Forensic nursing can be defined as specialized care for patients experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence. Nurses educated in the principles of forensic science help victims of trauma, aid in the investigation of child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence. In addition, forensic nurses often play a role in death investigations for coroners and medical examiners. This certificate prepares RN s who work in settings where there is no formal forensic nursing position to apply this enhanced skill set to a multitude of areas-including inpatient, outpatient, community/ home health, schools and elder care facilities, coroner’s offices, corrections, and in mass disasters/ trauma.

Admission criteria: Active, unencumbered RN license for BSN option

Courses required for the undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing

MSN 557 Forensic Nursing 1
Forensic Nursing I_ Introduction to Forensic Nursing (3 credits) Fall I 7 weeks
This course will introduce the history, evolution, and theoretical framework of forensic nursing.
Students will learn the competencies and scope of practice for all ages- children, adolescent and adult/geriatric. The pathophysiology of accidental and non-accidental trauma will be covered. Roles of the forensic nurse will be explored along with multidisciplinary communication and interaction. Emphasis on wellness, self-care and maintenance of appropriate boundaries will be discussed along with identification of implicit biases.

SWK 507 Victimology
Victimology (3 credits) Fall 2 7 weeks
This course will explore victimization of the child, adolescent, adult/ geriatric populations.
Human trafficking, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, dating aggression and abuse will be discussed. Emphasis on the relationship of abuse of vulnerable populations, including
LGBTQIA, BIPOC and more will be covered.

FSC 559 Legal Issues and Evidentiary Collection
Legal and Evidentiary Issues in Forensic Nursing (3 credits) Spring I 7 weeks
This course will cover evidence collection, preservation, and documentation by the forensic
nurse. Students will learn the proper techniques for collecting, photographing, sketching, note
taking and following the chain of custody of forensic evidence. Legal aspects include
documentation, framework of the legal system, process of the criminal trial, admissibility rules
and courtroom testimony.

NUR 558 Forensic Nursing II
Forensic Nursing II didactic 3 credits all students, plus clinical practicum 1 credit= 56
hours for the MSN option Spring II 7 weeks
Didactic coursework will cover violence and trauma of the living and deceased, epidemiology, and crisis/disaster response. The effects of climate and the environment on injuries/ death will be explored. The use of emerging technology and AI will be discussed. Principles of conflict resolution will be incorporated.

For students enrolled in the MSN option, this course includes a focused practicum that allows the student to apply principles of forensic nursing in the clinical setting.

A mandatory 1-2 day On Campus Immersion is required in Spring II that will evaluate
competency with patient interaction and physical examination, evidence collection and
preservation, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.