Forensic Nurse

Victims of crimes often need specialized medical care. Not only do they need any physical wounds treated, but they also need to have evidence gathered off their body and receive emotional support through the process. While most healthcare providers can offer this service, increasingly, victims are cared for by trained forensic nurses. 

A forensic nurse is a registered nurse with specialized education and training in forensics and victim care. Forensic nurses work with patients who have been assaulted or harmed and sometimes even with the perpetrators of the violence. In addition to providing medical care and victim services, they will collect evidence for use in criminal and civil cases, carefully maintaining a clear chain of custody. They may also testify in court about their findings.

To become a forensic nurse, one must first become a registered nurse by completing an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). After a general education nursing program and obtaining state licensure, aspiring forensic nurses can complete additional education in the form of a master’s of science in nursing, a doctor of nursing practice, or a certificate. An advanced degree or certification is not required to work in this field, and nursing can gain the necessary education and skills through on-the-job training. 

Certification as a forensic nurse is not required, although may be required by prospective employers. The primary certifications available are through the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB), and The American Institute of Health Care Professionals. Requirements for certification will vary, but all include education and work experience in forensic nursing. 

Forensic nursing is a growing field, as the need for these specially trained professionals becomes more apparent. If an investigative nursing career working with victims sounds interesting, read on to learn more about how to become a forensic nurse.

Many different degree types and certification paths can lead to becoming a forensic nurse. The first step is to complete a general nursing program, either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), and then obtain a registered nursing license from a state nursing board. 

From there, aspiring forensic nurses can complete on-the-job training or advanced education in forensic nursing. Education options include a master’s of science in nursing, a doctor of nursing practice, or a certificate program.

The admission requirements for nursing programs vary depending on the school and the level of degree pursued. Most entry-level nursing programs require applicants to complete a certain number of prerequisite courses, have a minimum GPA, and write a compelling statement of purpose. 

Additionally, some schools may require prior volunteer or work experience. Graduate programs, like a master’s of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice degree, will have additional requirements, such as already completing an undergraduate degree program, work experience, letters of recommendation, and an up-to-date resume or CV.

Nursing programs must be accredited to ensure that students are receiving a quality education. The accreditation process evaluates a program’s faculty, clinicals, curriculum, facilities, and student outcomes. This is important for students as it means they can get licensed in their state and find employment after graduation. 

The two primary accrediting bodies for nursing programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Some states, like California, may require aspiring nurses to complete a program approved by the state.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

At Fairleigh Dickinson University, nurses can complete a master’s of science in nursing for nurse practitioners with a clinical specialization in adult-gerontology with a forensic focus. This two-year program prepares graduates for nurse practitioner certification with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Sexual Assault Examiner certification through the International Association of Forensic Nurses. 

This on-campus program requires candidates to complete 42 credit hours and at least 555 clinical hours to earn this degree. Forensic nursing-specific classes include advanced criminology theory, psychiatric basis of criminal behavior, and ethics, politics, and justice. There is also an option to complete a post-master’s certificate for students who have earned a master’s degree in another field. 

• Location: Teaneck, NJ 
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1143 per credit

Binghamton University – Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences

For students looking for forensic-specific education, the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Binghamton University offers an advanced certificate in forensic health that’s open to all students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. 

This nine-credit, three-course, certificate provides students with a working understanding of forensic health.  Students can complete this program as a standalone certificate or as an add-on to a graduate or undergraduate degree.

All students must take a class in forensic health of victims. In addition to the required class, students will select two elective classes with the help of the program coordinator. These classes can include forensic health essentials, medicolegal death investigation, forensic help with vendors, and forensic pediatrics.

• Location: Johnson City, NY
• Duration: Three courses
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,038 per credit

Cleveland State University – School of Nursing 

The master’s of Science in nursing with a concentration in forensic nursing at Cleveland State University School of Nursing focuses on therapeutic jurisprudence. Students who complete this program will have a general education in forensic nursing and law.  While many of the graduates of this program do go on to work as sexual assault nurse examiners, other careers can include legal nurse consultant, forensic psychiatric nurse, correctional nurse, and forensic nurse death investigator.

To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must have a valid and active license as a registered nurse in the United States and hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must also have completed an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course.

• Location: Cleveland, OH
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $600.40 per credit

Oakland University – School of Nursing 

Michigan’s only forensic nursing program is offered at Oakland University School of Nursing. Students here can earn either a master’s of science in nursing or a post-master’s certificate in forensic nursing. This comprehensive program covers all subspecialties in this field, including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, child maltreatment, disaster response, and death investigation.

Both programs require students to complete 420 hours of clinical training to ensure that they have sufficient hands-on experience to excel in this field. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on technical training so that graduates will have the skills to use specialized equipment necessary to conduct medical forensic examinations. 

• Location: Rochester, MI
• Duration: 16 to 28 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,027 per credit

The University of Alabama at Birmingham – School of Nursing 

Students can complete several subspecialty areas of coursework at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. These programs are open to both master’s of science in nursing students and post-master’s certificate students. Subspecialty areas can be completed as a stand-alone program or as part of a degree a student earns at this University.

Aspiring forensic nurses can complete the advanced forensic nurse subspecialty, where they will learn to evaluate, diagnose, and manage the traumatic experiences of individuals and their families. There are only two courses required for this subspecialty. In total, students will complete six credit hours, including didactic classes, labs, and simulation experiences.  To be eligible for this program, applicants must already hold a master’s degree in nursing or be currently enrolled at this university.

• Location: Birmingham, AL
• Duration: Two courses
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $682 per credit

Aspen University 

The flexible online master’s of science in nursing with a forensic science specialization at Aspen University is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills needed to excel in this field. Skills that are emphasized in this program include critical thinking, organization, and unbiased investigation. Graduates of this program will be able to document evidence to aid in legal investigations, write reports, take photos, and provide specialized care for traumatized victims. 

Admission requirements include a current unrestricted license as a registered nurse, a bachelor of science in nursing, and at least one year of nursing experience within the past five years. Most students complete this program in as little as two years of full-time study. 

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $13,318 for the entire program

Duquesne University – School of Nursing

For more than 20 years, Duquesne University School of Nursing has provided high-quality online nursing education. They offer a completely online master’s of science in nursing in forensic nursing degree for students interested in working with victims of crime or sexual assault. Students will learn how to provide trauma-informed care and preserve the chain of evidence during a physical examination.

As part of this program, students will complete the 40-hour training necessary to sit for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner set of certification exams. Other required coursework includes healthcare ethics, physical assessment for advanced practice nursing, pathophysiology, and criminal law and the courts. All students are required to complete a capstone project as well. 

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $58,860 total tuition

Monmouth University – School of Nursing and Health Studies

Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a hybrid online and in-person master’s of science in nursing or a graduate certificate in forensic nursing. This program will prepare graduates to work in various fields, including domestic violence intervention, death investigation, sexual assault examination, and child or elder abuse. Students will learn to collaborate with professionals in this field, such as other healthcare providers, insurance companies, attorneys, and law enforcement. 

To earn the master’s degree, students must complete 36 credits, while it only takes 24 credits to earn the graduate certificate. Required classes include factors affecting healthcare, nursing research, data management, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. To be considered for admission to the master’s degree program, candidates must have a current license to practice as a registered nurse and a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree.

• Location: West Long Branch, NJ
• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,348 per credit

Xavier University

The master of science in nursing forensic nursing track at Xavier University is for students who want to complete advanced healthcare and forensic studies. This two to three-year program can be completed through distance learning, allowing students the opportunity to work or care for the family while earning their degree. With a strong interprofessional focus, this degree prepares graduates for some roles in forensic nursing, including independent practice. 

To be considered for admission to this program, applicants must be registered nurses with an unencumbered license in the state where they practice and have at least one year of nursing experience. Two years of nursing experience is highly required. Other requirements include a bachelor of science in nursing from a regionally accredited University and an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of  C or better.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $670 per credit

University of California Riverside, Extension

Licensed medical and nursing professionals who want to start a career in forensic nursing can do so by completing the professional certificate in forensic nursing at the University of California Riverside. Offered entirely online, this certificate can be completed at the student’s own pace. Through this program, students will learn to collect evidence, communicate with interdisciplinary forensic team members, and provide treatment for patients with potential forensic issues. 

To enroll in this program, applicants must hold a medical or nursing license, such as a nurse practitioner, physician, or registered nurse. Students who complete the certificate can sit for the Sexual Assault Examiner exam. Because this program is offered online, there are multiple start dates every month, allowing students to start their studies when convenient. 

• Location: Riverside, CA 
• Duration: Nine to 15 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $4,500 total tuition

It takes between three to six years to become a forensic nurse. After completing a general nursing education program that takes 18 months to four years, aspiring forensic nurses will need to complete an advanced degree, a certificate, or on-the-job training. The additional education or training timelines can vary between one to three years.

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)

A high school diploma or a GED is the first step on the educational path to becoming a forensic nurse. This base level of education provides the framework for additional studies and demonstrates a candidate’s ability to complete a program of study. Aspiring nurses should focus on math, chemistry, biology, and psychology classes to help prepare them for the next step. 

Step 2: Complete a Nursing Program (18 Months to Four Years)

All registered nurses must complete a nursing program. This can be an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s of science in nursing. Depending on the level of degree pursued, it can take anywhere from 18 months to four years to complete the necessary education. In these programs, students will learn general nursing skills in didactic classes, labs, and clinical experiences.  

Step 3: Pass NCLEX-RN (Timelines Vary)

In all 50 states, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam. This test evaluates a candidate’s ability to care for patients safely. This is a computer-based exam, and the number of questions a candidate must answer will vary, but at a minimum, 60, and at a maximum, 145. 

Step 4: Apply for State Licensure (Timelines Varies)

After passing the NCLEX-RN exam and completing the necessary education, nurses will need a license from their state’s nursing board to practice as registered nurses. The requirements for licensure will vary by state. More details can be found in the certification and licensing section below. 

Step 5: Complete Additional Education or Gain Work Experience (Timelines Vary)

There are two primary ways a registered nurse can become a forensic nurse. They can either gain work experience working directly with victims or complete an educational program. Most educational programs are master’s of science in nursing degrees, although there are certificate and doctor of nursing practice degree options as well. 

Step 6: Earn Certification as a Forensic Nurse (Timelines Vary)

The primary certifications for forensic nurses are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-P) through the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) and Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C) from the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB), or the Forensic Nursing Certification from The American Institute of Health Care Professionals. 

More details on these certifications can be found in the certification and licensure section below.

Forensic nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and law enforcement agencies. Forensic nurses must be skilled in patient care and information gathering, making them essential criminal justice system members. Typical day-to-day duties can include:

• Evaluating and managing the health of victims of physical or sexual abuse 
• Providing care for victims of abuse or violence
• Assisting in the investigation of trauma and/or death from homicide, suicide, or accident
• Documenting findings
• Providing expert testimony
• Gathering and preserving evidence from a victim 
• Conducting autopsies 
• Identifying and investigating cases of child abuse
• Consulting with law enforcement officials

All forensic nurses must, at a minimum, have a license to practice as registered nurses in the state where they work. If a registered nurse has completed an advanced degree, they may be licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse. The requirements for licensure as a registered nurse will vary by state but typically include:

• Completion of an accredited of state-approved nursing program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Have a clear background check and drug screen

Certification for forensic nurses is voluntary but may be required by some employers. The primary certifications are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-P) through the International Association of Forensic Nurses; the Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) and Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C) from the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB), or the Forensic Nursing Certification from The American Institute of Health Care Professionals. 

The eligibility requirements for IAFN SANE-A and SANE-P certifications include:

• Hold an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse
• Have practiced nursing for a minimum of two years as an RN for the SANE-A certification or three years for the SANE-P certification
• Have successfully completed an adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner education program that grants a minimum of 40 hours of academic coursework or continuing nursing education contact hours from an accredited provider, or have successfully completed a combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner education program that grants a minimum of 64 hours of academic coursework or continuing nursing education contact hours from an accredited provider
• Have successfully completed a sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship 
• Have practiced as a sexual assault nurse examiner for a minimum of 300 hours within the past three years

The FNCB GFN-C certification requires that candidates hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and have an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse. They must also meet one of the following eligibility pathways:

• A minimum of six credit hours of forensic nursing coursework from an accredited nursing program, a minimum of one year of forensic nursing practice, and at least 1000 forensic nursing practice hours completed within the five years prior to the date of application, or
• A minimum of 60 continuing education hours or an equivalent in college coursework in the three years before the date of application, a minimum of one year of forensic nursing practice, and at least 1000 forensic nursing practice hours completed within the five years prior to the date of application 

To be eligible for the AFN-C certification, candidates must have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or higher from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and have an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse. In addition, they must meet one of the pathways listed below:

• A minimum of 12 credit hours of forensic nursing coursework from an accredited nursing program and complete 300 clinical hours as part of the program, or
• A minimum of 90 continuing education hours or an equivalent in college coursework in the three years before the date of application, a minimum of two years of forensic nursing practice, and at least 2000 forensic nursing practice hours completed within the five years before the date of application 

The Forensic Nursing Certification from The American Institute of Health Care Professionals eligibility requirements are:

• Complete an official established education program to prepare registered nurses for the practice of forensic nursing
• Complete the 230-hour forensic nursing continuing education program by The American Institute of Health Care Professionals
• Hold an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse

The 3,047,530 nurses in the US earn $82,750 per year on average, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2021). The BLS doesn’t track salaries specifically for forensic nurses. The percentiles for all RN wages are:

• 10th percentile: $59,450
• 25th percentile: $61,790
• 50th  percentile (median): $77,600
• 75th percentile: $97,580
• 90th percentile: $120,250

Here are some alternatives to a career as a forensic nurse: 

Become a Psychiatric Nurse

Most psychiatric nurses work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They may see patients for various issues, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatric nurses help clients to manage their conditions and often work with other healthcare professionals to create a treatment plan. They may also provide counseling or support to clients and their families.

• Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Nurses Credentialing Center

Become a Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses work to prevent disease and illness in entire communities. They work with other healthcare professionals to create strategic interventions and education campaigns that target the most at-risk clients. Public health nurses also collaborate with community members to ensure everyone can access the best possible health care.

• Typical Education: Associate or bachelor’s
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board of Public Health Examiners

Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses work primarily in hospital settings, where they are the first point of contact for new families. They monitor the fetal heartbeat and watch for any potential complications. They can also administer medications as ordered by a physician and help to provide a more comfortable labor experience for the mother. After the baby is born, labor and delivery nurses assess the newborn and help with any post-birth care for the parents.

• Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Certification Corporation (NCC)