For the people who enjoy the occasional crime drama series, the term ‘forensics’ and its implications are probably familiar. But if you’re a student aspiring to get a criminal justice degree with a major in forensic nursing, you’re probably wondering: Do forensic nurses go to crime scenes? Do they participate in criminal investigations? What type of nurse is a forensic nurse? If you are interested in pursuing a job that has links to both healthcare and the criminal justice system, forensic nursing may be a perfect fit. 

Forensic nursing is one of the most sensitive and important nursing specialties. At the crossroads of nursing and law, this job deals with some of the most vulnerable patient populations: victims of violence and abuse. The nature of the profession asks for strong empathy, thick skin, and an unwavering commitment to seeing justice served. 

In this forensic nursing degree guide, we will examine this profession in greater detail. We will discuss how to become a Forensic Nurse, including the best programs, admission requirements, job description, salaries, and more. Let’s get started. 

What is Forensic Nursing?

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 healthcare and the legal system.

They may be present at the crime scene or assess the victim as soon as possible to collect evidence that could be used in criminal investigations. For example, Forensic RNs may be asked to take photographs, draw blood, or obtain tissue samples from victims. They are also the first responders to identify the type of injury, such as trauma, neglect, accident, abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, etc.  

While this role is where health and law meet, forensic nursing also draws from other fields, such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, public health, criminology, mental health, traumatology, victimology, and ethics.

What Degree Do You Need for Forensic Nursing?

To become a forensic nurse, you’ll need to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). There are pros and cons to each. For example, earning an associate’s degree will take less time and money. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree will provide you with a more in-depth education, but requires more time.

Completing a nursing program, either ADN or BSN, is only the first step in getting licensed as a registered nurse (RN). Full licensure comes after you pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This comprehensive five-hour final exam tests your knowledge and preparedness to practice as an RN. 

While certification is not mandatory for nurses, it is highly encouraged in forensic nursing. The International Association of Forensic Nurses recommends that aspiring Forensic Nurses get certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). 

Courses of Forensic Nursing 

Several universities offer forensic nursing programs that cover important topics related to this field. Duke University School of Nursing offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and a Master of Nursing (MN) program, totaling 58 credit hours over four semesters 

The curriculum includes courses in areas such as:

• Health Assessment
• Pharmacology
• Community and Public Health Nursing
• Nursing Leadership and Management
• Clinical Practice and Simulations
• Professional Nursing Concepts

SANE Certifications 

Forensic nurses often pursue SANE certification to specialize in treating sexual assault victims. The two main types are:

• SANE-A (Adult/Adolescent)
• SANE-P (Pediatric/Adolescent)

SANE certification is offered by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and requires: 

• A valid RN (Registered Nurse) license
• At least 40 hours of SANE training
• Clinical training (hands-on practice with forensic examinations)

Registered nurses must pass an examination to become certified. The exams are offered twice a year, in May and October, and may be taken at testing center sites across the US and internationally. 

To sit for the exam, candidates must first have been practicing RN for a minimum of 2 years and meet the other eligibility criteria determined by the Forensic Nursing Certification Board.

What Can You Do With a Forensic Nursing Degree?

Working as a Forensic Nurse is a rewarding career in more ways than one. Of course, it’s an emotionally demanding job, but being part of the justice process can feel very rewarding. And on top of everything else, it is also monetarily lucrative. 

With a forensic nursing degree, you can work in hospitals, community anti-violence programs, or correctional facilities. You can even serve as a nurse, coroner or death investigator, using your nursing skills to investigate crime scenes and provide expert testimony in court.

Careers

Career prospects for forensic nurses are positive. The nursing field is growing thanks to increased demand for health care services as the baby boomer generation ages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of nurses to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031. Here are some promising careers to look out for:

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

• Legal Nurse Consultant
• Forensic Nurse Investigator
• Correctional Facility Nurse
• Forensic Psychiatric Nurse
• Death Investigator/Medicolegal Nurse
• Forensic Nurse Educator
• Nurse Coroner
• Forensic Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Public Health Forensic Nurse

Jobs and Salaries

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for forensic nursing jobs is $73,000 per year. Top earners in the field can bring home paychecks ranging from $99,000 to $120,000. Bear in mind that Forensic RNs’ pay may vary depending on many factors, from education level, training, certifications, geographic location, employers, years of experience, etc. 

Are Online Forensic Nursing Degree Programs Better Than On-Campus?

When it comes to choosing a forensic degree program, you have two options: online and on-campus programs. Both have their good points. Which one is better depends on your needs and lifestyle. Here is a general overview of both:

Forensic Nursing Degree Online Programs

Online forensic nursing programs are a popular choice for students who need flexibility. These programs allow students to attend classes from home, often at their own pace. This is helpful for those who are working, taking care of family, or living far from a college campus. Forensic nursing schools offering online degrees often include video lectures, discussion forums, and digital learning tools to help students succeed.

One big advantage of online learning is studying anytime, anywhere. Students can schedule their learning around their own lives. However, online students must be self-motivated and good at managing their time. They might not get the same level of face-to-face support from instructors or classmates, and some students may feel alone or less connected. 

However, most schools arrange in-person clinical training at local hospitals or clinics to ensure students get the needed hands-on experience.

On Campus

On-campus forensic nursing programs provide a traditional classroom experience. Students attend in-person classes, work in labs, and interact closely with teachers and classmates. This can help students feel more supported and engaged. They can ask questions immediately, join study groups, and participate in campus events.

However, on-campus learning offers less flexibility. Students must attend classes at set times and may need to move closer to school or commute, which can be challenging for those with jobs or families.

What Forensic Nursing Schools Recommend?

We believe both online and on-campus programs can be successful—as long as they are accredited criminal justice schools and offer quality training, including hands-on clinical practice. Students should choose based on their learning style, personal situation, and career goals.

At the end of the day, the best program is the one that fits your life and helps you grow into a skilled, confident forensic nurse.

What is The Difference Between a Forensic Nursing Certificate vs Degree program?

If you’re interested in forensic nursing, you might see two main options: certificate programs and degree programs. Both forensic nursing certification programs and graduate degree programs offer significant benefits. Nurses need to consider how each path aligns with their career objectives and personal preferences.

Here is a general overview of both:

Certificate Programs 

Certificate programs are graduate-level educational credits that usually focus on a specific area of clinical care; for example, nurses may pursue a certificate that focuses on women’s health, pediatric care, or psychiatric medicine.

Because they specialize in this way, certificates don’t offer as comprehensive an education as a graduate degree. Another distinction between the two is that some nurse leadership positions will actually require a graduate-level degree, not merely a certificate.

On the other hand, nursing certificates can be more affordable and require less time than full degree programs. (The timeline varies, but many certificates can be completed in just a few  months.)

Importantly, the term “certificate” can be used in a couple of ways in the nursing profession. Specifically, the field makes a distinction between:

• Certificate programs that higher education institutions offer to impart knowledge
• Professional and specialty certifications like SANE, that credentialing organizations offer to assess knowledge

Degree Programs 

Nurses may also choose to earn degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degree programs can involve special areas of clinical focus, but they’re essentially comprehensive courses of study, with in-depth coverage of clinical practice, nursing ethics, nurse leadership, and more.

Earning a graduate degree can be an important way for nurses to take on positions of greater leadership and authority, as well as higher salaries. The downside is that nursing degree programs are typically expensive. They’re also time-consuming: For nurses who already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), earning an MSN usually takes at least another two years.

Those who have concerns about scheduling flexibility and work-life balance may opt for an online graduate program, which offers more accommodation for an already busy life.

What Are the Requirements of Forensic Nursing Degree Programs?

There are certain Forensic Nursing Degree Requirements that students should meet in order to get admission into a relevant school program. These requirements can vary depending on the school and the level of the program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.), but here are the most common ones:

• Educational Prerequisites
• High School Diploma or GED: Required for entry into an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing (ADN or BSN).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN): Typically required for advanced programs like a master’s in forensic nursing.
• Registered Nurse (RN) License: Most forensic nursing programs require that you already be a licensed RN, especially for graduate-level programs.
• Admission Requirements
• Transcripts: Academic transcripts from high school or prior colleges.
• GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA (usually 2.5–3.0 or higher, depending on the program).
• Letters of Recommendation: From instructors, employers, or healthcare professionals.
• Personal Statement/Essay: Describing your interest in forensic nursing.

For instance, the Duquesne University School of Nursing requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission in its BSN and MSN programs. 

• Coursework & Clinical Hours

Many graduate programs require coursework and RN experience to be admitted to their programs. This includes:

• Core Nursing Classes: Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc.
• Forensic Nursing Courses: Topics like forensic evidence collection, trauma-informed care, legal and ethical issues, and victimology.
• Clinical/Practicum Hours: Hands-on training in hospitals, law enforcement settings, or with forensic teams.

For instance, Texas A&M University requires the completion of 1,500 BSN practice hours before the first clinical course for admission to its master’s program, along with a high school GPA and a bachelor’s degree. 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Forensic Nursing Degree?

The time it takes to get a forensic nursing degree depends on your starting point. If you’re beginning from scratch, earning a BSN takes about 4 years. After that, pursuing a Master’s in Forensic Nursing or a specialized certificate can take an additional 1–2 years. A certificate program may take as little as 6–12 months if you’re already a registered nurse.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
• Registered Nurse (RN) License: Earned after BSN by passing the NCLEX-RN
• Master’s in Forensic Nursing (MSN): 1.5 to 2 years
• Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing: 6 to 12 months (for licensed RNs)
• Specialty Certifications (e.g., SANE): 1 to 6 months, depending on program

From high school to advanced forensic nursing roles, the journey typically takes 5.5 to 7 years, depending on the educational path and certifications pursued.

Is a Forensic Nursing Degree Worth Pursuing?

Forensic nursing is a rewarding specialty that combines nursing practice with the law. As a, nurses you can use your clinical skills and knowledge to contribute to legal issues—such as rape and death cases—which gives them a unique opportunity to contribute to both fields and perform duties that other nurses generally don’t. 

However, it’s emotionally demanding and may involve traumatic situations when dealing with rape, elder abuse, intimate partner violence, or child maltreatment. When pursuing this degree, consider your emotional resilience, interest in legal processes, and willingness to work odd hours or high-stress environments. Compassion, critical thinking, and professionalism are essential.

Which Schools Offer Accredited Online Forensic Nursing Degree Programs?

Here are some top schools and colleges that offer online forensic nursing degree programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN):

• Duquesne University

Duquesne University in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, provides an online post-master’s certificate in nursing with six unique specializations, including forensic nursing. Graduates from this program pursue careers as forensic clinical nurse specialists, forensic corrections nurses, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), and forensic nurse death investigators.

This program is entirely online, with three start dates throughout the year. Applicants must hold an MSN degree, but do not need to pay an application fee or submit GRE scores.

• Program link: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Fees: $33,823
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• DeSales University

DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, offers an MSN in forensic nursing with certification in investigative forensics. This program is coordinated across two departments: the Division of Nursing and the master of Arts in Criminal Justice program. Students can attend classes on campus or online in a hybrid format.

• Program link: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Fees: $25,500
• Acceptance rate: 77%
• Stevenson University

Stevenson University offers an online master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a concentration in forensic nursing. This 36-credit program prepares graduates with advanced nursing skills in treating patients and communities who have experienced trauma.

Students learn in cohorts with other working registered nurses, enabling working professionals to maintain employment while earning a master’s degree. Online courses are offered in six eight-week sessions and include advanced health assessment, foundations of justice, and socio-political and cultural influences on families, organizations, and communities.

• Program link: Master’s Concentration in Forensic Nursing
• Fees: $23,076
• Acceptance rate: 83%
• Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Nursing (Forensic Nursing) program designed for registered nurses aiming for advanced leadership roles in healthcare and the community. This 39-credit program can be completed in as few as three years and includes 420 clinical hours. 

Graduates are prepared for careers such as death investigator, legal nurse consultant, and sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). The curriculum covers diverse topics, including nursing theory, forensic science, and caring for both victims and perpetrators

• Program link: Master’s in Forensic Nursing 
• Fees: $11,346
• Acceptance rate: 90%
• Cleveland State University

The online MSN in Forensic Nursing program combines your nursing skills with forensic science and expands your role to promote recovery, health, and justice. This degree program qualifies you for roles as legal nurse consultants, death investigators, forensic psychiatric nurses, clinical forensic nurses, and correctional nurses.

This six-semester program requires 38 credits of online coursework and 500 practicum hours. It can be completed part-time in 2 years.

• Program link: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Fees: $23,493
• Acceptance rate: 95%

Can You be a Forensic Scientist With a Nursing Degree?

While a nursing degree alone might not directly qualify you as a forensic scientist, it can be a valuable foundation for careers in forensic nursing and related fields, such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or Medical Examiner Investigation.

Forensic scientists typically work in labs analyzing crime scene evidence (like DNA, fingerprints, or toxicology reports). To become one, you need to major in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Criminal Justice. Check out more details here. 

Conclusion 

If you have the emotional stamina and a deeply rooted desire to see justice served, a career in forensic nursing may be a great career choice. It is not an easy job. Some of the cases you’ll work on may be troubling and challenging, but in the end, the significance of your nursing role makes it worth it. Through your help, victims receive compassion, empathy, care, and professionalism, and criminals are brought to justice.

A career in the field of forensic nursing starts with the right nursing program. Quality education will lead you to an exciting profession where you can be the invaluable link between law and healthcare. We hope you find this guide on forensic nursing degrees helpful and informative, and we wish you the best of luck in your future career if this is what you have chosen.