Forensic Nursing (FN): Programs

[sirI]

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

[tronix304]

This sounds like an interesting field. I have always had a passion for wanting to go into forensics also but didn't want to be 1 dimentional because the field is limited. This is something i'll have to look into. Thanks for the info!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hello, tronix304, and Welcome to the Forensic Nursing forum

Glad to have you with us. When/if you have specific questions, please post in this forum.

Good luck with your decision(s) to become a Forensic Nurse.

[Hydakins]

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!

Im not sure where you are in NJ, but Monmouth Univeristy has a program where you can go from RN to MSN in forensic nursing. They are one of a few schools in the world that offer an MSN degree in the field. They also offer the certification program. You can choose to not do the BSN and go for the certification, but you can do the RN-MSN in forensic nursing in at least 3 yrs. (You won't need to wait 2 yrs before becoming a SANE-A, but you would have to wait 3 yrs to become a SANE-P(ediatrics)) I hope this helps.

[jldye1979]

I just found out about this field of nursing and I am very much interested in learning more if anyone has any additional info they'd like to offer. Thanks!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

jldye1979 said:

I just found out about this field of nursing and I am very much interested in learning more if anyone has any additional info they'd like to offer. thanks!

So glad you joined us.

Good luck with your decisions to become a forensic nurse. Please read through the threads here to get some additional information.

We hope you enjoy the site!!

[klm06231947]

Greetings, have been a psych forensic nurse for the past 13 yrs. the changes at the state psych hospital have made me decide to become a SANE nurse as opposed to a insane nurse.I feel there is a need for a male SANE nurse here Maine and if not, oh well I'm going for it anyway. Good experience to add to my portfolio/resume

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Good luck with your plans, huntingturtle. I think there's a place for a male SANE nurse as well!!!!

[chicagobsn]

Hi, I have my BSN, and just got accepted into 3 different universities for a masters. Im in Illinois and unfortunetly there isnt forensic nursing programs avail. that i can find. Most of them are all online programs or certificates. Does anyone know of any illinois schools or good online programs?

THANKS! :heartbeat

[Nurseynurseyme]

I know there is an online program at the University of California, Riverside. I don't know much else though. Illinois? Can't help you there! Try doing a google search.

Good luck!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

chicagobsn said:

Hi, I have my BSN, and just got accepted into 3 different universities for a masters. Im in Illinois and unfortunetly there isn't forensic nursing programs avail. that I can find. Most of them are all online programs or certificates. Does anyone know of any illinois schools or good online programs?

THANKS! :heartbeat

Hello, chicagobsn and welcome to the Forensic Nursing forum

On the first page of this thread, you will find links to other programs.

One other thing everyone should be aware of is your own state BON rules/regs regarding education and/or certification as a Forensic Nurse. Many BON include at least some or more of these minimum guidelines (taken from the NJ BON):

1. Complete a course in clinical forensics required to consist of at least 40 hours of didactic instruction.
2. These 40 hours must be allocated among 32 topics which the board outlines.
3. The course must be taught by an instructor who either has a Masters degree in Nursing (MSN) or who is a Forensic Nurse-Certified Sexual Assault (FN-CSA).
4. (Every) program must have an administrator who has a Masters degree in nursing.

Good luck with your decisions.

[chicagobsn]

Hi, and thank you for the help, I really appreciate it! I am looking at a masters at UIC! Thanks again!! Im looking forward to this next journey in school!

[handyrn]

I am very interested in pursuing a career in forensic nursing. There is no one like this in my area. I am especially interested in the SANE programs. I am having trouble with the links provided. They don't take me to any certificate programs, only graduate degree information. Can anyone help me with this? I am going to search the web but if anyone can recommend a good certificate program to get me started that would be great!