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

thanks iris...i think will do it...i just wanted to see if it was the right thing to do

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Specializes in LTC, Urgent Care.

I have been an LPN for 2 years now, with plans to go on to become an RN. I have been in interested in forensics for some time now, but never dreamed that it could be part of nursing! The info posted here has been extremely helpful and encouraging to me. Thanks! :)

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

I see this is your first post, too. congratulations!! Glad to see you posting.

If you have questions/concerns later, please do not hesitate to contact me and/or post here.

Hope to see you around the site and good luck with your nursing career and goals.

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Specializes in ICU, School Nurse, Med/Surg, Psych.

I have an MSN, and got my AS in paralegal studies last summer. The final educational step for me is a certification in forensic nursing- probably from Kaplan. But how do I go about getting a job?

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

Hello, island40,

Many are employed in the ED. Several write their own job descriptions as well. Check in your area for this type of job availability.

Others seek jobs with Medical Examiners, Prosecuting Attorneys, other Law Enforcement agencies.

Good luck in all of your career plans. It seems you have a wonderful foundation and background.

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Specializes in Intensive Care and Cardiology.
sirI said:
I am considering running for coroner in my county.;)

I thought you had to be a doctor in order to be the coroner? Someone please shed light on this subject.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
purple_rose_3 said:
I thought you had to be a doctor in order to be the coroner? Someone please shed light on this subject.

No, MD is not a requirement. Many individuals from different walks of life can run for the position.

Now, a Medical Examiner (ME) is required to be MD. Maybe that is what you were thinking about??

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Specializes in Intensive Care and Cardiology.

So, what is the difference between a coroner and a medical examiner?

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

A coroner basically conducts investigations (inquests) of unnatural or suspicious deaths. They may have no formal medical training; they can also be certified death investigators and/or forensic nursing experts/death investigators, etc.

The ME ia a physician (most often a licensed pathologist) who investigates unnatural and/or suspicious deaths, but, also performs autopsies as well. Establishes the direct cause of death by autopsy and other pathological examination when reasonable doubt surrounds the cause of death.

Some states may require the coroner to also be a physician. Depends upon your county how that works.

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Im very interested in becoming a forensic nurse. I live in NJ, and am already an RN -currently in the ER. Im interested in becoming a Forensic Nurse Investigator or a Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, or Correctional Nursing Specialist. I checked Kaplan, and im waiting for a call from them, but is it the same certificate program for all of them? And one more thing, how hard is it to get a job as a forensic nurse? im trying to search online.. im having a hard time looking. Can i go to a PD to see if they have openings for forensic nurse?

thanks for the help.

Mark

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Wow, I've been a member here for a while now and didn't even know this forum was here! This place is huge! *blush*

I am still pretty much at the beginning of my education, still in pre nursing at present, so I still have a long road ahead. I'm in the Seattle area now, and I keep hearing that to be a SANE you have to be a nurse practitioner, which was rather daunting. I am glad to find that this isn't necessarily so, although I'm not really sure about the way it works here in Washington. :-S

I am torn between wanting to be a SANE and/or a death investigator, I guess I have plenty of time yet before I have to commit to one or the other.

Sorry for the rambly post. Thanks for letting me know this forum was here (I saw your post in the TX nurses thread).

I'll be visiting more often (when A&P permits ;) )

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
daisyfleur70 said:
Wow, I've been a member here for a while now and didn't even know this forum was here! This place is huge! *blush*

I am still pretty much at the beginning of my education, still in pre nursing at present, so I still have a long road ahead. I'm in the Seattle area now, and I keep hearing that to be a SANE you have to be a nurse practitioner, which was rather daunting. I am glad to find that this isn't necessarily so, although I'm not really sure about the way it works here in Washington. :-S

I am torn between wanting to be a SANE and/or a death investigator, I guess I have plenty of time yet before I have to commit to one or the other.

Sorry for the rambly post. Thanks for letting me know this forum was here (I saw your post in the TX nurses thread).

I'll be visiting more often (when A&P permits ;) )

Hello, daisyfleur

Glad you skipped on over to the Forensic Nursing forum.;)

I am drawn to the Death Investigator role as well.

Good luck with your nursing career future and goals as forensic nurse!!

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