Thanks to the popularity of television shows, there has been an upswing of people headed into careers such as crime scene investigators and medical examiners. One career option that has been completely overlooked, yet is one of the most popular sub-specialties of nursing, is the advanced forensic nurse. The forensic nurse plays an imperative role within the field of forensic science.
Schools Offering Nursing Degrees
- Florida Career College
- Fortis Institute
- Southern Careers Institute
- Remington College
- New England Institute of Technology
- Virginia College
- St. Paul’s School of Nursing
- Miller Motte College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Daymar College
- Miles Community College
- Northwestern College
Becoming An Advanced Forensic Nurse
The typical path to becoming an Advanced Forensic Nurse can be long, taking approximately eight years. After you graduate high school (or get your GED), you’ll need to get your bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) which takes four years. Some may choose to go the associate’s degree route first but it is highly recommended to begin with your bachelor’s degree.
After you’ve earned your RN degree, you’ll sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). From there, you’ll continue your education and get your master’s degree which takes approximately two years, and finally your doctorate which can take four years. To become a certified Advanced Forensic Nurse, you will have to sit for and pass the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification exam. This is offered by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).
Other recommended certifications are the Advanced Forensic Nursing Credential and the Forensic Nursing Credential Examination.