“Forensic nurses wish the public understood that compassionate, trauma-informed patient care—not just evidence collection—is paramount to forensic nursing practice.”
L. Kathleen Sekula, PhD, Noble J. Dick Endowed Chair in Academic Leadership and Professor, School of Nursing at Duquesne University
Victims of violence and trauma often require medical professionals with specialized expertise. In addition to treating injuries, these patients may need sensitive evidence collection, clear documentation, and emotional support to navigate both the healthcare and legal systems. Increasingly, this care is provided by forensic nurses: registered nurses with advanced training in forensics, victim advocacy, and trauma-informed practice.
Forensic nurses work in diverse settings, from hospitals and community clinics to correctional facilities and death investigation units. They most often care for victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child and elder abuse, and human trafficking, but may also provide services to perpetrators or participate in disaster response. Their responsibilities include performing medical exams, documenting injuries, collecting and preserving evidence under strict chain of custody protocols, and offering testimony in criminal or civil proceedings.
To enter the field, nurses must first obtain RN licensure through an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. From there, they may pursue specialized forensic nursing education through graduate study, certificate programs, or on-the-job training. While an advanced degree is not required, many employers prefer or require certification. The Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB), under the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), offers widely recognized credentials such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner–Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and SANE–Pediatric (SANE-P) certifications.
Forensic nursing continues to expand as awareness grows around the critical role these professionals play in patient care and the justice system. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of registered nurses is projected to increase 5 percent between 2024 and 2034, adding an estimated 166,100 new jobs (BLS 2025). Demand for forensic nurses is expected to rise in parallel as hospitals, advocacy centers, and law enforcement agencies recognize the importance of trauma-informed, evidence-based care.
If you are drawn to a nursing career at the intersection of healthcare and the justice system, read on to learn how to become a forensic nurse, including details on education, certification, and job responsibilities.
Meet the Expert: L. Kathleen Sekula, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAFS, FAAN
Dr. Kathleen Sekula holds the Noble J. Dick Endowed Chair in Academic Leadership and serves as a professor in the School of Nursing at Duquesne University. A pioneer in forensic nursing education, she joined the faculty in 1998 and developed one of the nation’s first master of science programs with a forensic nursing specialization. This program, designed in collaboration with the Wecht Institute, has since grown to include DNP and PhD tracks.
Dr. Sekula received her BSN from Duquesne University, earned her MSN and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, and holds a certificate in forensic science and law from Duquesne’s Cyril H. Wecht Institute. Through her leadership, she secured Department of Health and Human Services grants totaling over $1.7 million to launch and enhance these graduate forensic programs. She also developed Duquesne’s online Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner—Adult (SANE-A) training course, which has now trained more than 900 nurses nationwide, particularly in underserved areas.
A recognized leader in forensic nursing, Dr. Sekula has received the International Association of Forensic Nurses’ Virginia Lynch Award, served as President of the Forensic Nurse Certification Board, and was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2011 and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in 2023. She also practices as an advanced psychiatric clinician, providing pro bono care to patients with anxiety and depression.
HealthcareDegree.com: What’s something you wish the public understood about forensic nursing?
Dr. Sekula: Forensic nurses wish the public understood that compassionate, trauma-informed patient care—not just evidence collection—is paramount to forensic nursing practice. Forensic nurses are experts at practicing nursing within the purview of medicine and law, while also serving victims with sensitivity, while meticulously documenting findings for the justice system.
HealthcareDegree.com: Do you have any advice for someone interested in becoming a forensic nurse?
Dr. Sekula: While there are many avenues to enter the practice of forensic nursing, in this climate of forensics, gaining quality education in forensics is paramount to expert practice. Many quality programs exist at various entry levels. Forensics is a fast-growing profession; therefore, keeping up with the changes in both the science as well as the clinical knowledge is best achieved through ongoing quality education.
HealthcareDegree.com: What does the future of this role look like to you?
Dr. Sekula: Forensic nurses care for a wide variety of victims of violence, as well as provide forensic psychiatric care within corrections and for victims post-care, along with other roles. The roles that a forensic nurse can fill are growing as we identify more and more victim and perpetrator situations that straddle healthcare and law.
Forensic nurses are leaders in helping all professions working with the forensic arena to understand the importance of providing trauma-informed care. Their role is much more than just sexual assault nurse examiners—care of all interpersonal violence cases is also within their major roles.
Forensic Nurse Specializations & Degree Types
Many different degree types and certification paths can lead to becoming a forensic nurse. The first step is to complete a general nursing program, either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), and then obtain a registered nursing license from a state nursing board.
From there, aspiring forensic nurses can complete on-the-job training or advanced education in forensic nursing. Education options include a master’s of science in nursing, a doctor of nursing practice, or a certificate program.
Admissions Requirements for Forensic Nurse Programs
The admission requirements for nursing programs vary depending on the school and the level of degree pursued. Most entry-level nursing programs require applicants to complete a certain number of prerequisite courses, have a minimum GPA, and write a compelling statement of purpose.
Additionally, some schools may require prior volunteer or work experience. Graduate programs, like a master’s of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice degree, will have additional requirements, such as already completing an undergraduate degree program, work experience, letters of recommendation, and an up-to-date resume or CV.
Forensic Nurse Program Accreditation
Nursing programs must be accredited to ensure that students are receiving a quality education. The accreditation process evaluates a program’s faculty, clinicals, curriculum, facilities, and student outcomes. This is important for students as it means they can get licensed in their state and find employment after graduation.
The two primary accrediting bodies for nursing programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Some states, like California, may require aspiring nurses to complete a program approved by the state.
On-Campus Forensic Nurse Degree Programs
Binghamton University – Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences
For students looking for forensic-specific education, the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Binghamton University offers an advanced certificate in forensic health that’s open to all students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree.
This nine-credit, three-course, certificate provides students with a working understanding of forensic health. Students can complete this program as a standalone certificate or as an add-on to a graduate or undergraduate degree.
All students must take a class in forensic health of victims. In addition to the required class, students will select two elective classes with the help of the program coordinator. These classes can include forensic health essentials, medicolegal death investigation, forensic help with vendors, and forensic pediatrics.
- Location: Johnson City, NY
- Duration: Three courses
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Oakland University – School of Nursing
Michigan’s only forensic nursing program is offered at Oakland University School of Nursing. Students here can earn either a master’s of science in nursing or a post-master’s certificate in forensic nursing. This comprehensive program covers all subspecialties in this field, including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, child maltreatment, disaster response, and death investigation.
Both programs require students to complete 420 hours of clinical training to ensure that they have sufficient hands-on experience to excel in this field. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on technical training so that graduates will have the skills to use specialized equipment necessary to conduct medical forensic examinations.
- Location: Rochester, MI
- Duration: 16 to 28 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online or Hybrid Forensic Nurse Education Programs
Duquesne University – School of Nursing
For more than 20 years, Duquesne University School of Nursing has provided high-quality online nursing education. They offer a completely online master’s of science in nursing in forensic nursing degree for students interested in working with victims of crime or sexual assault. Students will learn how to provide trauma-informed care and preserve the chain of evidence during a physical examination.
As part of this program, students will complete the 40-hour training necessary to sit for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner set of certification exams. Other required coursework includes healthcare ethics, physical assessment for advanced practice nursing, pathophysiology, and criminal law and the courts. All students are required to complete a capstone project as well.
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The flexible online master’s of science in nursing with a forensic science specialization at Aspen University is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills needed to excel in this field. Skills that are emphasized in this program include critical thinking, organization, and unbiased investigation. Graduates of this program will be able to document evidence to aid in legal investigations, write reports, take photos, and provide specialized care for traumatized victims.
Admission requirements include a current unrestricted license as a registered nurse, a bachelor of science in nursing, and at least one year of nursing experience within the past five years. Most students complete this program in as little as two years of full-time study.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Cleveland State University – School of Nursing
The master’s of Science in nursing with a concentration in forensic nursing at Cleveland State University School of Nursing focuses on therapeutic jurisprudence. Students who complete this program will have a general education in forensic nursing and law. While many of the graduates of this program do go on to work as sexual assault nurse examiners, other careers can include legal nurse consultant, forensic psychiatric nurse, correctional nurse, and forensic nurse death investigator.
To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must have a valid and active license as a registered nurse in the United States and hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must also have completed an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course.
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The master of science in nursing forensic nursing track at Xavier University is for students who want to complete advanced healthcare and forensic studies. This two to three-year program can be completed through distance learning, allowing students the opportunity to work or care for the family while earning their degree. With a strong interprofessional focus, this degree prepares graduates for some roles in forensic nursing, including independent practice.
To be considered for admission to this program, applicants must be registered nurses with an unencumbered license in the state where they practice and have at least one year of nursing experience. Two years of nursing experience is highly required. Other requirements include a bachelor of science in nursing from a regionally accredited University and an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of California Riverside, Extension
Licensed medical and nursing professionals who want to start a career in forensic nursing can do so by completing the professional certificate in forensic nursing at the University of California Riverside. Offered entirely online, this certificate can be completed at the student’s own pace. Through this program, students will learn to collect evidence, communicate with interdisciplinary forensic team members, and provide treatment for patients with potential forensic issues.
To enroll in this program, applicants must hold a medical or nursing license, such as a nurse practitioner, physician, or registered nurse. Students who complete the certificate can sit for the Sexual Assault Examiner exam. Because this program is offered online, there are multiple start dates every month, allowing students to start their studies when convenient.
- Location: Riverside, CA
- Duration: Nine to 15 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
How Long Does it Take to Become a Forensic Nurse?
It takes between three to six years to become a forensic nurse. After completing a general nursing education program that takes 18 months to four years, aspiring forensic nurses will need to complete an advanced degree, a certificate, or on-the-job training. The additional education or training timelines can vary between one to three years.
How To Become a Forensic Nurse – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)
A high school diploma or a GED is the first step on the educational path to becoming a forensic nurse. This base level of education provides the framework for additional studies and demonstrates a candidate’s ability to complete a program of study. Aspiring nurses should focus on math, chemistry, biology, and psychology classes to help prepare them for the next step.
Step 2: Complete a Nursing Program (18 Months to Four Years)
All registered nurses must complete a nursing program. This can be an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s of science in nursing. Depending on the level of degree pursued, it can take anywhere from 18 months to four years to complete the necessary education. In these programs, students will learn general nursing skills in didactic classes, labs, and clinical experiences.
Step 3: Pass NCLEX-RN (Timelines Vary)
In all 50 states, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam. This test evaluates a candidate’s ability to care for patients safely. This is a computer-based exam, and the number of questions a candidate must answer will vary, but at a minimum, 60, and at a maximum, 145.
Step 4: Apply for State Licensure (Timelines Varies)
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam and completing the necessary education, nurses will need a license from their state’s nursing board to practice as registered nurses. The requirements for licensure will vary by state. More details can be found in the certification and licensing section below.
Step 5: Complete Additional Education or Gain Work Experience (Timelines Vary)
There are two primary ways a registered nurse can become a forensic nurse. They can either gain work experience working directly with victims or complete an educational program. Most educational programs are master’s of science in nursing degrees, although there are certificate and doctor of nursing practice degree options as well.
Step 6: Earn Certification as a Forensic Nurse (Timelines Vary)
The primary certifications for forensic nurses are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-P) through the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) and Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C) from the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB), or the Forensic Nursing Certification from The American Institute of Health Care Professionals.
More details on these certifications can be found in the certification and licensure section below.
What Do Forensic Nurses Do?
Forensic nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and law enforcement agencies. Forensic nurses must be skilled in patient care and information gathering, making them essential criminal justice system members. Typical day-to-day duties can include:
- Evaluating and managing the health of victims of physical or sexual abuse
- Providing care for victims of abuse or violence
- Assisting in the investigation of trauma and/or death from homicide, suicide, or accident
- Documenting findings
- Providing expert testimony
- Gathering and preserving evidence from a victim
- Conducting autopsies
- Identifying and investigating cases of child abuse
- Consulting with law enforcement officials
Forensic Nurse Certifications & Licensure
All forensic nurses must, at a minimum, have a license to practice as registered nurses in the state where they work. If a registered nurse has completed an advanced degree, they may be licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse. The requirements for licensure as a registered nurse will vary by state but typically include:
- Completion of an accredited or state-approved nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Have a clear background check and drug screen
Certification for forensic nurses is voluntary but may be required by some employers. The primary certifications are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-P) through the International Association of Forensic Nurses; the Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) and Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C) from the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB), or the Forensic Nursing Certification from The American Institute of Health Care Professionals.
The eligibility requirements for IAFN SANE-A and SANE-P certifications include:
- Hold an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Have practiced nursing for a minimum of two years as an RN for the SANE-A certification or three years for the SANE-P certification
- Have successfully completed an adult/adolescent sexual assault nurse examiner education program that grants a minimum of 40 hours of academic coursework or continuing nursing education contact hours from an accredited provider, or have successfully completed a combined adult/adolescent/pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner education program that grants a minimum of 64 hours of academic coursework or continuing nursing education contact hours from an accredited provider
- Have successfully completed a sexual assault nurse examiner clinical preceptorship
- Have practiced as a sexual assault nurse examiner for a minimum of 300 hours within the past three years
The FNCB GFN-C certification requires that candidates hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and have an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse. They must also meet one of the following eligibility pathways:
- A minimum of six credit hours of forensic nursing coursework from an accredited nursing program, a minimum of one year of forensic nursing practice, and at least 1000 forensic nursing practice hours completed within the five years prior to the date of application, or
- A minimum of 60 continuing education hours or an equivalent in college coursework in the three years before the date of application, a minimum of one year of forensic nursing practice, and at least 1000 forensic nursing practice hours completed within the five years prior to the date of application
To be eligible for the AFN-C certification, candidates must have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or higher from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and have an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse. In addition, they must meet one of the pathways listed below:
- A minimum of 12 credit hours of forensic nursing coursework from an accredited nursing program and complete 300 clinical hours as part of the program, or
- A minimum of 90 continuing education hours or an equivalent in college coursework in the three years before the date of application, a minimum of two years of forensic nursing practice, and at least 2000 forensic nursing practice hours completed within the five years before the date of application
The Forensic Nursing Certification from The American Institute of Health Care Professionals eligibility requirements are:
- Complete an officially established education program to prepare registered nurses for the practice of forensic nursing
- Complete the 230-hour forensic nursing continuing education program by The American Institute of Health Care Professionals
- Hold an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse
How Much Do Forensic Nurses Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not differentiate nurse salaries based on specialization. The 3,282,010 registered nurses in the US earn $98,430 per year on average (BLS May 2024). The percentiles for wages are:
- 10th percentile: $66,030
- 25th percentile: $78,610
- 50th percentile (median): $93,600
- 75th percentile: $107,960
- 90th percentile: $135,320
Forensic Nurse Career Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to a career as a forensic nurse:
Become a Psychiatric Nurse
Most psychiatric nurses work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They may see patients for various issues, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatric nurses help clients to manage their conditions and often work with other healthcare professionals to create a treatment plan. They may also provide counseling or support to clients and their families.
- Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Nurses Credentialing Center
Become a Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses work to prevent disease and illness in entire communities. They work with other healthcare professionals to create strategic interventions and education campaigns that target the most at-risk clients. Public health nurses also collaborate with community members to ensure everyone can access the best possible healthcare.
- Typical Education: Associate or bachelor’s
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board of Public Health Examiners
Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses work primarily in hospital settings, where they are the first point of contact for new families. They monitor the fetal heartbeat and watch for any potential complications. They can also administer medications as ordered by a physician and help to provide a more comfortable labor experience for the mother. After the baby is born, labor and delivery nurses assess the newborn and help with any post-birth care for the parents.
- Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Certification Corporation (NCC)
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about trends within the healthcare workforce, with a particular focus on the power of interdisciplinary teams. He’s also covered the crises faced by healthcare professionals working at assisted living and long-term care facilities, both in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the demographic shift brought on by the aging of the Baby Boomers. His work has included detailed interviews and consultations with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ASCA), the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA), and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).