Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing offers a Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing (CAFN), a 12-credit hybrid graduate certificate spanning two semesters. Students complete online coursework with limited on-site sessions, making it suitable for working nurses. The curriculum covers injury pathology, disaster preparedness, advanced identification/documentation, and health policy. Graduates are prepared for leadership in forensic practice, research, and policy. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing or a related field plus forensic experience. The program does not require GRE scores. Tuition costs $2,500 per course, with fall or spring enrollment. Credits may be applied toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

• 12-credit graduate certificate.
• Two-semester program length.
• Hybrid format with online courses.
• Limited on-site coursework sessions.
• Flexible fall or spring start.
• Prepares for leadership roles.
• Covers injury pathology topics.
• Includes disaster preparedness content.
• Focuses on forensic nursing practice.
• Requires master's degree for admission.

Texas A&M University-College Station offers an online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Health Care designed for registered nurses with a BSN and active RN license. This 8-credit program prepares nurses to assist victims of violence and trauma using evidence-based practices, with core courses in Forensic Health Care and Victimology, plus electives like human trafficking and forensic photography. Admissions require a NursingCAS application, official transcripts, and a resume, with a recommended 3.0 GPA; no graduate entrance exam is listed. The program is fully online for working professionals, with application deadlines and costs available via Aggie One Stop.

• Online program delivery.
• Requires BSN and RN license.
• Recommended 3.0 GPA for admission.
• NursingCAS application required.
• Submit official transcripts and resume.
• Program total of 8 credits.
• Includes courses like FORS 601 and 602.
• Electives in forensic investigation and pharmacology.
• Prepares nurses for victim assistance.
• Focus on evidence-based protocols.

The University of South Alabama offers a hybrid Advanced Forensic Nursing Care Post-Graduate Certificate for advanced practice nurses. This program blends online coursework with mandatory on-campus clinical skills intensives and simulation labs, preparing nurses for sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) certification in adult and pediatric populations. The curriculum emphasizes trauma-informed care, pharmacologic management, and supportive interventions, with practicum experiences integrated throughout. Graduates are equipped to improve outcomes for sexual assault victims in their communities. As a post-graduate certificate within the College of Nursing, it is designed for nurses seeking specialized forensic practice. For admission requirements, including any entrance exam policies and tuition details, prospective students should contact the graduate advisor.

• Post-graduate certificate program.
• Hybrid online and on-campus format.
• Prepares for SANE certification.
• Focuses on sexual assault care.
• Includes clinical skills intensives.
• Curriculum includes practicum courses.
• For advanced practice nursing students.
• Addresses adult and pediatric populations.
• Covers trauma-informed care.
• Includes pharmacologic management.

DeSales University offers a hybrid Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing with a concentration in Investigative Forensics, blending online coursework with on-campus experiences. Designed for working nurses, the program combines nursing and criminal justice, covering forensic science, psychology, and crime scene investigation. Students complete SANE-A and SANE-P courses, qualifying them for Advanced Forensic Nurse Certification. The 51-credit curriculum includes 375 clinical practicum hours and 75 lab hours, with clinicals at Lehigh Valley facilities. Full-time students finish in two years; part-time in three. Tuition is $975 per credit, plus a $250 lab fee. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, active Pennsylvania RN licensure, and nursing experience. No entrance exam is required. Rolling admissions offer flexible starts.

• Post-Master's Certification program.
• Concentration in Investigative Forensics.
• Hybrid format with online and in-class options.
• Full-time completion in two years.
• Part-time completion in three years.
• Tuition $975 per credit hour.
• Laboratory fee $250.
• Requires BSN with 3.0 GPA.
• Active RN license in Pennsylvania.
• Nursing experience required.

Duquesne University's online Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate is designed for nurses holding an MSN who want to specialize in forensic care. The fully online curriculum emphasizes victim advocacy, the use of forensic science in legal settings, and building on existing graduate knowledge to strengthen medical analysis and patient support. No graduate entrance exam, such as the GRE, is required for admission; applicants simply need a master's degree in nursing. This flexible format suits working professionals seeking advancement without relocating. Tuition varies, so check the university's website for current rates. The program is part of Duquesne's nursing graduate offerings and prepares nurses for roles involving crime victims and legal processes. Contact the School of Nursing for application details.

• Online program format.
• Post-Master's Certificate type.
• Forensic Nursing specialization.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Builds on graduate coursework.
• Focus on victim advocacy.
• Uses forensic science.
• Enhances legal defense skills.
• Supports patient recovery.
• Part of nursing graduate programs.

Xavier University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing prepares MSN-prepared nurses for leadership roles in this specialized field. The 15-credit curriculum covers advanced forensic nursing principles, including sexual assault cases and complex clinical care, through courses like Psychosocial Legal Aspects and Foundations of Nursing Forensics. Students engage in practicum experiences for hands-on learning. Tuition is $722 per credit hour, totaling $10,830 for the program. Admission requires an MSN degree, an unencumbered RN license, and at least one year of nursing experience; no entrance exam is specified among the requirements. This fully online program offers flexible scheduling, CCNE accreditation, and instruction from expert faculty in the Jesuit tradition.

• 15-credit online program.
• $722 per credit hour.
• Total tuition $10,830.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• Minimum one year nursing experience.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Flexible scheduling available.
• Includes practicum experiences.
• Focuses on forensic nursing principles.

Fitchburg State University's online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing is a 21-credit program for RNs with a master's degree. It offers 100% online study, completable in two years, and includes 360 clinical hours. Graduates are prepared for roles like Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Legal Nurse Consultant, with training in trauma-informed care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional teamwork. Admission requires a master's in nursing, current RN license, personal statement, resume, and three recommendation letters. No entrance exam is listed. The program has rolling admissions for fall and spring, and holds CCNE accreditation and Massachusetts Board approval.

• 21 credit program
• 100% online format
• Two-year completion possible
• Six-year completion window
• 360 clinical hours required
• Master's degree prerequisite
• Current RN license required
• Personal statement needed
• Professional resume required
• Three recommendation letters

Cedar Crest College offers a Forensic Nursing Certificate designed for registered nurses seeking specialized expertise in victim care and evidence collection. This hybrid program combines online asynchronous coursework with a mandatory one-to-two-day on-campus immersion, featuring state-of-the-art nursing simulation and forensic science labs. Courses are delivered in an accelerated seven-week format, enabling completion in as little as nine months. Open to both undergraduate and graduate nursing students, the curriculum includes forensic nursing principles, victimology, legal issues, and clinical applications, with assignments tailored to academic level. Practical skills in evidence collection, victim advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration are emphasized. Admission requires an active, unencumbered RN license for the BSN option; no entrance exam is listed among requirements.

• Hybrid online/on-campus format.
• 7-week accelerated courses.
• Complete in 9 months.
• Mandatory 1-2 day immersion.
• Open to undergraduate/graduate students.
• Active RN license required.
• Forensic evidence collection training.
• Victim advocacy focus.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration emphasis.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.