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.
RN2B_dec07 said:
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.

Not morbid in the least.

I am considering running for coroner in my county.;)

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Wow, as a nurse you can run for coroner? that is great! I think it is just like a huge puzzle, trying to figure out all the details without being able to ask the patient. Very cool!

In our class we have started doing team leader, one student steps up as manager of the rest of the group and afterward at post conference have to do a presentation. I think I am going to do mine on forensic nursing. that way I can learn more and my fellow classmates can learn about it to.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
RN2B_dec07 said:
Wow, as a nurse you can run for coroner? that is great! I think it is just like a huge puzzle, trying to figure out all the details without being able to ask the patient. Very cool!

In our class we have started doing team leader, one student steps up as manager of the rest of the group and afterward at post conference have to do a presentation. I think I am going to do mine on forensic nursing. that way I can learn more and my fellow classmates can learn about it to.

Yes, not a problem at all. I've considered it in the past and didn't do anything. But, am strongly considering it now. Will have to see.

I think that is a great idea to do the post conference presentation on forensic nursing. Great idea.

Good luck. You be sure to check out the threads here in this forum (especially the stickies at the top of the forum) to help you with your presentation.:balloons:

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So how and where do we find work? Are we independent contractors, or employees. Do we work for the city/govt., or private agency? How is the pay?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
shah said:
So how and where do we find work? Are we independent contractors, or employees. Do we work for the city/govt., or private agency? How is the pay?

Hello, shah

Many hospitals employ in the ED. Jobs available in some towns/cities with Forensic/SANE teams such as the PD, other law enforcement agencies. Some work with ME, coroner.

Depends upon the entity if city, county, state, etc.

Again, pay will depend upon area. RN pay in hospital is equal to that of other RNs in same entity. I'm sure pay in government agencies is less, just like in any position with these agencies.

You need to check around your area/state and see what is available.

Good luck.

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Thanks for the posts...it really helps

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

Glad you joined.

Are you interested in forensic nursing?

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Forensic nursing is something I've been interested in for a very long time... I've been reading some of the posts... I see that some nurses work in the ER...is that the only place you can be ??

And I also read that you should have ED experience.... I graduated nursing school a few months ago... I got a job in a hospital on a med surg floor and I absolutely hated it... I lasted 2 months...so now I'm thinking of just following my gut.. Will I be able 2 start in forensic nursing without the experience???

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Specializes in ER, Med-Surg, EMS.

How can I find out WHERE these colleges ARE for this degree?

What states?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
CareZ4u said:
hello everyone,

forensic nursing is something I've been interested in for a very long time...I've been reading some of the posts.......I see that some nurses work in the ER...is that the only place you can be ??

And I also read that you should have ED experience....I grduated nursing school a few months ago...I got a job in a hospital on a med surg floor and I absolutely hated it...I lasted 2 months...so now im thinking of just following my gut..will I be able 2 start in forensic nursing without the experience???

TIA

Hello, CareZ4u

The ED is a good place to gain much experience that will enable you to see into the world of forensics. Also, psychiatric nursing will, too.

As for working as a forensic nurse without experience, you really need some experience as as RN first, then you can either look into programs where you can get a certificate in forensics, SANE, etc., or a degree in forensic nursing.

See the link above for educative entities in forensics.

Good luck with your future plans.

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Okay so I am still in my prerequisites for nursing at my college that I attend.I have to actually do 4 more sciences before I get to my clinical and also other subjects and I was thinking of minoring in Forensics is that good idea or should I wait to i get to my MSN to do so...But i think that i should go for it.

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

Hello, 'M3,

I am of the opinion that if your heart tells you to go for it, that it is a good thing.

You have a keen interest in forensics. I'm certain the studies will enable you to have a good idea of the profession. Then, once you've completed your degree, you can pursue certification as Forensic Nurse.

You could also pursue a Masters in Forensic Nursing, too. Lots to consider.

Good luck.

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