How to Become a Forensic Nurse
Forensic nurses work with victims and perpetrators of violent acts. They care for patients who have experienced rape, neglect, and other violent offenses, offering psychological and emotional support while also performing medical care such as treatments and the collection of evidence. Some may also give testimony in court. To become a forensic nurse, the steps include education, testing, and licensing, after which forensic nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a forensic nurse, and where to start.
Become a Forensic Nurse in 7 Steps
Forensic nurses must have the education needed to treat victims of violence or examine remains after death. State licensing is required to practice as a forensic nurse, specialty certifications highlight experts in this field, and higher education offers even more opportunities.
2
Pass the NCLEX-RN Licensing Examination
All RNs—including prospective forensic nurses—can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in any state, and its results apply nationwide. Once a passing grade is confirmed, RNs may apply for a state license.
3
Acquire a State License
Each state has different license application requirements, and forensic nurses applying for a registered nursing license can find their state’s application process at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
4
Gain Applicable Experience
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for nursing jobs in the state of their licensure, and many employers are willing to hire new graduates. RNs may find they can achieve experience relevant to their forensic nursing goals in an emergency room or urgent care setting. Medical-surgical, pediatric, and psychiatric units can also hold value in this area.
5
Earn Forensic Nurse Specialty Certification
Some states require forensic nurse certification before RNs may pursue these positions, while other states simply require bedside experience. You can participate in a college or university forensic nursing course, or you may apply for certifications like the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).
6
Pursue Forensic Nursing Positions
Once RNs have experience and/or necessary certification, they may apply for forensic nursing positions. If a forensic nurse wishes to work in a new state, they must apply for a license in that state. However, some states have a “compact” agreement in which one state’s license may be used in other states.
Schooling Requirements for Forensic Nurses
Forensic nurses can practice with a few different levels of education, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing. However, more and more employers in all fields may favor nurses with a bachelor’s degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing survey revealed that a majority of healthcare employers (over 70%) prefer new nursing hires to have a BSN.
Forensic nurses can also earn higher degrees, like an MSN or a DNP. With this level of education, forensic nurses can work as clinicians or pursue higher leadership positions. Some forensic nurses not only achieve an MSN but also return to graduate school for a law degree.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a forensic nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a forensic nurse degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Forensic nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to forensic nurses with a BSN. However, the nursing shortage ensures a large pool of work for nurses with ADNs.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives future nurses a more well-rounded education experience than an ADN. Typically done over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future forensic nurses to handle a high level of care. Where an ADN focuses on quickly preparing future nurses for clinical situations, a BSN adds higher-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, and health informatics and analysis.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. Nurses who choose to pursue a DNP must choose a specialty before beginning the program. While a DNP is not yet required for public health nursing roles, it does help candidates stand out.
Forensic Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Forensic nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from an hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want to see proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
After initial licensure, RNs must renew their license every two years in most states. Each state has varying requirements on continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a plethora of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Forensic nursing certification not only prepares nurses for their practice, but also helps any potential employer to feel more confident in hiring that candidate. Most certification programs include some classroom hours, in-person clinical training time, and an exam. Some common forensic certifications include:
These certifications may also offer higher salaries for forensic nurses.
Where Forensic Nurses Work
Forensic nurses can work in many different settings: anywhere they can treat victims or perpetrators of violent acts. These settings can include:
- Hospitals
- Psychiatric facilities
- Community programs
- Coroner offices
- Medical examiner offices
- Domestic violence centers
- Corrections facilities
Nurses in this specialty may also choose to make themselves available to organizations that respond to mass casualty events and natural disasters.
FAQs: How to Become a Forensic Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a forensic nurse?
Forensic nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After some bedside experience, they may pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), but these are not required to practice as a forensic nurse.
2. How many years does it take to become a forensic nurse?
The time it takes to become a forensic nurse depends on which degree they pursue, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a forensic nurse?
To become a forensic nurse, aspiring nurses must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to forensic nurse positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do forensic nurses make an hour?
Forensic nurses make a similar wage to any other registered nurse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
