Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs

Johns Hopkins University's Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing (CAFN) is a hybrid program blending online and on-site coursework, tailored for nurses aiming to excel in forensic nursing. This 12-credit program, requiring no GRE, is perfect for those with a baccalaureate in nursing and clinical experience, offering a flexible schedule with fall or spring starts. Priced at $2,500 per course, it focuses on leadership in forensic nursing practice, research, and policy, and can serve as a stepping stone to a DNP. The program is military-friendly, emphasizing a leadership-focused curriculum for advanced career opportunities in this rapidly growing field.

• 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-College Station offers an online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Health Care, tailored for registered nurses aiming to specialize in forensic health. This program equips nurses with the skills to support victims of violence and trauma, blending evidence-based practices with forensic investigation and victimology. Admission requires a BSN, an active RN license, and a recommended 3.0 GPA. The curriculum spans 8 core credit hours, offering flexibility with multiple elective options. Notably, this program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for working professionals. It's an excellent choice for nurses seeking to advance their careers in forensic roles without stepping away from their current positions.

• 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

The University of South Alabama offers an Advanced Forensic Nursing Care Post-Graduate Certificate Subspecialty, designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to specialize in forensic nursing, particularly as sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). This hybrid program blends online coursework with essential on-campus clinical skills intensives, focusing on sexual trauma care. It prepares graduates for national SANE certification in both adult and pediatric populations, emphasizing trauma-informed care, pharmacologic interventions post-assault, and managing comorbidities. Admission requires current enrollment in or completion of a graduate nursing program. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for qualified nurses seeking to advance their expertise in forensic nursing.

• 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.

Duquesne University's online Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate program is tailored for MSN holders seeking to specialize in forensic nursing without the need for an entrance exam. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing working professionals to advance their skills in forensic nursing at their own pace. With a focus on enhancing patient care in forensic settings, the curriculum is designed to build upon the student's existing MSN knowledge. The program is ideal for those looking to delve into the intersection of healthcare and legal systems, offering a unique opportunity to specialize in a growing field. Duquesne's commitment to online education ensures accessibility for students nationwide.

• 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 offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing, tailored for registered nurses holding an MSN who aim to specialize in forensic nursing. This 15-credit program delves into the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, equipping nurses with the skills to address cases of crime, trauma, and violence. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practices, and forensic science, preparing graduates for roles such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or Legal Nurse Consultant. Priced at $722 per credit hour, the total cost is $10,830. The program is CCNE accredited, features flexible scheduling, and includes practicum experiences, making it an excellent choice for advancing in forensic nursing without requiring an entrance exam.

• 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 a focus on Investigative Forensics is a hybrid program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to specialize in the intersection of healthcare and criminal justice. This program equips students with in-depth knowledge of forensic science and legal principles, preparing them for roles in investigative settings. Offering 51 credit hours and 375 clinical practicum hours, it accommodates both full-time and part-time students with online and hybrid course options. Priced at $975 per credit, the program supports students with potential employer reimbursement and scholarships. Graduates are eligible for advanced forensic nurse certification, opening doors to diverse career paths in forensic nursing. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible for qualified professionals. The program's interdisciplinary approach and flexible scheduling are tailored to meet the needs of working nurses.

• 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

Fitchburg State University provides an online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing, tailored for registered nurses holding a master's degree. This 21-credit program delves into the intersection of healthcare and legal systems, equipping nurses with skills in trauma care, forensic evidence collection, and legal nurse consulting. With a flexible completion timeframe of two to six years, the program includes 360 clinical hours, ensuring hands-on experience in forensic settings. Admission requires a current RN license, a master's in nursing, and professional recommendations. The program is CCNE accredited, offering rolling admissions for convenience. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for busy professionals seeking to specialize in forensic nursing.

• 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 offers a hybrid Certificate in Forensic Nursing, tailored for registered nurses aiming to specialize in trauma care and healthcare investigations. This program uniquely blends online coursework with a 1-2 day on-campus immersion, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Over 9 months, students delve into four core courses focusing on trauma, victimology, evidence collection, and multidisciplinary communication, utilizing state-of-the-art simulation labs. Admission is streamlined for RNs with an active license, emphasizing practical skills for diverse healthcare and legal settings. Accredited and military-friendly, it's an ideal choice for nurses seeking to enhance their forensic expertise without the need for entrance exams.

• 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