Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs

Johns Hopkins University's Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing is a 12-credit graduate program delivered in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with limited on-site sessions. This executive-style certificate is tailored for experienced nurses aiming to advance into leadership roles within forensic nursing practice, research, and policy. The curriculum emphasizes leadership skills and does not require the GRE for admission. Priced at $2,500 per course, it offers fall or spring start dates and can serve as a pathway to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, enhancing career prospects in this rapidly growing specialty.

• 12-credit graduate forensic nursing certificate
• Online and on-site coursework
• No GRE required
• DNP degree pathway possible
• Tuition: $2,500 per course
• Fall or spring semester start
• Leadership-focused curriculum

Texas A&M University's online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Health Care equips registered nurses with advanced skills to support victims of violence and trauma through evidence-based methods. This program requires a BSN and active RN license, with a recommended 3.0 GPA for admission, and does not mandate an entrance exam. It includes 8 core credit hours and elective options, focusing on forensic investigation, victimology, and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance clinical expertise in forensic nursing roles.

• Online graduate-level certificate
• Requires BSN and RN license
• 8 core credit hours
• Recommended 3.0 GPA
• Focuses on victim assistance
• Multiple elective course options
• Prepares nurses for forensic roles

University of South Alabama's Advanced Forensic Nursing Care Post-Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program combining online coursework with mandatory on-campus skills intensives. It prepares advanced practice nurses for national certification as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) for adult and pediatric populations. The curriculum emphasizes trauma-informed care, pharmacologic interventions post-assault, and managing comorbidities through didactic education, clinical simulations, and practicum experiences. No entrance exam is required for admission, which is open to current graduate students or post-graduate certificate seekers. This program enhances community care standards by focusing on sexual trauma and improving outcomes for assault victims.

• Prepares for SANE certification.
• Includes trauma-informed care education.
• Offers clinical skills simulation.
• Focuses on sexual trauma care.
• Combines didactic and clinical education.
• Prepares for adult and pediatric SANE.
• Emphasizes pharmacologic care post-assault.
• Supports care for comorbidities.
• Requires mandatory on-campus skills intensive.
• Offers practicum experiences.

Fitchburg State University's online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing equips registered nurses holding a master's degree with specialized skills for medical-legal roles. This 21-credit program, entirely online, includes 360 clinical hours and can be completed in two to six years. It focuses on trauma investigation, victim care, and forensic interventions like death investigation and sexual assault examination. No entrance exam is required, but applicants must have a current RN license and a master's in nursing, with CCNE accreditation ensuring quality. Rolling admissions and professional recommendations support flexible enrollment for advancing careers in forensic healthcare.

• 100% Online Graduate Certificate
• 21 Credit Program
• Complete in 2-6 Years
• Requires Master's in Nursing
• 360 Clinical Hours
• Multiple Career Paths
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Rolling Admissions
• Professional Recommendation Required
• Current RN License Needed

Cedar Crest College's Forensic Nursing Certificate is a hybrid online program designed for registered nurses seeking to specialize in trauma care and healthcare investigations. The curriculum spans 9 months and includes four core courses covering evidence collection, victimology, and multidisciplinary collaboration. It features a 1-2 day on-campus immersion for hands-on practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs. This program requires an active RN license for admission and does not mandate any entrance exams. Ideal for working professionals, it prepares nurses to apply forensic skills across diverse healthcare and legal settings, enhancing patient advocacy and investigative support.

• Online certificate program
• 1-2 day on-campus immersion
• Complete in 9 months
• Requires active RN license
• 4 core forensic nursing courses
• Covers trauma, victimology, evidence collection
• Applicable across healthcare settings
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Multidisciplinary communication focus
• Accredited nursing program

Duquesne University's online Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate is designed for MSN holders seeking specialization in forensic nursing. This fully online program offers flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to enhance skills in evidence collection, trauma-informed care, and legal testimony without requiring entrance exams. Students build upon their MSN foundation to address violence, abuse, and legal aspects of healthcare. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications in forensic settings, preparing graduates for roles in legal systems and victim advocacy. As a military-friendly institution with a Roman Catholic affiliation, it supports diverse learners in advancing their careers through focused, accessible education.

• Online program flexibility.
• Six specialized certificate options.
• For MSN degree holders.
• Enhances patient care skills.
• Focus on specialized nursing fields.
• Builds upon existing MSN knowledge.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Admission requires MSN degree.
• Tailored education paths.
• Flexible for various life stages.

Xavier University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing is a 15-credit program tailored for RNs with an MSN, focusing on advanced forensic nursing without requiring entrance exams. The curriculum integrates forensic science, evidence-based practices, and interprofessional collaboration to prepare nurses for roles like Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Flexible scheduling and a total cost of $10,830 at $722 per credit hour make it accessible, with CCNE accreditation ensuring quality. Practicum experiences enhance real-world application in legal and clinical scenarios involving trauma and violence.

• 15-credit online certificate program
• Experienced RNs with MSN
• Flexible course scheduling
• $722 per credit hour
• Total program cost $10,830
• Focus on forensic nursing roles
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
• Evidence-based practice framework
• Practicum experiences included
• CCNE accredited program

DeSales University's Post-Master's Certification in Forensic Nursing with Certification in Investigative Forensics is an online hybrid program that prepares advanced practice nurses for investigative roles. Focusing specifically on Investigative Forensics, this interdisciplinary curriculum bridges nursing and criminal justice with 51 credit hours and 375 clinical practicum hours. Students develop sophisticated forensic science and legal knowledge through flexible full-time (two years) or part-time (three years) options. As a graduate-level program, it does not require entrance exams like the GRE. Tuition is $975 per credit, with employer reimbursement and scholarship opportunities available, leading to advanced forensic nurse certification for diverse investigative healthcare settings.

• 51 total credit hours
• 375 clinical practicum hours
• Full/part-time options
• Online and hybrid formats
• Advanced forensic nurse certification
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Sophisticated forensic nursing skills
• Flexible course scheduling
• Clinical skills simulation training
• Multiple career pathway options