How to Become a Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal nurse consultants assist lawyers, organizations, and agencies in providing medical counsel on legal cases. The steps to become a legal nurse consultant (LNC) include education, testing, and licensing, after which legal nurse consultants can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a legal nurse consultant, and where to start.
Become a Legal Nurse Consultant in 7 Steps
To become a legal nurse consultant, candidates must first become registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education, licensing, and certification in a specialty.
1
Graduate With a BSN Degree
To become an RN, candidates must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. A BSN typically takes four years, but many programs offer accelerated options for those with prior degrees or completed prerequisites. While one can become an RN by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) , a BSN is required to become a legal nurse consultant.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a legal nurse consultant, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in legal consulting.
5
Apply for Legal Nurse Consultant Jobs
After spending some time at the bedside, nurses can apply for legal nurse consultant positions or start their own businesses.
6
Earn Legal Nurse Consultant Certification
After some legal consulting experience, LNCs may pursue specialty certification in their field through the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants. While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers or clients.
Schooling Requirements for Legal Nurse Consultants
Legal nurse consultants may work with an RN designation, or they may pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) . While some positions don’t require high-level degrees, others may offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives future LNCs a well-rounded education experience. 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 than an ADN
- 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 legal nurse consultants to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
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. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Legal Nurse Consultant Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Legal nurse consultants 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 one 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 public health 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.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Legal nurse consultants may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, which offers the Legal Nurse Consultant Certification (LNCC®).
Where Do Legal Nurse Consultants Work?
Legal nurse consultants can find employment in a wide range of organizations. These may include:
- Business legal departments
- Consulting firms
- Forensic departments
- Government agencies
- Healthcare systems and facilities
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
- Insurance companies
- Law firms
- Patient safety organizations
FAQs: How to Become a Legal Nurse Consultant
1. What education is needed to become a legal nurse consultant?
Legal nurse consultants must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become a legal nurse consultant?
To become an LNC, you must complete an undergraduate degree in four years and have several years of bedside experience. Some agencies may require an advanced degree, such as an MSN or DNP, which adds several more years to the timeframe.
3. What are the steps to become a legal nurse consultant?
To become a legal nurse consultant, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school with a BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, apply for and receive a nursing license in their state, and gain several years of bedside experience. After these steps, they may apply for LNC positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do legal nurse consultants make an hour?
According to ZipRecruiter, legal nurse consultants can earn an average of $42.15 per hour, which equals about $87,681 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree can earn more.
