salary range(s) here for it's area dependent.

Future demand?

Forensic nursing is still in its infancy and we have no where to go but forward. Unfortunately, violent crimes are always going to be here and forensic nurses will be in demand. Job opportunities are opening up everywhere as we receive more exposure.

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Specializes in L&D/MotherBaby/Plastic Surgery.

I am currently in my 3rd semester of Nursing School! I've been doing a lot of researching to explore what my options are once I am an RN. I am VERY interested in learning more about becoming a SANE. I visited the IAFN, SANE websites and didn't really find the answers I am looking for....hope someone can help me out.

Can you become a SANE with an AAS degree?

Once you've completed a SANE program, is it a certification test, or a state board exam? Is the exam given immediately following training or do you complete training, study awhile & then test? Is clinical/hands-on experience part of the program or do you have to do that on your own?

I think I read that you are only eligible to enroll in a SANE program after having 2 yrs experience as an RN....is this standard? Or could I move on to this earlier in my career......once I pass my boards of course!

Also, to those of you who are already SANE's....do you have any insight as to anything I could do, learn, etc. etc. that would help me in working toward this?

Thanks in advance for any info!

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Specializes in RN Gen Sx, Orthopedics.

Hello Siri

Thankyou for sending me such a valuable information.

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

You are quite welcome, gagandeep.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
TaraRN07 said:
I am currently in my 3rd semester of Nursing School! I've been doing a lot of researching to explore what my options are once I am an RN. I am VERY interested in learning more about becoming a SANE. I visited the IAFN, SANE websites and didn't really find the answers I am looking for....hope someone can help me out.

Can you become a SANE with an AAS degree?

Once you've completed a SANE program, is it a certification test, or a state board exam? Is the exam given immediately following training or do you complete training, study awhile & then test? Is clinical/hands-on experience part of the program or do you have to do that on your own?

I think I read that you are only eligible to enroll in a SANE program after having 2 yrs experience as an RN....is this standard? Or could I move on to this earlier in my career......once I pass my boards of course!

Also, to those of you who are already SANE's....do you have any insight as to anything I could do, learn, etc. etc. that would help me in working toward this?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Hello, TaraRN07

Yes, one can be educated and receive certificate of completion of SANE with Associates degree. Once educated, one then can seek certification as SANE-A/SART.

https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-sanesart

https://www.crmcinc.org/services/emergency-department/sane-sart-education-sexual-assault-nurse-examiner-sexual-assault-reponse-team/

Normally, study after receiving your certificate and certification follows the education. As for when to seek education, I always advise experience first - at least 2-3 years nursing experience; in the ED if at all possible.

Good luck with your career aspirations. And, good luck with the remainder of your nursing program.

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siri said:

Forensic nursing is still in its infancy and we have no where to go but forward. Unfortunately, violent crimes are always going to be here and forensic nurses will be in demand. Job opportunities are opening up everywhere as we receive more exposure.

Siri, thanks for all your information! That was a great article! I am in my senior year of nursing school now and plan to graduate in Dec '07, if everything goes to plan. I read this thread and I am very interested in forensic nursing. It does seem to be growing as a field now, after what seems like hard work bringing it to the attention of everyone. I have been looking around and I am not sure where to go next. I will have my ADN in december and plan to go right into RN-BSN, while working. It is very inspiring to see you on here, offering such great advice.

Thank you so much!

Jessica

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
rn2b_dec07 said:

Thank you so much!

So good to have you with us.

This is good to hear of your desire to enter forensic nursing. Yes, it really is a career in its infancy. I think that all the tv shows, criminal minds, bones, csi, wire in the blood, etc., have really brought this career to the forefront.

Stay here for great information along the way. Glad to help at anytime.;)

Good luck with the remainder of your nursing program and your plans to continue your education.

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Thanks! I think all the specialties in this area sound so interesting. I am interested in the nurse coroner area. My husband thinks I am morbid ? It is just something that interests me.

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