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Forensic Nursing

What is forensic nursing.

Forensic Nursing, as outlined in the Forensic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, is the practice of nursing globally when health and legal systems intersect.

Why Forensic Nursing

Victims of violence and abuse require care from a health professional who is trained to treat the trauma associated with the wrong that has been done to them—be it sexual assault, intimate partner violence, neglect, or other forms of intentional injury. Forensic nurses are also a critical resource for anti-violence efforts. They collect evidence and give testimony that can be used in a court of law to apprehend or prosecute perpetrators who commit  violent and abusive acts. 

Who can become a forensic nurse?

Since forensic nursing is a nursing specialty, a person must first become a nurse before becoming a forensic nurse. Learn more about becoming a forensic nurse.

Are there different types of forensic nurses?

Forensic nurses work in a variety of fields, including sexual assault (as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners or SANEs), domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, elder mistreatment, death investigation, corrections, and in the aftermath of mass disasters.

Where do forensic nurses practice?

In the United States, forensic nurses most frequently work in hospitals, community anti-violence programs, coroner’s and medical examiners offices, corrections institutions and psychiatric hospitals. Forensic nurses may also be called on in mass disasters or community crisis situations.

Forensic Nursing Practice

Is forensic nursing for me, become a forensic nurse, become a sane, jennifer pierce-weeks.

Jennifer Pierce-Weeks serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all programming offered by the Association, including the annual conference and all grant-funded projects and programming. She was responsible for creating the Association's adult/adolescent and pediatric online SANE trainings and implementing the Online Learning Center. She has served IAFN in various roles including Chief Operations Officer, Education Director, Interim CEO, and Board President. She brings nearly 30 years of nursing experience, focusing on forensic nursing since 1995. Jennifer presents nationally and internationally on a variety of forensic nursing-related topics, including sexual assault and abuse, intimate partner violence, strangulation, child maltreatment and program management and sustainability. In addition, Jennifer has written, edited, and reviewed state-specific protocols and customized protocols for hospitals, journal articles, SARTs, and tribal communities.

Morgan Moeller

Morgan Moeller is the Chief Operating Officer at IAFN. Morgan is a gender-based violence expert who brings more than 16 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience working in local, regional, state and international contexts. For nine years, Morgan led programming at domestic violence and rape crisis centers in Florida and provided training and technical assistance at the state level. In 2015, Morgan was awarded the Distinguished Victim Services Award by the Florida Office of the Attorney General related to her efforts to overhaul sexual assault forensic exam services in Northeast Florida in favor of a survivor-centered approach grounded in best practices. Since 2016, Morgan has primarily worked in the international context, serving in leadership roles with Vital Voices Global Partnership and Survivor Alliance.

As an independent consultant, Morgan has worked with clients in the US and abroad, including me too. International, to inform their efforts to advance social justice. Whether collaborating with grassroots activists in West Africa, charting strategic growth for INGOs or advising corporations on trust and safety, Morgan approaches her work through the lens of continuous quality improvement. She is motivated by the challenges inherent in navigating ambiguity, re-imagining failing systems and building cohesion among stakeholders to advance change.

Bonnie Barsa

Bonnie was previously the Project Manager for the Tribal Forensic Healthcare Project and is now managing the SAFEta project. This project provides training and technical assistance related to implementing the recommendations contained in the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: Adult/Adolescent, the National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations: Pediatric, and related best practices, guides and resources. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a focus on finance. Bonnie has been with IAFN for over 15 years with 30 plus years of experience in the non-profit sector.

Ms. Barsa has 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector which has focused on education and certification of professionals in various industries.

Pam Bruggeman, CMP

Pam brings more than 25 years of experience to her role as Meetings and Events Manager. Pam works with the planning committee to organize the conference and manages the logistics for the conference. She also arranges other meetings and events for the Association.

Brianna Fontenot

Brianna has joined IAFN as the Education Coordinator where she will meet with existing and new sponsors, with over four years of working experience in nursing associations. Brianna is a graduate of Texas A&M Corpus Christi and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is happy to help with any exhibitor or sponsorship questions.

Karen Carroll, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, NY-SAFE

Karen serves as a Forensic Nursing Specialist, providing Training and Technical assistance. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She is the past Nursing Director of the Forensic Acute Care Team (FACT) in Westchester County, NY, the former Associate Director of the Bronx Sexual Assault Response Team, and the first Coordinator of the Westchester SANE Program. Karen received her training to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in New York City in 1997 and has been nationally certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner of Adult and Adolescent patients since 2002, and Pediatric patients since 2014. She has been a member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses since 1998, and the Past President of the NYS Chapter of the IAFN. She served as a Commissioner on the Forensic Nurse Certification Board and was the recipient of the IAFN Achievement Award in 2004. She has completed over 3000 forensic examinations and frequently provides expert witness testimony in criminal court for prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Ms. Carroll has made numerous presentations throughout the United States, Africa, Jordan, and Columbia on the topics of sexual assault, forensic examiner programs and her personal experience as a survivor of marital rape.

Karen appears as a mentor in the virtual practicum entitled “Sexual Assault: Clinical and Forensic Management.

Karen has two sons and four grandchildren.

Andrea Cavanagh

Andrea has provided administrative support to Association staff and projects since 2011. Since joining the organization full time in 2012, she has supported the Certification program and Educational programs and served as an online learning coordinator. Currently, she coordinates the TeleHealth project. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with a concentration in accounting. After 5 years of accounting/finance experience, she expanded her education to include law enforcement and worked 7 years on the road with some undercover assignments and specialized task force work.

Diane Daiber, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P

As a Forensic Nursing Specialist, Diane works to strengthen the quality of medical forensic care through the development and delivery of quality education. She offers expert training and technical assistance to sexual assault forensic nurses and allied professionals. A forensic nurse examiner with 35 years of nursing experience, including forensic nursing program development and sustainability under her management, Diane has been an integral member of Sexual Assault Response Teams in her community, the Ohio Attorney General Sexual Assault Response Training Team, a preferred trainer for Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy, and the Collaborative Initiative to End Human Trafficking. Additionally, she presents the Association's Adolescent/Adult and Pediatric SANE courses, and lectures globally on a variety of forensic nursing-related topics.

Sandra Erickson

Sandy is a lifelong Alaskan whose varied roots make her most comfortable in this culturally diverse state. She has over 20 years of experience in customer service and executive administrative support and holds an AAS in Human Services. Sandy's experience working with social service programs covering Mental Health, Child Development, Homelessness, and Elder Mentoring has been an education as varied as Alaska.

Margaret M. Glembocki, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CSC, FAANP

Margaret M. Glembocki is currently serving as the Education and Publications Director at IAFN. Additionally, she is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Lawrence Technological University. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Oakland University, her MSN with an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration from Wayne State University, and her BSN from Madonna University and is currently working toward her PhD at Duquesne University with a dissertation focus on intimate partner violence.

Dr. Glembocki has extensive experience in academic program development where she has co-developed and implemented a Forensic Nursing program (MSN) as well as developed and granted approval for an Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program (MSN). She is also committed to developing innovative ways to educate nurses focusing on forensic nursing practice. As an acute care nurse practitioner, bringing the role of the forensic nurse to the healthcare system of extreme importance as the need is great for the patients severed in all acute care settings.

Sarah Jimenez-Valdez

Sarah has provided support to IAFN since April 2018. She enjoys supporting the organization and colleagues with tasks related to various federally-funded projects, membership and financial affairs. Sarah is dedicated to working for the under-served and thus has dedicated her career to working in the non-profit sector over the last 16 years. Sarah previously worked in the domestic violence field but also has a background women’s health issues. Among Sarah's skills, are organizational development, in which she's worked with developing organizational culture and the use of the Enneagram tool.

Dreama Kirby

Dreama began working with the Association in 2013 on a contract basis as an administrative assistant to the Finance Director before joining the organization as a full time employee in 2014. With over 20 years of human resources and customer service experience she easily transitioned into her current role as the HR Senior Manager.

Kerri Knadle

Kerri Knadle supports IAFN's grant-funded projects. She brings 12 years of experience within the association and events industry. She has held association roles in membership, meetings, and corporate alliances. Kerri holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Towson University.

Kathleen Maguire, JD, BSN, BS, RN

Kathleen Maguire serves as the Senior Director for the Association's certification program (e.g., SANE-A; SANE-P; and in collaboration with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), AFN-BC via portfolio).

Immediately prior to joining IAFN, Ms. Maguire had worked at ANCC as a Senior Editor--the only nurse in the department responsible for developing professional certification examinations for 36 different nursing specialties. Ms. Maguire began her career as a neuroscience research nurse at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), While at NIH, Ms. Maguire decided to obtain a law degree from Georgetown University, where she was hired upon graduation as a legal researcher, writer, and editor.

In addition to her full-time work addressing any and all issues related to forensic nursing certification, she has served as the Managing Editor of the Journal of Forensic Nursing and as the co-editor of the Core Curriculum for Forensic Nursing.

Janice Burch

Janice recently joined the Certification team at IAFN and brings 15 years of experience delivering technical and operational support to diverse stakeholders and customer bases in the telecommunications, government, real estate, tech, and consulting industries.

Her most recent organizational experience includes three years of B2B software support at a project management SaaS company. Her work there included troubleshooting and triaging technical issues, maintaining internal and external knowledge bases, and software implementation training. Internally, she refined the new hire onboarding program as a team trainer and led other operational improvement efforts for a globally distributed CS team.

Janice has developed and led award-winning and highly-rated professional development programs during her time in tech and as the founder of a coaching and strategic planning firm with clients in the non-profit, government, and corporate sectors.

She is excited to collaborate with her teammates and to bring her expertise in project management, program management, support operations, and customer success strategy to support IAFN's certification program.

Janice enjoys journaling, culinary festivals, outdoor activities, word puzzles, and 90s R&B. She is equally intrigued by history and pop culture. She loves connecting over shared values and experiences.

Apple Montuya

Prior to joining IAFN, Apple Montuya spent most of her career developing IT solutions and administering systems. In IAFN, she leverages experience in web development and project management to manage websites and databases.

Kim Nash, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P

Kim Nash serves as a Forensic Nursing Specialist, providing training and technical assistance. Ms. Nash has been a practicing registered nurse for 19 years. She has made her impact in the field worldwide. At the local level, she has been a practicing SANE in Colorado Springs, CO. She is also a Colorado state SANE/SAFE Project Trainer. Nationally, her involvement includes teaching on issues ranging from sexual violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and strangulation. In 2012, she was one of two forensic nurse consultants for an IAFN/USAID project in Swaziland, Africa, mentoring local health care professionals in the care of pediatric rape patients with an emphasis on the prevention of HIV.

Ms. Nash has been a highly involved member of IAFN, serving on the IAFN Board of Directors as Secretary (2012-2014), as a Past President of the Colorado Chapter of IAFN (2011), and as a consultant on a number of IAFN projects.

Angelita Olowu, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P

Angelita Olowu serves as a Forensic Nursing Director, providing training and technical assistance.

She has 12 years of nursing experience, and has practiced as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) since 2010. She received her certification for SANE-A in 2015 and SANE-P in 2016. Within her role as a full-time forensic nurse at Hillcrest Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Cleveland, OH, Angelita provided education and leadership to the forensic nursing staff, guidance around her patient population to the Hospital, and community education and outreach to various entities including schools, colleges and universities, and others on prevention and caring for those who have experienced trauma of personal violence.

She has served as a member of a hospital based Domestic Violence Committee, a hospital-based Child Protection Team, and the Cuyahoga County Child Advocacy Center Advisory Committee. She is a member of various professional organizations including IAFN, the Cuyahoga County Sexual Assault Response Team, and the Civil Rights Task Force. Additionally, she serves on a committee with the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking.

Christina Presenti

Christina Presenti serves new, existing, and future IAFN members to ensure folks are taking advantage of everything IAFN has to offer including its community, programs, training, and access to experts that IAFN provides. Christina is happy to chat with and answer anyone’s questions about becoming a member and joining the IAFN member community. Call, email, reach out anytime and tell a friend too!

Christina has a deep dedication to empowering victims of violence and healthcare providers that care for them. She previously held positions at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the New Hampshire Coalition of Domestic and Sexual Violence, and Bridges Domestic and Sexual Violence Support, her local crisis center. Christina is a graduate of Assumption College and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Global Studies with minors in Women's Studies and Economics. She is happy to help with any membership questions or needs!

Meghety Foudoulian

Meghety recently joined IAFN as the Marketing Manager. She has over 6 years experience in Sales, over 5 years experience in Hospitality Management and 3 years experience in Marketing. She received her Masters in Commerce, specialization in Marketing from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Prior to joining IAFN, Meghety was the Marketing Manager for a luxury architectural lighting manufacturer company.

Stacy Robertson

Since joining the Association in 2006, Stacy has worn many hats. As one of only three employees in the Association's early years, Ms. Robertson has done everything from answering the phone to managing the store to staffing the registration desk at the annual conference. In her current role as Finance Director, you're most likely to find her chasing down credit card receipts or triple checking our daily ledger to make sure the Association's finances are in order.

Nicole Stahlmann

Nicole Stahlmann serves as a Forensic Nursing Specialist, providing training and technical assistance. A registered nurse with clinical experience since 2010, Nicole has dedicated her career to forensic nursing. She received her Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A) certificate in 2015 and received her Advanced Forensic Nurse Board Certification (AFN-BC) in 2016 from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Prior to her work with the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), Nicole served as the Clinical Program Manager for the District of Columbia Forensic Nurse Examiners. Nicole continues to practice clinically, providing care for patients who have experienced violence. Nicole was an emergency department nurse and an adjunct instructor, teaching both undergraduate and Master students at Georgetown University. Beginning in 2018, Nicole worked with the United States Department of State to consult on sexual assault policies and procedures. She has trained their healthcare providers in patient centered, trauma-informed medical care of the sexual assault patient in the overseas environment. Nicole has been active in the forensic nursing community having served as the Secretary for the Maryland - District of Columbia IAFN Chapter, was an active member of the DC Sexual Assault Response Team, and she also served as Secretary, President-Elect, and President on the Foundation Board of the IAFN.

Sarah Tucker

Sarah has been with the Association since 2012 and has served in a variety of roles over that time. She came to IAFN to manage the SANE Sustainability Project and later managed the Tribal Forensic Healthcare Training Project before transitioning to roles as Communications Director, Online Learning Director, and Technology Director. In 2021, she is excited to have turned her focus to instructional design.

She has 21 years of experience in the domestic violence/sexual assault field, including more than a decade providing training, technical assistance, and advocacy in the US and internationally. She has written several journal articles and delivered Congressional testimony on the use of technology to perpetrate violence against women. Sarah holds a Bachelor's degree in Rhetoric/Writing and Foreign Languages and has completed graduate work in Cybersecurity.

Amy Valentine

Amy coordinates our Online Learning Center and web-based learning activities. She has supported the certification, education, and membership departments in her time at IAFN and enjoys using her skills to ensure successful training and educational opportunities for our members. Amy brings over 20 years of experience in administration, finance, and customer service. Prior to joining IAFN, she spent 15 years providing administrative support to the Emergency Department and then the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, MD.

Contact - Apple Montuya

Contact - jennifer pierce-weeks, contact - morgan moeller, contact - bonnie barsa, contact - pam bruggeman, contact - brianna fontenot, contact - karen caroll, contact - kathleen maguire, contact - kerri knadle, contact - kim nash, contact - meghety foudoulian, contact - megan crowe, contact - sandy erickson, contact - margaret glembocki, contact - sarah jimenez-valdez, contact - sarah tucker, contact - stacy robertson, contact - tammy scarlett, contact - amy valentine, contact - andrea cavanagh, contact - angelita olowu, contact - christina presenti, contact - diane daiber, contact - dreama kirby, gail hornor.

Gail Hornor is a pediatric nurse practitioner who worked in a hospital-based child advocacy center for 28 years and coordinated a pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program in the Emergency Department.

Contact - Gail Hornor

Cindy wright.

Cindy Wright brings more than 30 years’ experience in nonprofit communications and marketing with a focus on health communications, to her role as Communications Director. Her work has encompassed media relations, writing, public relations, digital marketing including web management, event management, and member affiliate communications. Her work has supported state and federal policy, education, research, philanthropy, and events on the local, regional and national levels.

Cindy has been a part of many initiatives for nursing, medical and other care providers; her team manages membership, marketing, web/IT management, and communications. Cindy is a graduate of the University of Maryland and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in marketing.

Contact - Cindy Wright

The International Association of Forensic Nurses is a professional membership organization. If you are the victim of a crime, get help  here . If you are in immediate danger, call 911

Megan Crowe

Megan is a Forensic Nursing Specialist, providing Training and Technical assistance to those performing SANE services. She has been a Registered Nurse since 2003 and has focused on Women's Services throughout her nursing career. Megan completed the SANE Training in 2012 and has performed hundreds of forensic exams. She has worked as a SAFE Program Coordinator, providing education, leadership, and support to forensic nursing staff, has served on community sexual assault response teams, and received the Victim's Advocate Award for the City of Jacksonville. In 2021, Megan graduated with a Master's Degree in Forensic Nursing and currently practices as a SANE-A, providing care to patients in her community.

Chantel Hammond

Chantel is a Forensic Nursing Specialist, providing Training and Technical assistance to those performing SANE services. She received her Bachelors of Science of Nursing from the University of Michigan and her Masters of Science in Nursing, focusing in Forensic Nursing, from Oakland University. She has dedicated her career to caring for patients impacted by trauma, violence & maltreatment, starting off as a trauma/emergency nurse at Michigan Medicine in 2015. From there, she practiced as a forensic nurse examiner in various roles including bedside and leadership, while caring for pediatric, adolescent & adult sexual assault survivors and survivors of intimate partner violence. She holds a certification as a Pediatric & Adolescent/Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner & Advanced Forensic Nurse Examiner. She specializes in forensic nursing education, IPV/non-fatal strangulation assessment, & health equity, diversity & inclusion.

Koren Grzelak

Koren is a Forensic Nursing Specialist who provides Training and Technical Assistance. She has 18 years of experience in the nursing profession, 12 of those as a Registered Nurse. Koren has specialized in Emergency Nursing, Forensic Nursing, Case Management, and she has served as a Clinical Director and Supervisor in healthcare settings that include Homecare, Inpatient Care, and Outpatient Clinics. In all of her various roles, Koren has always prioritized ensuring the needs of patients are heard and met and acting as a liaison between patients and other healthcare providers.

Contact - Koren Grzelak

Contact - chantel hammond, contact - christina devine, christina devine.

Christina has recently joined IAFN as a part of the Communications team. With over 8 years of experience in Customer Service and 3 years of Digital Communications experience, Christina is excited to transition to work with the members of IAFN, ensuring each member gets the most out of their experience.

Christina works with various aspects of IAFN. Christina has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a focus on Public Relations.

Contact - Sandy Huntzinger

Sandy huntzinger.

Sandy Huntzinger, MSW is SART Project Manager. She is a long-time advocate in the field of gender-based violence. For over 23 years she has worked in both direct services with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and systems-based advocacy at the local, state and national level. Sandy has worked in domestic violence shelter services as a victim advocate within a prosecutor’s office, providing advocacy and safety planning. From that point she worked for the state domestic violence coalition, creating a statewide training institute, developing policies and protocols for first responders, and training multidisciplinary justice partner audiences throughout the state. For over thirteen years she managed the Ohio Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Forensic Exam program, reimbursing over $5.4 million a year. During this period, Sandy instituted an online reimbursement process, policies related to exams and HIV prophylaxis reimbursement, and coordinated the use of a statewide kit tracking system.

Additionally, she managed a multidisciplinary team to train thousands of individuals on sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, strangulation, and developing a multidisciplinary response within a community. Throughout her career, Sandy has learned that when you know better, you do better, and you work better together. This is how we begin making social change.

Pamela Holtzinger

Pamela Holtzinger is Forensic Nursing Director. She has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Master of Science in Nursing with a Public Health concentration, and completed a teaching certificate in nursing. She holds national certifications including CEN, SANE-A, SANE-P, and AFN-BC. She has over 35 years in nursing with over 25 years serving as a Forensic Nurse Examiner. She managed and developed hospital-based Forensic Nursing Services programs in Maryland to expand the care response to include individuals impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, child maltreatment, human trafficking elder abuse, and nonfatal strangulation. Her work includes community-based multidisciplinary collaboratives as well as extensive experience designing and conducting forensic nurse training including advanced training topics and clinical skills lab experiences. Pamela is a faculty member of the Maryland Child Abuse Medical Professionals and has served on numerous workgroups and committees to address critical issues related to child abuse, human trafficking, access to sexual assault services, and intimate partner violence.

Contact - Pamela Holtzinger

Tammy bimber.

Tammy Bimber is a Forensic Nursing Specialist who facilitates the development and implementation of SANE programs with clinical preceptorship and provides expert guidance to providers of sexual assault services. Tammy has spent over two decades specializing in forensic nursing and emergency medicine and working as a forensic coordinator in various facilities. Tammy serves on various boards and committees to promote best practices and advocate for victims of violence. She has presented at various local, state, and national conferences and has received recognition and awards for her forensic nursing work including the Kim Day Service Award in 2022. Tammy has authored and co-authored journal articles and a chapter in the IAFN Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification Review book. Tammy completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, her Master of Science in Nursing from California University of Pennsylvania, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Waynesburg University.

Contact - Tammy Bimber

Haley coalson.

Haley Coalson is the Grant Assistant providing administrative support to project managers and staff. She brings frontline advocacy experience to IAFN, having worked as a community-based victim’s advocate, in varying capacities, for several years. Haley holds a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice. As an advocate, she has worked directly alongside Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, advocated for pediatric and adult sexual assault survivors and their families, and created her own training for the trauma-informed interview process to present to law enforcement and other MDT/SART partners, with the goal that all survivors are provided the best team-based care. Haley is passionate about providing trauma-informed care to all survivors and is excited to merge her experience in advocacy and grant management within her role at IAFN.

Contact - Haley Coalson

Contact - kalen knight, kalen knight.

Kalen Knight is the Forensic Nursing Specialist-Education. He has extensive experience in clinical practice and education development from his prior professional nursing experiences, including emergency, trauma, infectious disease, biocontainment/quarantine, nursing education, and forensic nursing. Kalen previously revamped an all-encompassing new graduate ER nurse fellowship program, and coordinated the initiation of a formal hospital-based forensic examiner program that responds and cares for victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and elder abuse. He has a special passion for workplace violence prevention that resulted in the development and coordination of a support program specifically built for colleagues in domestic violence/intimate partner violence situations. Kalen is committed to bringing innovative ideas to forensic nursing and fostering expansion and support for the specialty as a whole. He is a practicing SANE-A at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Neb., a Medicolegal Death Investigator in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and an adjunct lecturer for the Master in Forensic Nursing Program at Oakland University for the Quality, Legal, Matters of Death Course and Clinical.

Contact - Laci Smith

Laci is a Forensic Nursing Specialist providing training and technical assistance. She is a certified Pediatric nurse with almost a decade of experience in various settings such as pediatric inpatient acute care, community based sexual assault and child advocacy centers, and in the academic setting. Laci has developed and led multidisciplinary simulation programs in the clinical and academic settings, as well as developing and teaching curricula in Associate and Baccalaureate degree programs. Laci holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southwestern State University. She is a practicing SANE-A at The Lily Pad SANE Center and a Forensic Nurse Educator for the Georgia Forensic Nursing Network. Laci is passionate about providing trauma informed and inclusive care to all patients.

Contact - Kelsey Morris

Kelsey morris.

Kelsey Morris is a Project Manager. She has extensive experience working with local and Tribal communities and serving as an advocate for individuals within those communities. Kelsey is an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in social welfare and is working toward her Master’s degree in human and health services administration.

Contact - Chenel Vanden Berk

Chenel vanden berk.

Chenel Vanden Berk is a Forensic Nursing Specialist. She has dedicated her career to forensic nursing for over 13 years and has been actively involved as an IAFN member, having served as the Illinois Chapter president in 2018-2019 and member of its board of directors, 2023-January 2024. As a forensic nurse, Chenel combines her passion for caring for patients who have been victimized with a focus on healthcare, science, and justice. She has actively participated in several multi-disciplinary teams, including the Illinois Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. Her commitment to advocating for healthcare equity and inclusion for individuals who have been victimized led her to serve as a member of Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Healthcare Advisory Council, 2020-2022. Before nursing, Chenel was an attorney who practiced public interest law in Chicago, focusing on families and domestic violence. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University and her Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law.

Contact - Heather Trusty

Heather trusty.

Heather Trusty is the Director, Certification at IAFN. She brings over 25 years of experience in certification, professional development, and association management. Her experience includes developing and maintaining certification exams as well as creating new certification products. Heather is responsible for overseeing the SANE-A and SANE-P certification and recertification programs. This includes policy development, certification procedures, exam development, the job analysis process, and updating the test specifications as well as the certification exams.

Forensic nursing: Overview of a growing profession

Combine your nursing skills with forensic science to help victims of violence and trauma.

• Forensic nursing is a specialized nursing field focused on providing nursing care to patient populations affected by violence and trauma.
• Forensic nursing integrates nursing concepts with legal and forensic science concepts.
• The scope of forensic nursing is broad to encompass the many patient populations affected by violence and trauma.

A benefit of the increased media and cultural attention on sexual assault crimes is that in many areas of the United States more victims are reporting the crimes to receive forensic medical examinations by sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs).

Many healthcare personnel and nurses are familiar with SANEs but may not realize that forensic nursing is a much broader nursing specialty that encompasses caring for patients who’ve experienced all kinds of violence and trauma.

Forensic nursing scope and specialties

Forensic nursing combines nursing care with the legal system and forensic sciences. Forensic nurses care for patients who’ve experienced violence and other traumas, such as natural disasters. Patients include living and deceased victims as well as perpetrators of violence. The patient population also extends to communities and society at large. Forensic nurses collaborate with other professionals outside of healthcare, but they’re nurses first and use the nursing process to provide compassionate, holistic care. This distinction clearly defines forensic nurses as healthcare professionals rather than criminal justice or forensic science professionals.

Only RNs can take specialized forensic nursing education, but forensic nurses come from a variety of educational backgrounds—from associate to doctoral degrees. Many forensic nurses have experience in emergency departments, intensive care units, women’s health, medical-surgical units, or mental health/psychiatric units.

SANEs make up the largest group of forensic nurses in the United States. In fact, about 72% of the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) members are SANEs. IAFN provides online education for SANE training and sponsors the certification examinations for both adolescent and adult SANEs (SANE-A) and pediatric SANEs (SANE-P) as recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program ® . Nurses must meet the eligibility requirements before taking the credentialing examination.

In some parts of the United States, the SANE role has expanded to include providing nursing care and examinations for patients affected by interpersonal violence, strangulation, torture, physical child abuse, child neglect, and elder abuse. They also care for the suspects of violent crimes.

Employment settings

Educational options

Forensic nursing education is holistic, ranging from learning about assessment of the psychological impact of trauma to documenting physical injuries and preserving evidence. As forensic nurses intersect with the criminal justice system, education also is provided on expert testimony. A variety of online forensic nursing education programs are available through IAFN. Several universities offer courses specific for SANEs or death investigators, and graduate forensic nursing programs range from master’s to doctoral degrees. When exploring SANE education opportunities, look for programs that meet IAFN guidelines. And keep in mind that to practice as a forensic nurse, you need both classroom education and clinical experience.

Key forensic nursing concepts

RNs already practice many forensic nursing concepts, including compassionate, patient-centered, objective, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based care. However, forensics’ education expands on these key concepts to incorporate a thorough understanding of trauma-informed care, including knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma and interventions to promote healing and restore power and control to patients who’ve experienced violence and other trauma.

Objectivity

Objectivity is critical to forensic nursing, both in terms of nonjudgmental care when documenting findings and facts and in interactions with the legal system when serving as an expert witness or consulting for prosecuting and defense attorneys.

Cultural sensitivity

Culturally sensitive forensic nursing care involves an awareness of cultural and societal influences on violence, abuse, and trauma. It also requires a commitment to social justice and access to care.

All aspects of forensic nursing care—from patient assessment to evidence collection and documentation of injuries—must be based on research and best practice guidelines.

Violence prevention

Violence prevention is also a foundational concept within forensic nursing. Under IAFN’s Vision of Ethical Practice, the scope of forensic nursing practice includes a responsibility to address violence prevention to promote healthier communities and nations.

Learn more about forensic nursing

Nurses have always provided care to victims and perpetrators of violence. Forensic nursing expands that role to individuals and communities to promote recovery, health, and justice.

To learn more about forensic nursing, visit the IAFN website ( IAFN.org ). Note that many states have IAFN chapters with contact information. You also can read more about forensic nursing in the official peer-reviewed journal of IAFN, Journal of Forensic Nursing , and in American Nurse Today ( myamericannurse.com/forensic-nurses-strides-social-justice/ ).

Julie L. Valentine is an assistant professor at Brigham Young University College of Nursing in Provo, Utah, and a forensic nurse with Wasatch Forensic Nurses in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Selected references

Amar A, Sekula LK. A Practical Guide to Forensic Nursing: Incorporating Forensic Principles into Nursing Practice . Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International; 2016.

American Nurses Association and International Association of Forensic Nurses. Forensic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice . 2nd ed. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association; 2017.

Price B, Maguire K, eds. Core Curriculum for Forensic Nursing . Elkridge, MD: International Association of Forensic Nurses; 2016.

Smith S, Zhang X, Basile K, et al. The national intimate partner and sexual violence survey: 2015 data brief. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2017. www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/NISVS-StateReportBook.pdf

2 Comments .

I am currently in the graduate program for forensic nursing at Xavier University. I am so excited to be able to help victims of violence and/or trauma. I am currently a SANE but I felt that there was more I could do.

Very interested

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Top Forensic Nursing Programs for 2024

• Ranking Metholody

Top Forensic Nursing Programs

• Where To Find More Information

Forensic nurses work with crime victims to gather medical evidence and provide expert testimony in court cases. Forensic nursing is a unique specialty that blends nursing, science, and the legal system into an exciting and lucrative nursing career. 

Registered nurses (RNs) can become forensic nurses by gaining relevant clinical experience and completing either a certification or master's program. But scouring the internet for the best forensic nursing programs is a chore and a bore. That's why we consolidated the top programs of 2024 into a convenient list.

Read on to learn more about the best forensic nursing programs nationwide and find one that suits your needs and career goals.

Forensic Nursing Program Ranking Methodology

Our ranking methodology uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard . We consider factors like graduation rate, student-faculty ratio, program focus, and more to help you find the right nursing program for you.

Find Nursing Programs

1. xavier university.

Xavier University's online forensic nursing graduate program leads to either an MSN or both an MSN and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. For only the MSN, nurses complete 36 credits, 10 of which focus on forensics. 

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience as an RN. Also, while the program calls itself 100% online, it does have a single in-person requirement. Nurses must complete at least four credits worth of a nursing practicum in their local areas.

• Tuition: $687 per credit
• Online Options: Yes
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length: Two to three years
• Phone Number: (513) 745-2813
• Email: [email protected]  

2. Cleveland State University

Students can complete Cleveland State University's online forensic nursing program in two years. The MSN curriculum includes 38 credits and 500 practicum hours. Throughout their education, CSU students may choose to bolster their education with forensic nursing certifications like:

• Clinical Forensic Nursing
• Legal Nurse Consulting
• Forensic Psychiatric Nursing
• Forensic Correctional Nursing
• Forensic Death Investigation

Additionally, all forensic nursing students at Cleveland State University receive the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of where they live. So, you can enjoy the same affordable tuition even if you don't live in Ohio.

• Tuition: $602.20 per credit
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Program Length: Two years
• Contact Information: (216) 687-3598

3. DeSales University

DeSales University offers perhaps the most flexible and comprehensive forensic nursing program. Available part-time or full-time and completed online, on-campus, or through a hybrid of the two, DeSales's MSN in forensic nursing also includes certification in investigative forensics. 

Regardless of online or on-campus study, students must complete at least 275 clinical practicum and 75 clinical lab hours on-site in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating, nurses should demonstrate excellent leadership, organizational, and investigative skills. 

• Tuition: $945 per credit
• Program Length: Three years
• Phone Number: (610) 282-1100, EXT. 2838
• Email: [email protected]  

4. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Available either in-person or online, Fairleigh Dickinson University's MSN lets students choose a specialty. Those interested in forensic nursing select the adult gerontology nursing program with a forensic focus.

This 30-39 credit track requires 550-750 hours of clinical service and prepares graduates to become APRNs with a specialization in forensics. FDU's MSN requires more than other programs, but graduates earn certification and could receive higher wages.

• Tuition: $1,143 per credit
• Phone Number: (973) 443-8905
• Email: [email protected]

5. Duquesne University

Duquesne University offers two different forensic nursing programs: an MSN and a post-master's certificate. Since many aspiring forensic nurses may not already have a master's degree, most students enroll in the full MSN program. However, MSN-trained nurses who wish to transition to forensic nursing will be able to attend the certificate program.

This entirely online program takes 36 credits to complete and prepares students for any area of forensic nursing. Duquesne University partners with the Wecht Institute to offer this degree, so nursing students complete some courses through a different school within Duquesne. 

• Total Tuition: $61,164
• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Phone Number: (412) 396-6550
• Email: [email protected]

6. Texas A&M University

An incredibly affordable MSN for anyone who lives in Texas, Texas A&M University's online MSN in forensic nursing is a 36-credit program completed over 2-3 years, though most students take closer to three years. 

While nurses complete most courses online, Texas A&M does require a total of 45 in-person hours at the Bryan College Station campus to meet clinical requirements set by the AACN. The university separates this into two visits taken during the second half of the degree.

• Tuition: Resident - $6,464 per semester | Nonresident - $12,818 per semester
• Program Length: Two to three  years
• Phone Number: (979) 436-0110
• Email: [email protected]

7. Mount Mercy University

Available in an online or hybrid format, Mount Mercy University's MSN lets students choose one of five emphases, including one in forensic nursing. Students who choose the hybrid format attend courses on Wednesday evenings in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

The forensic nursing route requires 36 credits, and students take courses about the theories of crimes and justice, administration of justice, and presenting evidence during a trial. This quick program uses a per-credit tuition rate, so part-time students don't pay higher tuition as they might elsewhere. 

• Tuition: $704 per credit
• Program Length: 16 to 21 months
• Contact Information: [email protected]  

8. Penn State World Campus

Pennsylvania State University's online campus, Penn State World Campus, extends higher education to thousands of students worldwide. Instead of completing an MSN, those interested in forensic nursing complete Penn State's undergraduate certificate in nursing forensics. This 12-credit certificate takes less than a year to complete and costs far less than an MSN. 

However, only current RNs without a BSN should consider this program. That being said, graduates can transfer their forensic nursing credits into Penn State's online RN-BSN, making this a great option for RNs looking for both a BSN and a forensic nursing position. 

• Tuition: $626 per credit
• Program Length: Nine months
• Phone Number: (800) 252-3592
• Email: [email protected]

9. University of California Riverside

The University of California Riverside offers another alternative option to an MSN for those who want to pursue forensic nursing. The program leads to a professional certificate that opens many doors to various forensic nursing positions.

Registered and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can enroll in the program. RNs can count 20 hours or more of continued education credits or their SANE certification toward elective credits, reducing the length and cost of the certificate. This short 16-credit certificate takes as little as nine months to complete. 

• Total Tuition: $4,500
• Program Length: 9 to 15 months
• Contact Information: (951) 827-4105

10. Aspen University

Aspen University specializes in online education and offers its MSN with a forensic nursing specialization entirely online. Available to current RNs who hold a BSN, the MSN takes as little as two years to complete, though some part-time students take longer. 

While the program doesn't include any clinical practice, graduates learn all the skills necessary to succeed as a forensic nurse. To keep the degree affordable, Aspen University also set up an optional monthly payment plan, covering the cost of the program over a 41-month period.

•   Total Tuition: $13,455
• Program Length: 24 to 41 months
• Contact Information: (800) 373-7814

FAQs About Forensic Nursing Programs

How do you become a forensic nurse.

• T o become a forensic nurse, you must be a licensed registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After gaining relevant clinical experience, you can apply for and attend a forensic nursing certificate program or an MSN program. Finally, depending on your career path, you'll sit a national certification.

How long do forensic nursing programs take?

• Forensic nurses can earn either a certificate or a master’s degree. A certificate program can take less than one year to complete, and an MSN can take two to three years, depending on the program.

What classes will you take in a forensic nursing program?

• Forensic Nurse MSN programs are fairly standard regardless of which program you attend or the field you decide to pursue upon completion of the program. Certificate programs require less coursework than MSN programs.

Is forensic nursing in demand?

• Forensic nursing is a new and emerging field. As long as there is a crime, there will be an ongoing need for these types of nurses. Experts speculate that forensic nursing will be one of the fastest-growing fields in the nursing profession due to its specialty. 

Do forensic nurses work with dead bodies?

• Since forensic nurses work with coroners, some will work with dead bodies. However, the majority of forensic nurses work with victims who are still living. Remember, if you are not comfortable working with dead bodies, there are a lot of other forensic nurse fields to work in. 

How much do forensic nurses make?

• Salary.com reports that the average forensic nurse salary is $30 per hour or $62,263 annually.

Where To Find More Information About Forensic Nursing

• Academy on Violence and Abuse
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• American Board of Medico-Legal Investigators
• American Forensic Nursing
• American Institute of Forensic Education
• Canadian Forensic Nurses Association
• International Association of Forensic Nursing

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Forensic Nurses

Forensic nurses use skills from multiple disciplines to help people in difficult circumstances. They work at the intersection of nursing and forensics. They may assess or treat victims or perpetrators. They may also offer expert opinion.

Cleveland State University lists five forensic nursing roles:

• Clinical forensic nurse • Legal nurse consultant • Forensic death investigator • Psychiatric forensic nurse • Forensic correctional nurse

Clinical forensic nurses may specialize in work with children.

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Forensic nurse educational foundations.

Forensic nursing is a career that some move into step by step. RNs need training beyond what is included in the typical registered nursing program in order to carry out basic duties such as evaluation of sexual assault victims. The level of expertise expected for serving as an expert witness is higher. Comprehensive forensic nursing programs are typically graduate level.

Master’s students may develop their expertise in individual areas of interest through capstone projects. Oakland University has provided a list of some past projects:

• Neurobiology of Trauma- Understanding Behavioral Changes as a Result of Trauma • Improving Elder Abuse Screening and Reporting in the Hospital Setting • The Forensic Nurse as an Expert Witness

Most formal forensic nurse programs are offered at the master’s level. The International Association of Forensic Nurses lists 13 master’s programs ( https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/ForensicNursingSchools ). On-campus programs are located in Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, and Ohio. There is an on-campus certificate program available in New York.

Programs typically a core of advanced nursing coursework. Some will be applicable for work in a variety of settings.

A majority of programs are online. Online coursework may be supplemented by practicum work in multiple settings.

There are a limited number of online certificate programs available to nurses who do not already hold degrees at at least the bachelor’s level . Graduate programs may have some courses that are open to a wider audience, such as licensed RNs.

There are many more options for nurses who seek certification only in sexual assault examination. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) is a highly sought after certification available to RNs who have at least a couple years of experience in roles that require advanced physical assessment ( https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/aboutSANE ). It involves training and coursework.

The first step is becoming an RN. This entails completing an educational program, passing an examination, and applying for state licensing. RN programs are available at the associate’s level and higher. Nurses may complete their educational incrementally – they will need to determine what level is most feasible to enter.

The Role of the Clinical Forensic Examiner

Forensic nurse examiners have a dual role, providing assessment and treatment for the patient and also collecting evidence. They carry out a thorough physical examination and use equipment to find evidence that may not be visible to the eye. They see that a pregnancy test is done (if applicable) and that the patient has medication that may be needed.

The job requires strong people skills. Nurses will need to reassure and offer explanation. They will also need to collaborate with professionals in other disciplines. Oakland University has produced a video depicting a day in the life of a forensic nurse ( https://oakland.edu/nursing/graduate-programs/msn-forensic-nursing-program ). Among the things she can be seen doing is combing hair: looking for strands that do not belong to the person being examined. She can also be seen interacting with law enforcement; after conducting the assessment, she makes sure the evidence is secured.

Forensic Nursing Programs

Texas A&M University Health Science Center, ranked as the 9th best online MSN program in the nation, offers an online program with minimal on-campus clinical requirements. A graduate certificate program is also available.

Oakland University has both MSN and certificate online options. Students complete clinical courses in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management, Interpersonal Violence and Maltreatment, Forensic Nurse Death Investigation, and Advanced Forensic Nursing.

Cleveland State University offers forensic nursing as an ‘MSN: Specialized Population’ degree option. The Cleveland State program is on campus in Ohio.

Fitchburg State University offers an online MSW program. The program includes 420 total clinical hours, spread across multiple classes. The program concludes with a capstone project. The program is open to RNs with bachelor’s degrees, though the bachelor’s degree may, in some cases, be in a field other than nursing.

Forensic Nurse Employment

An early 2021 search of ‘forensic nurse’ positions suggests that a majority are for forensic nurse examiners. While the primary role is considered to be examiner, nurse examiners might have ongoing work with clients.

Institutions are also looking for professionals who can work with mentally ill offenders. Mental and physical health duties are sometimes combined.

The following are examples of recently posted positions:

• Forensic Nurse Examiner: to meet immediate care needs, collect evidence, and provide medical testimony • Forensic Nurse Examiner, Children’s Medical Group, with duties to include both examination and case management • Registered Nurse – Forensic Mental Health: to work in a competency restoration program, assessing psychological and medical status, managing treatment plans, and providing both primary care and psychological services • Supervising Nurse -Correctional Facility, with duties to include staffing and staff oversight, serving as liaison with other units, and participating in policy and program development

The International Association of Forensic Nurses is a professional resource ( https://www.forensicnurses.org/ ). The organization has set educational guidelines for forensic nursing and for the following sub-disciplines: • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Adult and Pediatric • Forensic Nurse Death Investigator • Intimate Partner Violence Nurse Examiner

Information about the above educational standards is available to those who request it.

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Forensic Nurse Career

What is a forensic nurse.

A forensic nurse is a specialty nurse who focuses on where the worlds of health and legal meet. In short, a forensic nurse is a link between the healthcare system and the law. Often forensic nurses work with crime and abuse victims, but they also work to collect physical evidence (often from the dead) for criminal investigation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What does a forensic nurse do.

Forensic nurses are specially trained registered nurses (RNs) and serve victims of abuse, violence, human trafficking, and more. Their job responsibilities may include: 

• Collecting evidence 
• Photographing injuries for evidence 
• Working with victims of domestic abuse or violence
• Connecting with law enforcement and legal teams to help victims
• Providing testimony in court cases
• Working with medical examiners when victims die

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How do i become a forensic nurse.

The first step to becoming a forensic nurse is to become a licensed nurse or RN.   A bachelor’s degree  can help you become licensed as a registered nurse, or if you already are a registered nurse, it can help you be more competitive. Many hospitals are wanting registered nurses who also have a nursing degree, so earning yours can make you a better candidate. 

Nurses are required to get extensive education, clinical hands-on experience, and pass the NCLEX exam before getting licensed. 

Forensic Nurse Education Requirements

Registered nurses hoping to get into forensic nursing should consider getting certified in a subspecialty. There are many certification options including SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner), SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), FNE (Forensic Nurse Examiner), SANC (Sexual Assault Nurse Clinician), and the latest SAE (Sexual Assault Examiner). These specialties can help nurses be qualified and experienced in the different areas of trauma they may face as a forensic nurse.

Nurses must also renew their licenses and certification in accordance with the state where they work, and pursue continuing education so they are up-to-date in the field. There are often specific types of training involved like how to handle fluids for DNA testing, communication with victims, sexual trauma training, and more. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a forensic nurse, get started today with a  bachelor’s degree from WGU.  This crucial first step will help you get the skills and credentials you need to pursue this specialty nursing career.

Best Degrees for a Forensic Nurse

Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:

• Locations:  Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, NV, NM, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
• Tuition:  $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
• Time:  This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
• WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
• If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our  Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

• Community Health
• Women's and Children's Nursing

Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:

• Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
• Tuition:  $4,685 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 23 total courses in this program.
• Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
• Healthcare Policy and Economics
• Information Technology in Nursing Practice
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Applied Healthcare Statistics

If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services  instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.

• Time: 62% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 37 months.
• Tuition:  $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
• Courses : 32 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:

• Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
• Nursing Leadership and Management
• Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
• Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care

If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.

• Time:  61% of grads finish within 23 months
• Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term
• Courses : 15 total courses in this program

This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.

Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.

• Time:  Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
• Tuition:  $4,795 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
• Courses : 8 total courses in this program.
• Strategic Planning
• Resource Management
• Business Case Analysis
• Evaluating Healthcare Improvements

How Much Does a Forensic Nurse Make?

According to ZipRecruiter, the national average  annual salary for forensic nurses  in 2023 is $65,466. The top ten percent can make as much as $100,500 or more per year. Pay can vary depending on the state and level of education and experience.

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

From 2022 to 2032,  employment for registered nurses is expected to grow 6% . This projected growth rate is well above the average across all occupations. Forensic nurses may be in even greater demand, particularly in areas with high crime rates.

WORK SETTINGS

Where does a forensic nurse work.

There are many places where a forensic nurse can work. They can function in traditional nursing roles and in areas  outside the hospital setting , including:

• Anti-violence programs - Forensic nurses are great speakers and advocates and may work in anti-violence programs in their community or state. They often work with non-profit organizations to help victims as well.
• Correctional facilities - Many forensic nurses are the nurses at correctional facilities so they can help victims of violence, and work with law enforcement in with their forensic needs.
• Medical examiner’s office - Forensic nurses may assist coroners and medical examiners in analyzing bodies of victims to help in legal cases for violent crime.
• Colleges or universities  - Some nurses with forensics experience go on to teach in forensic nursing programs to help pass on what they know.
• Communities after natural disasters - When natural disasters have happened nurses with forensic experience may be called on to help treat injuries. Forensic nurses in these situations may be sent to communities in need of help to give their expertise.
• Psychiatric institutions - In these kinds of facilities forensic nurses are responsible for helping mental health victims with violence or crime they may have experienced.
• Hospitals - Forensic nurses are needed in traditional hospital settings to help with crime, violence,  human trafficking,  and more. From emergency rooms to women's clinics, nurses with forensic specialties are vital in hospital settings.

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Julie Melini and the Rewarding Career of Forensic Nursing

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Forensic Nurse Julie Melini is passionate about helping her patients work through trauma.

Melini’s path to forensic nursing

Julie Melini, FNP-C, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, is a forensic nurse and University of Utah College of Nursing (CON) alumna. Melini knew she wanted to be a nurse from a young age. “As an adolescent, I assisted a family friend with the care of her two children who required extensive medical care. I enjoyed that opportunity and decided I wanted to be a nurse,” says Melini.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Marian College, Melini began working at  Intermountain Healthcare Primary Children’s Hospital . Her love for children kept her at Primary Children’s for the next 35 years. During that time, she received a Master of Science degree from the CON, beoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.

At Primary Children’s Hospital, Melini worked in the the  Center for Safe and Healthy Families (SHF) , a program that evaluates children for abuse and neglect. SHF was Melini’s introduction to forensic nursing. “I enjoyed the kids and helping begin the healing process. I love my patients—they have been through horrific traumatic experiences,” says Melini. “I enjoy the balance of providing support and reassurance with the detailed assessment and collection of potential evidence.”

Melini was an inaugural team member of  Wasatch Forensic Nurses (WFN) , a nonprofit mobile team of sexual assault nurse examiners who perform forensic exams to victims of rape and sexual assault at no charge to the victim. Since its inception, Melini has held various administrative positions at WFN, where she is currently the clinical advisor. She also works for the  Utah County Children’s Justice Center , performing medical exams on suspected child victims of abuse.

What is forensic nursing?

The International Association of Forensic Nurses defines a forensic nurse as “a nurse providing specialized care for patients who are experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence.” In addition to their clinical duties, forensic nurses provide consultation and testimony for civil and criminal proceedings relative to nursing practice, care given, and opinions rendered regarding findings.

“I think of a forensic nurse as a nurse who provides a nursing assessment and care for a patient while applying scientific methods and techniques to assist in the investigation of a crime,” explains Melini. “However, there are many different roles of forensic nurses.”

As an on-call forensic nurse, Melini’s primary role is reporting to various hospitals when a medical forensic exam is requested. “Forensic evidence can be lost from the body very quickly, therefore it is important to be available to do the exam as soon as possible,” explains Melini. “The hospital or law enforcement agency calls me requesting the exam, and I need to be ready to go because I do not want my patient to have to wait any longer than necessary.”

A day in the life of a forensic nurse 

Melini describes her typical day as an on-call forensic nurse:

“When I arrive at the hospital, I coordinate with the nurse and provider caring for the patient, and spend the next two to six hours in the room with the patient. Once I start collecting evidence, I cannot leave the room.”

“I first address comfort issues and establish rapport. I explain the patient’s options, including declining an exam or portions of the exam, declining to talk with law enforcement, or declining to have their sexual assault evidence collection kit tested. The patient is also reassured that they can change their mind at any time.”

“I then get the patient’s demographic information, their medical history, and a history of the assault. I perform a detailed head-to-toe exam, carefully documenting injury and collecting potential evidence. I then discuss prophylaxis options for STIs and—if the patient is female—pregnancy,”

“I review my findings and recommendations with the provider, and give the patient detailed discharge instructions. After I have finished my exam, I spend another one to two hours completing my report and cleaning/restocking my kit so I am prepared for the next patient. Each report is peer-reviewed by an experienced nurse.”

A rewarding career

For Melini, the most rewarding aspect of forensic nursing is being there for her patients during a very traumatic time. “Often at the beginning of an exam, the patient is curled in a ball making no eye contact. By the end of the exam the patient is sitting up, making eye contact, and smiling as they are chatting about their pet or favorite movie,” says Melini. “I like being able to make a difference that hopefully the patient can draw on as they struggle through the healing process.” Working through mental and physical trauma with a patient is just one reason Melini loves her career.

Life-changing education

Melini’s education from the CON greatly aided her career. “My Master of Science and Family Nurse Practitioner education was life-changing,” says Melini. “I learned so much and apply parts of my education to my career every day.” She also appreciates the life-long faculty mentors she gained at the CON. “I had wonderful mentors—examples of the nurse practitioner I wanted to be”

How to become a forensic nurse

“I would suggest joining the International Association of Forensic Nurses and getting on a listserv to learn about forensic nursing,” says Melini. She expresses that individuals interested in forensic nursing should research the field and be comfortable with the roles of the career.

Wasatch Forensic Nurses prefers that nurses have at least one year of experience in the field before becoming a forensic nurse. “It is very important that nurses are experienced and confident with physical exams and documentation of exam findings,” says Melini. Prior to being hired as a forensic nurse, registered nurses must also complete a 40-hour Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training.

Melini suggests that nurses who want to enter the field should  contact Dana Thomas , director of Wasatch Forensic Nurses, who can provide more information about the hiring process and expectations of the forensic nurse.

Melini’s advice for students who would like to become a forensic nurse

“A forensic nurse is first and foremost a nurse, providing compassionate care to someone who has been traumatized and is the victim of a crime. It isn’t CSI—'putting the bad guy in jail’ is a very minor part of the role. Forensic nurses need to be able to connect with the patient while being objective and providing a very detailed assessment and documentation,” relays Melini. “This is not an easy job. However, it is rewarding.”

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Online MSN Degree in Forensic Nursing

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Duquesne University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ).

Every nurse takes vitals. Forensic nurses collect evidence.

Imagine that you’re about to treat a sexual assault victim. Your role is to serve as an advocate for the patient. How do you provide trauma-informed care? What would you do to preserve the chain of evidence during your exam? These are the questions forensic nurses are prepared to answer. And now is your time to become one.

Choose Duquesne University’s online MSN in Forensic Nursing and graduate from one of the few programs in the country to offer in-depth study in all areas of forensic nursing practice.

Have you already earned your MSN in a different area of focus but would like to expand your scope of practice in Forensic Nursing?

Duquesne University is proud to offer a Post-Master’s Certificate in Forensic Nursing .

What can I do with a forensic nursing degree?

A forensic nursing degree opens the door to several professional pathways beyond traditional medical settings. While traditional nursing is always an option, forensic nursing careers can lead to exciting opportunities in several settings including emergency services, law enforcement, judicial settings, domestic abuse shelters, legal firms, and coroner’s offices. Forensic nursing is ideal for those looking for a non-traditional and rewarding career with endless possibilities.

Study 100% online

3 start dates per year

No GRE required

Tuition discounts available

Prepare for SANE certification

Why earn your MSN in an online Forensic Nursing program?

Earning a graduate degree online allows you to continue working in your current position and advance your career with a focus on forensics. Your new skills and knowledge can prepare you for greater earning potential and nursing leadership roles.

The smart choice — a 100% online MSN degree in Forensic Nursing.

• Prepare to become a certified SANE nurse. Your certificate provides a prep course that includes the 40-hour SANE-A training necessary to sit for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification exam.
• Flexible online program.  Complete coursework and clinical requirements anywhere on your own timetable.
• Learn from experts in the field.  Our faculty and preceptors are expanding areas of forensic nursing practice.
• Graduate from a top-ranked institution. Study at a School of Nursing ranked #36 among the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2023.
• Build your network. Connect on campus with faculty and classmates from across the country during your three-day residency.

Are there specific certifications or licensures required for forensic nursing?

There is no specific required forensic nursing certification or forensic nurse license beyond the traditional education requirements to enter forensic nursing. However, many nurses choose to bolster their work experience as well as obtain a master’s in forensic nursing or Post-Master’s Certificate in Forensic Nursing to shore up their knowledge in the area.

Some nurses also choose to pursue Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Generalist Forensic Nurse or Advanced Forensic Nurse certifications to increase their standing and credibility as nursing professionals.

Why choose Duquesne University’s Forensic Nursing Program?

We have been leaders in online education for over 20 years. In fact, in 2002 Duquesne University launched one of the nation’s first forensic nursing programs, created by faculty members who are innovators within the field.

Our master’s program is rooted in forensic science and law.

Our online MSN in Forensic Nursing program was designed in partnership with the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law. You will have the opportunity to learn to identify new methods and approaches to achieve civil and criminal justice. Our program prepares you to become a leader in this emerging nursing field.

Study with us, and you can expect:

• Broad-based forensic curriculum
• Preparation for an advanced practice forensic role
• Courses that include ethics, criminal law, evidence-based practice and health care policy

How do forensic nursing programs prepare students to work with victims of crime?

Forensic nursing programs prepare students for work in the field through coursework that allows students to develop the practical knowledge needed to understand how to navigate forensic scenes and settings with confidence. At Duquesne University, students studying in forensic nursing programs can expect to take courses including:

• Forensic Science and the Legal System
• Criminal Law and the Courts
• Advanced Forensic Nursing I: Theory and Practice
• Advanced Forensic Nursing II: Program Development, Leadership & Policy
• Forensic Clinical and Capstone

With the completion of their studies, students are equipped to enter professional environments and being their work as forensic nursing specialists.

What skills and qualities are important for a forensic nurse to possess?

Along with traditional nursing skills, students develop several essential soft skills that enhance their impact when working in forensic nursing jobs such as thorough communication for crisis intervention, adaptability to act as a situational intermediary between victims and police or family, and attention to detail for court testimonies. These skills create a “total package” effect, allowing forensic nurses to leverage knowledge and skillsets that positions them for unique service and support in non-traditional medical environments.

“We offer one of the few forensic programs in the country — and we do it well. Our connection with the Cyril Wecht Institute is at such a level that the depth of education received at Duquesne is unparalleled.”

Cherith Simmer, MS, RN, Assistant Dean at Duquesne University School of Nursing

Our faculty are pioneers in forensic nursing education.

Meet dr. kathleen sekula..

She is more than a professor of forensic nursing. She’s a pioneer in the field. Not only did she develop one of the first Master of Science programs offering a specialty in forensic nursing, but she also now leads our forensic nursing graduate programs. She’s passionate about educating the next generation of forensic nurses. And she’s ready to teach you.

Director of Forensic Nursing Graduate Programs and Professor of Nursing

• Certificate, The Cyril H. Wecht Institute for Forensic Science and Law, 2002
• PhD, Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 1998
• MSN, University of Pittsburgh, 1986
• BSN, Duquesne University, 1967
• RN, St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing, 1964

In 1998, Dr. Sekula joined the School of Nursing and served on the undergraduate and graduate faculty as a psychiatric mental health expert. In early 2001, because of her expertise in psychiatry, she was asked to develop a graduate program that would interface with the Wecht Institute certificate program. Forensic nursing was a new area of practice at the time, and the incidences of violence were growing at alarming rates.

Through her work with other forensic specialists, she developed a unique forensic master’s program that incorporated courses developed in the law school. Subsequently, she secured two grants from the Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) — both of which helped to make the forensic graduate programs among the most popular programs at Duquesne University.

In the process of developing these programs, Dr. Sekula recognized the need to offer SANE-A (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner — Adult) training programs online for nurses unable to attend the one-week training, so she created one. Now, Duquesne University’s online SANE-A training is at the forefront in preparing nurses to serve the needs of victims of sexual assault throughout the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

There’s no question: Dr. Sekula stands out as a leader in forensic nursing.

• Elected to the board of directors for the International Association of Forensic Nurses
• Honored with the International Association of Forensic Nurses Virginia Lynch Award
• Served as president and member of the Forensic Nurse Certification Board
• Served as a member of the  International Journal of Forensic Nursing  editorial board
• Inducted as Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing

Online Forensic Nursing Courses

36 credit hours | 12 courses.

Forensic nurses don’t only work in hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms. They also work as nurse coroners, expert witnesses and policy makers. Our curriculum reflects the opportunities available — preparing you to become a respected leader who can work collaboratively on a multi‑disciplinary forensic team.

You can also choose to expand upon your MSN in Forensic Nursing by adding a concentration in Nursing Education or Transcultural Nursing to your coursework.

Note: If you have previously earned master’s‑level nursing credits with a grade of “B” or higher, you may be able to transfer up to 9 credit hours and apply them toward your MSN at Duquesne University.

Forensic Nursing Admission Requirements

Admission requirements.

To qualify for our online MSN program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience as an RN (prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses)
• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license
• Complete an undergraduate-level statistics course with a “C” or higher

The faculty admissions committee may look more closely at nursing and science grades when making admissions decisions.

Online Admission Process

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Professional goal statement
• Official transcript(s)
• The supervisor reference letters must come from a direct supervisor who is responsible for your performance evaluation
• If you have been out of school more than five years, please speak with your Enrollment Advisor for advice

What are the educational requirements to become a forensic nurse?

Like other fields of nursing, forensic nurse requirements include completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Registered Nurse (RN) designation earned by passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Beyond those requirements, students can seek employment and earn experience to make their way into forensic nursing. Upon completion of the BSN, students may find it highly advantageous to pursue graduate education programs like the Online Master of Forensic Nursing or Post-Master’s Certificate in Forensic Nursing.

Duquesne University’s forensic nursing program helps shape students into effective forensic professionals capable of supporting multiple efforts in criminal investigation, process and reform.

Can I transition into forensic nursing with a different nursing background or degree?

Nurses who desire to transition into forensic nursing can do so, provided they obtain the proper training necessary to develop competence in the specialty. Obtaining a forensic nursing degree or certificate can be extremely beneficial to building the foundation for the multifaceted area of work. For additional support, feel free to speak with a trusted advisor in Duquesne University’s forensic nursing program .

Forensic Nursing Research: The Basics Explained

Affiliations.

• 1 Author Affiliations:UPMC Hamot.
• 2 Brigham Young University College of Nursing.
• 3 Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing, Texas A&M University.
• 4 School of Nursing, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Auburn University at Montgomery.
• 5 College of Nursing, Texas A&M University.
• 6 Forensic Graduate Programs, School of Nursing, Duquesne University.
• 7 International Association of Forensic Nurses.
• PMID: 34162802
• DOI: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000336

As a growing profession, forensic nursing requires research to establish best practice guidelines leading to evidence-based practice. In addition, forensic nursing quality improvement projects are necessary to evaluate and improve practices and policies. The purpose of this article is to provide step-by-step guidelines on research and quality improvement projects to encourage all forensic nurses to actively contribute to and utilize research in practice. Research will expand our forensic nursing science and knowledge base. Ultimately, forensic nursing research will benefit our patients and communities by establishing enhanced, evidence-based care.

Copyright © 2021 International Association of Forensic Nurses.

• Evidence-Based Practice
• Forensic Nursing*
• Nursing Research / methods*
• Quality Improvement

Membership in the Forensic Nursing Science Section

Forensic Nursing Science Section members represent the forensic specialist in nursing science, combining the principles and philosophies of the traditional forensic sciences and those of contemporary nursing in the clinical investigation of crime-related trauma, liability issues, and medical deaths. Forensic nursing is active in an extensive range of subspecialties, including pediatric and adult sexual assault, psychiatric mental health, nursing jurisprudence, death investigation, intimate partner violence, child and elder abuse, human trafficking, refugee health, and other areas where forensic assessments are analyzed, including genocide, torture, and mass disaster response. Forensic nurses apply scientific expertise, technical assistance, medicolegal education, and research pertaining to the consequences of human violence and social justice. This specialized nursing role is a fully designated, evidenced-based practice that recognizes human violence through state-of-the-art scientific knowledge, pertinent issues of law, and desecrated human rights while simultaneously applying an investigative and interpretative search for the truth.

Dr. Amy Carney Introduces the Forensic Nursing Science Section

Dr. Amy Carney, Professor of Nursing: Forensic Specialist , at California State University San Marcos introduces the newest section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Forensic Nurses have long been a part of the General Section at AAFS, until they officially established the Forensic Nursing Science Section at the 2022 AAFS Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington.

My membership in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences has been intellectually stimulating, inspirational, and motivating. It has been exceptionally educational in areas of science that have enhanced my understanding of how the forensic sciences impact life and death. It has allowed me to participate in vast aspects of knowledge I previously didn't know existed, yet relates to every pertinent component of health and justice.

The Academy has provided me with an opportunity to meet and associate with members of the various disciplines in other sections who have influenced my perspectives and comprehension of the forensic sciences. I have been privileged to work with forensic colleagues who have served as examples in professionalism, ethics, academics, and to participate in the global forensic sciences in 37 different countries. This privilege has guided my practice throughout the last 40 years and has evolved into the Academy's 12th section as the Forensic Nursing Science Section in 2022.

Section Leadership

Jamie ferrell, mba, bsn, rn.

Amy Carney, NP, PhD

Janean fossum, bsn, rn.

Who should apply to the Forensic Nursing Science Section?

Experienced nursing professionals interested in expanding their current role beyond the recognized boundaries of clinical practice may wish to join the Forensic Nursing Science Section and explore the extensive world of forensic health science.

Websites Pertaining to Nursing Science

• The Academy of Forensic Nursing
• The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)
• International Council of Nurses
• World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine
• American Academy of Nursing
• American Nurses Association
• Emergency Nurses Association
• Canadian Nurses Association
• Canadian Forensic Nurses Association
• Foreign Nurses Association in Japan
• Sigma Global Nursing
• Australian College of Nursing

Before you apply...

The application system was not ready to launch into the new online portal for the 2023 review year, therefore you will need to submit an application (new, upgrade or promotion) through your old online portal. Since the old online portal is no longer supported, we are unable to add the new Forensic Nursing Science section as an option to choose a section. When submitting an application, please  choose the General Section and add in the Additional Information section "Forensic Nursing" and your application will be changed accordingly.

Recent Forensic Nursing Science Section News

First anti-rape crisis centre established in pakistan institute of medical sciences, articles of interest for forensic nurses, article of interest for forensic nurses, giving thanks to the forensic nursing science section, 2023 forensic nursing week, justice talks—forensic nursing science, forensic nursing science section seeking moderators for aafs 2024, after nurse’s murder conviction: a reckoning, committee updates for the forensic nursing science section, entry level categories, student affiliate.

Academy Requirements

Both at the time of application and at the time the application is being considered for approval, an applicant for Student Affiliate status must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would support a forensic science career accepted by the section to which application is being made.  Each Student Affiliate must certify eligibility annually with the AAFS. Student Affiliate status may be maintained for two consecutive calendar years beginning at the end of the calendar year within which graduation occurs. During the two-year period, once employment in a forensic discipline recognized by a section of the AAFS is attained, Student Affiliates will be required to upgrade their membership to Trainee Affiliate or Associate Member.

Section Requirements

• AAFS Basic Requirements for Student Affiliate must be fulfilled; and
• Applicants must provide one (1) letter of reference from their nursing or academic advisor, program director, or department chair indicating that the applicant is enrolled in a program relevant to the forensic sciences.

Trainee Affiliate

Trainee Affiliate status is limited to persons who have completed the educational requirements, but not the experience requirements for Associate Member in the section to which application is being made. Both at the time of application and at the time the application is being considered for approval, applicants for Trainee Affiliate status must be actively working toward completion of the experience requirements by participating in a training program or employment that supports a forensic science career accepted by the section. Each Trainee Affiliate must certify eligibility annually.

• AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled; and
• Applicants must provide one (1) letter of reference from their immediate supervisor indicating that the applicant is working in a forensic program relevant to the section's area of interest.

Associate Member

Academy membership shall be available only to those persons of professional competence, integrity, and good moral character:

• who are actively engaged in the field of forensics sciences and who have made some significant contribution to the literature of forensic sciences, or
• who have advanced the cause of forensic science in some other significant manner, and
• who satisfy the requirements for membership of the section applied to or recommended for, and
• who have earned a baccalaureate or higher academic degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education, or from a non-U.S. college or university bearing equivalent accreditation.
• AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled; and
• Applicant must be a Registered Nurse with a baccalaureate degree and have five (5) years of experience in one of the forensic sciences within the scope of coverage acceptable to the section, or a master's degree and four (4) years of similar experience, or a doctorate degree and three (3) years of similar experience. NOTE: Past experience is counted if: (a) related to current forensic discipline field, and (b) was not required to obtain educational degree; and
• Demonstrate current involvement in the forensic discipline for which applying; and submit for inspection a complete curriculum vitae indicative of active engagement, publication, pursuit of a career, or other contribution to the application of nursing to forensic science; and
• Provide two (2) letters of reference. One (1) reference must be from a full Member, Fellow, Retired Member, or Retired Fellow of the Forensic Nursing Science Section. The other reference may be from an AAFS member, or from someone active in the forensic sciences. References must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications and must address the candidate's aptitude in and contributions to forensic nursing.

Promotion Requirements

The criteria for promotion are applicable to all members seeking promotion to Member or to Fellow. Applications must be received and completed by October 1 to be considered for approval at the AAFS annual conference.

The criteria for original membership, as stated in the bylaws for the AAFS Basic Requirements, still apply to promotions:

Membership shall be available only to those persons of professional competence, integrity, and good moral character:

• Who are actively engaged in the field of forensic sciences and who have made some significant contribution to the literature of forensic science, or
• Who have advanced the cause of forensic science in some other significant manner; and
• Who satisfy the requirements for membership of the section applied to or recommended for; and
• Who have earned a baccalaureate or higher academic degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education, or from a non-U.S. college or university bearing equivalent accreditation.

 In addition, the following criteria for service to the AAFS and to forensic science in general are used:

• Service to the AAFS. This includes attendance at the annual conferences and participation in the program. Attendance at a minimum of one (1) conference is required for advancement from Associate Member to Member and one additional conference for advancement from Member to Fellow. However, if exigencies such as workload requirements, finances, or ill health preclude such attendance, this will be taken into consideration. It is AAFS policy that members who exhibit at the annual conference must pay the conference registration fee, if the exhibitor wishes to receive continuing education credit or count the conference attendance toward fulfilling a requirement for membership promotion.
• Service in the general area of forensic sciences. This is intended to recognize the individual who performs outstanding service in the execution of his/her regular responsibilities but who, in so doing, is unable to excel in other endeavors.
• Service in the area of forensic science research. Any contribution which the individual has made since his/her admission to the AAFS, or latest advancement will be given consideration.
• Service in the area of forensic science education or training. Any effort (either by formal or informal curricula) to disseminate the scientific information which the individual has acquired throughout his/her career will be considered.
• Fulfill the AAFS Basic Requirements for Promotion and any such additional requirements as may be established for its members;
• Serve a minimum of two (2) years as an Associate Member; and
• Register and attend a minimum of one (1) annual conference of the AAFS. The conference at which the title of Associate Member was conferred, if attended, may be counted; however, the conference at which the title of Member is being considered shall not be counted. 

References not required. 

Academy Requirements 

• Fulfill the AAFS Basic Requirements for Promotion and any such additional requirements as may be established for its members by a specific forensic science discipline represented in the Forensic Nursing Science Section;
• Demonstrate active work in the forensic sciences at the time the promotion application is filed;
• Register and attend a minimum of two (2) annual conferences of the AAFS and one (1) Forensic Nursing Science Section Business Meeting. The conference at which the title of Member was conferred, if attended, may be counted; however, the meeting at which the title of Fellow is being considered shall not be counted (special consideration may be given for promotion after attendance at one (1) conference if extenuating circumstances have prevented attendance for two (2) years and all other promotion requirements have been met); and
• Meet two (2) of the following requirements prior to the annual meeting at which promotion to Fellow is conferred: a. Participate as an active member or chair of a committee of the Forensic Nursing Science Section of AAFS. One (1) year of committee work equals one (1) contribution. The committee chair will submit a list of active members at the end of each year to the section chair; or b. Participate in the annual program of the AAFS by presentation of a paper, poster, luncheon seminar, workshop, or moderating a routine Forensic Nursing Science Section program session; or c. Author a paper on a subject relevant to the section's area of interest that is accepted for publication in the Journal of Forensic Sciences or other peer-reviewed journal or conference proceedings. This requirement is fulfilled if the applicant's name appears as an author on the paper. Letters to the Editor or Book Reviews will not be considered in fulfilling this requirement. References not required. 

All AAFS Sections

AAFS is organized into 12 sections that encompass many forensic science disciplines. AAFS is honored to have more than 6,500 members from around the globe. 

• Anthropology
• Criminalistics
• Digital & Multimedia Sciences
• Engineering & Applied Sciences
• Jurisprudence
• Forensic Nursing Science
• Pathology/Biology
• Psychiatry & Behavioral Science
• Questioned Documents

Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing is a rapidly growing sector of the nursing industry. With the right experience and training, you could use your skills to help law enforcement and victims of crime. After earning your undergraduate nursing degree, you can check out forensic nursing schools.

On this page, learn more about the field of forensic nursing and how to get involved. You’ll discover what forensic nurses do, their average income and what kind of training they get. Get more info on forensic nursing programs near you with our search box above. Explore featured forensic nursing schools below and contact programs for more information.

You can also explore which nursing specialty is right for you with our Nursing Specialties Quiz that matches your personality to your nursing career!

Forensic nursing job description.

Your experience working with patients serves you well in the field of forensic nursing. However, this role takes you far beyond standard nursing tasks. Forensic nurses work with patients who have been the victim of a crime. They may also work with perpetrators.

After a crime has been committed, forensic nurses jump into action. They treat the injuries of a victim and provide emotional support for the trauma they’ve experienced. While offering treatment, nurses collect evidence and preserve it carefully. Patient assessment is key at this stage.

Forensic nurses get a lot of training in psychology and trauma. They may assess the victims’ mental state to determine which further services are needed. Before a victim leaves, the forensic nurse might provide referrals for counseling or therapy.

Forensic nursing professionals should be ready to take their knowledge to the courtroom. They are often called as witnesses in criminal cases. On the stand, you may have to testify about a victim’s injuries, their psychological state and possible causes of injuries. You may also testify about the evidence collected from the patient during treatment.

Forensic Nursing Jobs

• Forensic nurse examiner: This is a broad job title that covers the most common job duties of forensic nursing professionals. In this role, plan on collecting evidence, treating victims and providing testimony.
• Sexual assault nurse examiner: SANEs work specifically with victims of sexual assault. They follow strict procedures and treatment protocols. They conduct extensive physical exams to gather evidence, provide protection against STDs and guard against pregnancy.
• Forensic nurse death investigator: This role is a highly specialized area of forensic nursing. Forensic nurse death investigators work alongside coroners to conduct postmortem investigations. Your work may include determining the cause of death, gathering relevant evidence and writing reports for law enforcement.
• Legal nurse consultant: Legal nurse consultants bridge the gap between the legal industry and the healthcare industry. They often examine evidence and medical documentation to provide expert testimony in legal cases.
• Forensic correctional nurse: Forensic correctional nurses work in jails and prisons. They provide high-quality treatment to inmates. They provide everything from substance abuse treatment and preventive care to treatment for chronic diseases.

Forensic Nursing Salary

Demand for nursing professionals is on the rise across the country. Job openings for all registered nurses are expected to jump 15% between 2016 and 2026 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Forensic nurses may find that their job outlook is stronger in urban areas. Smaller municipalities do not always have the necessary funding for forensic nursing staff, so they may send crime victims to hospitals in larger cities.

The salary you earn depends on how much experience you have in forensic nursing, which law enforcement agency you’re employed through and which services you provide. Currently, the average salary for a registered nurse is $68,450 per year in the United States (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). You may earn more if you have forensic nursing certification.

Forensic Nursing Schools

To become a forensic nurse, you must already be a registered nurse and have a nursing license in your state. You may enter some forensic nursing roles with an associate degree and specialized training. However, many programs require that you have a BSN.

If you want to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, you could finish your training in a matter of weeks. Many hospitals and sexual assault support centers offer a 40-hour training course. You may use this training to become certified through the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

For a broader education that covers all areas of forensic nursing, consider a certificate program. These programs are designed for BSN or MSN graduates. Both options last about one year. In a BSN certificate program, you may build on your standard registered nursing skills. In a post-MSN program, you may prepare for advanced practice in the field of forensic nursing.

Graduate forensic nursing programs are another option. Over a period of two years, you may earn a master’s degree in forensic nursing. While taking core advanced nursing courses, you also enroll in specialized forensic classes.

Forensic Nursing Curriculum

In a graduate forensic nursing program, plan on earning between 30 and 45 credits. Full-time students may finish in as little as two years. Those who work full-time while studying may graduate in four years as part-time students.

Many of the classes you take develop your ability to work in specialized care settings and situations.

The courses below are commonly required in forensic nursing programs.

• Theory Development in Nursing
• Crisis Theory in Forensic Nursing
• Forensic Methodologies
• Nursing Research
• Psychological, Social and Legal Aspects of Forensics
• Sociology of Crime and Delinquency
• Foundations of Forensic Nursing

In most graduate programs, you must complete at least 300 clinical hours. Working with crime victims is very different from working with typical patients. Getting supervised experience at the student level may help you avoid common missteps and treat patients with empathy. Supervised work experience also helps you develop your evidence collection skills, allowing you to avoid errors that lead to contaminated and unusable evidence.

Examine your school’s learning outcomes before beginning your forensic nursing education. This shows you what skills you’re expected to develop by the time you graduate. Your training may cover how to interact with other healthcare professionals and criminal justice professionals in an effective manner. You should also learn how to recognize signs of abuse in how patients act and which injuries they have. Some courses cover how to use expert witness skills in an ethical and legal manner in the courtroom.

Becoming a forensic nurse allows you to combine your passion for nursing and your interest in criminal justice. Contact forensic nursing programs today to start preparing for the next stage of your career.

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PhD Programs in Forensic Science – Accredited Doctoral Programs

There are various doctoral programs in forensic science for forensics professionals with niche research interests, several years of experience, and an unbreakable work ethic. While most of the programs at this level fall into one of the discipline’s subfields, such as chemistry, clinical psychology, or anthropology, there are a few terminal degree options in forensic science.

Preparation at the PhD level is crucial to furthering the discipline of forensic science for several reasons. First, graduate students and professors are typically responsible for revolutionizing the technologies and methods behind forensic technologies. By illustration, Discover Magazine published a piece on Dr. Robert Hare—one of the pioneers in forensic psychology—and explained that in the 1950s, he was working in uncharted waters. Dr. Hare is well-known for his Psychopathy Checklist (PCL), which he developed in 1980 to identify psychopathic tendencies. While forensic psychology was still in its infancy, this groundbreaking researcher pinpointed 20 items associated with psychopathy, including exhibiting a lack of empathy, impulsivity, a tendency toward short-term relationships, and a failure to take responsibility for one’s actions.

Dr. Hare was also one of the first researchers to use physiological arousal studies to study the disease. People with mental illness generally do not show the same arousal in response to stressful stimuli as control subjects. Dr. Hare is one example of a forensic scientist who pioneered new methods in the subfield of clinical psychology to measure mental illness.

Second, achieving a terminal degree in forensic science may require employment at the highest levels of universities, forensic laboratories, research organizations, and other institutions. Having a PhD can enhance one’s candidacy for leadership and teaching positions and may also increase one’s salary potential.

Lastly, it may be wise to pursue a PhD in forensic science or a subfield to prepare oneself for professional certification. In fact, several credentialing boards of the discipline require applicants to have a doctoral degree, including the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA), the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO), and the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists (ABFT), specifically for credentialing at the Fellow level. In addition, please visit the forensic science careers page to learn more about the credentialing organizations accredited by the esteemed Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB).

Read on to learn about the wealth of accredited PhD programs in forensic science and the relevant psychology, chemistry, and anthropology subfields.

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Doctoral degree programs in forensics.

While few doctoral programs focus exclusively on forensic science, there are many PhD options in the varied subfields. Prospective students in forensics are urged to verify the accreditation status of their institutions and programs. To learn more about accreditation, please read the section at the end.

Doctoral Degree Program Requirements

To gain entry into a PhD program, admissions committees typically call for the following from students:

• Official transcripts from all undergraduate (and graduate) institutions with a stellar GPA (e.g., >3.5)
• Proof of having completed specific coursework in a relevant major (e.g., forensic science, natural science, chemistry, biology)
• A resume with one to two years of professional experience in forensic science
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement (typically 1,000 words or less)
• Interview (in-person, phone, or web-based)
• Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• GRE Subject Test scores (generally optional)
• TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English only)
• Proof of professional publications (recommended, but not always required)
• A background check (especially for competitive internships for program credit)
• Application fee

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Science

There are currently limited options at the PhD level for forensic science programs, but they are on the rise.

Sam Houston State University

At Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, students can pursue a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in forensic science. As one of the only programs in the US, this 86-credit-hour program generally takes four to five years of full-time study to complete. Sam Houston’s curriculum comprises core coursework, electives, and dissertation research.

In addition, the degree plan includes classes such as forensic instrumental analysis; trace and microscopical analysis; forensic toxicology; research methods; and forensic laboratory management.

Notably, Sam Houston State University has a master’s degree in forensic science that is FEPAC-accredited.

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four to five years

West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU), based in Morgantown, is another program that offers a PhD specifically focused on forensic science. According to the school, the program “is strongly science-based and prepares students to work across the foundations of criminalistics.”

WVU is the only school in the nation boasting forensics programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. WVU’s bachelor’s and master’s programs are accredited by the prestigious Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC is the gold standard in program approvals for forensic science at the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Applicants to the PhD program should possess a bachelor’s or research-based master’s degree from an accredited university or college which includes at least one year of the following courses: fundamentals of chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, physics, or calculus. They should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores of 300 or better.

Students in this program must successfully complete a minimum of 71 credits. Each student may apply a maximum of 31 credits of research toward the 71-credit requirement and the remaining 40 credits must be earned in graduate-level courses in forensic science. The program also includes a dissertation proposal presentation, an oral defense of the dissertation, and an oral qualifying examination.

The curriculum includes courses such as foundations of criminalistics; forensic informatics; forensic laboratory management; trace evidence examination; research design in forensic science; arson and explosives analysis; analysis of seized drugs; and analytical forensic toxicology.

• Location: Morgantown, WV
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Psychology

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) American Psychology-Law Society maintains a detailed guide to legal and forensic psychology programs. In addition, there are PhD programs and PsyD and PhD/JD combined options.

Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University (PAU) in California provides a four-year PhD in clinical psychology with a forensic area of emphasis. Core coursework for this specialized PhD includes forensic assessment, an advanced forensic psychology seminar, assessment and treatment of trauma in adults, child and adolescent development, biological psychology, psychopharmacology, adult development and aging, neuropsychological assessment, and cross-cultural issues in psychology.

In addition, by dividing students into small, faculty-guided research groups, PAU ensures that students get empirical instruction in research methods and proper leadership through all phases of developing their dissertations.

• Location: Palo Alto, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); American Psychological Association (APA)
• Expected Time to Completion: Three years

Sam Houston University

Sam Houston University provides a 108-credit PhD program in clinical psychology with a forensic emphasis. In addition to clinical training and coursework, the forensic track helps students specialize in applying psychology to legal issues by learning how to perform court evaluations, mental health assessments, court consultations, and more.

The program’s coursework includes classes related to profession-wide competencies, discipline-specific knowledge, and forensic psychology as well as dissertation, thesis, practicum, and internship credits.

Sam Houston’s forensic psychology classes include psychopathology; assessment of personality and psychopathology; assessment of intelligence and achievement; cognitive and affective bases of behavior; law and social psychology; forensic assessment; and mental health law.

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); American Psychological Association (APA)

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Chemistry

Forensic chemistry specializes in forensic science and can provide many career avenues. For example, forensic chemists holding PhDs can go on to work at a university in academia or may end up heading a forensic research lab.

Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) in Miami is one of the top 25 largest universities in the nation and provides a PhD program in chemistry, forensic sciences, and biochemistry. With over 100 graduate students and a $4 million annual research budget, FIU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a multidisciplinary approach to the forensic science field.

For example, the forensic science track focuses on the environmental impact of trace elements (e.g., mercury and arsenic), an essential line of work primarily in the wake of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Other projects involve the study of hydrocarbons, airborne particulate matter, free radicals, and organophosphates. The forensic track also focuses on advanced aspects of biomedical research, such as the synthesis of essential molecules, protease enzymes, and how macular pigments are impacted by diet and nutrition.

Notably, Florida International University has a bachelor’s as well as a master’s degree in forensic science that is FEPAC-accredited.

• Location: Miami, FL

University at Albany

The University at Albany in Albany, New York, offers a PhD in analytical and forensic chemistry. This program is committed to advancing the techniques in forensic analysis at a molecular level and features classes such as advanced forensic chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, analytical methods, comprehensive biochemistry, experimental methods of organic structure determination, and a forensic drug chemistry internship.

Finally, all students must pass the American Chemical Society graduate exams in organic and physical chemistry and inorganic or biological chemistry.

• Location: Albany, NY
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Three to five years

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando offers a PhD in chemistry and four concentration areas: materials chemistry; environmental chemistry; biochemistry; and forensic science.

The 72-credit forensic science program requires coursework in forensic analysis of explosives; forensic molecular biology; forensic analysis of ignitable liquids; forensic analysis of biological materials; population genetics and genetic data; frontiers in chemistry; radiochemistry; advanced instrumental analysis; and directed research in forensic science. Students at UCF will also have access to the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS), a highly regarded research center.

• Location: Orlando, FL

Doctoral Programs in Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology is an essential part of the crime-solving goals of all forensic sciences. PhD programs in forensic anthropology will allow students to deepen their understanding of how human remains and other evidence can help in the legal process.

University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville provides a PhD program in biological anthropology focusing on forensic science. Students receive advanced instruction in recovering human remains and analyzing trauma. Classes include evolutionary biology; human gross anatomy; biostatistics; forensic pathology; biomechanics; archaeology; human development; and radiology and osteology.

UF also boasts a state-of-the-art forensics lab: the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory (CAPHIL), which services other agencies around the state. This school’s multidisciplinary approach to forensic anthropology involves collaboration with departments in entomology, laboratory medicine, and soil and water analyses. Please note that this program is highly competitive, with fewer than 3 percent of applicants gaining admission. Typical admittees have high GPAs (>3.5) and GRE scores are not required for admission.

• Location: Gainesville, FL

The University of South Florida

University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa offers a doctoral program in applied anthropology. In addition, students may choose a concentration in archeological and forensic sciences (AFS). The program requires 42 credits beyond the master’s degree. The concentration in archeological and forensic sciences includes courses such as seminars in archaeology; forensic anthropology; advanced methods in forensic anthropology; introduction to forensic sciences; and bioarchaeology.

As the first institution in the US to offer a doctoral-level degree in applied anthropology, USF helps forensic anthropology students prepare for careers in the public and private sectors.

• Location: Tampa, FL

International PhD Programs in Forensic Sciences

For forensic science professionals seeking to advance their knowledge while living abroad, there are some PhD programs in forensic science in other countries.

Deakin University

Among them is a doctoral program at Australia’s Deakin University. Deakin, based in Geelong in the state of Victoria, provides a PhD program in chemistry, biotechnology, and forensic sciences.

Key research emphases at Deakin include forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic entomology, materials chemistry, and agricultural biotechnology, to name a few.

• Location: Geelong, Victoria, AUS
• Accreditation: N/A

Hybrid and Online Graduate Programs in Forensic Science

The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) recognizes several online graduate programs related to forensic science. Still, there are no PhDs in forensic science that students can complete 100 percent online. This is mainly due to the importance of being present in a lab to analyze research findings and learn the empirical techniques of forensic science in a clinical context.

Oklahoma State University offers a notable PhD in forensic science program in a hybrid format.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers a PhD in forensic science program which is a highly interdisciplinary research degree involving advanced coursework in several forensic disciplines. Graduates of this PhD will have advanced knowledge conversant in a broader range of forensic disciplines than one with a master’s degree.

Applicants to the program must have a master’s degree. The curriculum includes courses such as survey of forensic sciences; technical aspects of forensic document examination; quality assurance in forensic science; ethics in forensic leadership; fire dynamics in forensic investigations; population genetics for the forensic scientist; advanced forensic laboratory experience; and forensic osteology and anthropology.

• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

That said, there are some online programs related to forensic science, including:

University of Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts offers a graduate certificate in forensic criminology that can be completed entirely online. Courses completed in this certificate can be applied toward UMass Lowell’s online master’s degree in criminal justice.

The program’s 12-credit curriculum includes courses such as criminal profiling; forensic psychology; victimology; and sex crimes and offenders.

• Location: Lowell, MA
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Nine months

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an online master’s degree in forensic psychology preparing students for a variety of psychology-related careers in the criminal justice and legal systems. This top-ranked online program is offered entirely online on a part-time basis and can be completed in about two years.

Applicants to the program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a behavioral or social science major allied with psychology and a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above. There are no residency requirements or GRE requirements.

Made up of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as psychology and law; research methods in forensic psychology; cognitive psychology; eyewitness testimony memory; diversity psychology; and behavior pathology, among others.

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years

The University of Florida (UF) UF offers four online master’s programs related to forensics which can also be completed as web-based, 12 to 15-credit graduate certificates. These may be ideal for master’s-prepared forensic scientists seeking to enhance their knowledge in a subfield before committing to a PhD program. The four featured subfields at UF include forensic drug chemistry, forensic death investigation, forensic DNA and serology, and forensic toxicology.

While there are limited distance-based options for PhD programs in forensic science, some advanced programs in the subfield of digital forensics offer web-based coursework.

For example, Sam Houston State University offers a PhD in digital and cyber forensic science. This program is intended for students who have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, digital forensics, or computing science, and provides students with the conceptual, theoretical, computational, and methodological skills needed to understand the role of cyber and digital forensic science in post-technological societies.

Students in this program must complete 85 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. Courses include file system forensics; cyber forensics principles; ethics for digital forensics; operating system forensics; network forensic analysis; mobile device forensics; live system & memory forensics; and computational forensics, among others.

Purdue Polytechnic Institute

The Purdue Polytechnic offers a PhD in technology with a specialization in cyber forensics. Students in this specialization will complete all the requirements of the PhD in technology degree along with 15 credits in core cyber forensics courses. Courses include basic computer forensics; advanced research topics in cyber forensics; cyber forensics of file systems; and cyber forensics of malware.

• Location: West Lafayette, IN

Please visit the online forensic science programs page to learn more about distance-based options in this field.

Common Courses and Requirements for Forensic Science PhD Programs

To complete a PhD program in forensic science, students typically need to complete the following:

• Advanced didactic coursework (generally 60-85 credit-hours)
• Internships, externships, or clinical practicums
• A dissertation on original scientific research
• Oral examination (i.e., oral defense of one’s thesis or dissertation to a program committee)
• Other exams (e.g., American Chemical Society graduate-level exams for forensic chemists)

These programs generally take four to six years to complete.

Organized by the popular subfields of forensic science, here are typical classes within each of the doctoral programs discussed above:

PhD in forensic science: forensic instrumental analysis, law and forensic sciences, forensic toxicology, controlled substance analysis, trace and microscopical analysis, ethical conduct, scientific communications, research methods, forensic lab management, forensic analysis of ignitable liquids, population genetics and genetic data analysis, forensic analysis of explosives

PhD in forensic psychology: mental health law, developmental psychopathology, psychological assessment, research methodology, psychometrics, multicultural psychology, effective intervention, theories and methods of diagnosis, experimental design, advanced statistics, consultation and supervision

PhD in forensic chemistry: microscopy, DNA in forensics, applied organic synthesis, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics and catalysis, drug chemistry, computer-assisted data analysis, questioned documents, toxicology, comprehensive biochemistry, advanced synthesis laboratory, toolmark and ballistics analysis, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, solid phase extraction, medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, techniques in polymer science

PhD in forensic anthropology: forensic entomology, human growth and development, comparative analysis, archaeological methods and techniques, human variation, evolutionary medicine, anthropology of genocide, biophotography

Forensic Science Programmatic and Institutional Accreditation

Aspiring PhD candidates are encouraged to verify the accreditation status of their schools and programs. This program approval process is essential for several reasons. It helps establish a requisite quality level in the faculty, curricula, student outcomes, program resources, and other aspects that can impact a student’s education and experience. Also, graduating from an accredited institution may be a prerequisite to professional credentialing for some organizations.

There are two main types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is the gold standard for programmatic accreditation. As of early 2024, FEPAC has not accredited any PhD programs. However, it is worthy of note that West Virginia University (WVU) has both FEPAC-accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs. Since WVU’s new PhD in forensic science program will share facilities and faculty with these FEPAC-accredited offerings, prospective students can presume that the doctoral program may also reflect this tradition of excellence.

Also, additional programmatic accreditation agencies may exist depending on one’s intended subfield of forensic science. For example, the American Psychological Association (APA) accredits forensic psychology programs at the doctoral level. Likewise, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredits graduate programs in forensic accounting.

Institutional Accreditation

There are six leading institutional accreditation agencies, which are organized according to region. They have been recognized by the US Department of Education’s Council of Higher Education Agencies (CHEA). These include:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Jocelyn Blore

Jocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor for several healthcare websites since 2015.

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