Advanced Practice Forensic Nursing Certificate
Program Description
The post-graduate Advanced Practice Forensic Nursing (APFN) Certificate program prepares masters and DNP-prepared individuals who are already licensed advanced practice nurses with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide holistic, culturally-competent, evidence-based, forensic nursing care for adult, adolescent, and pediatric assault survivors. Didactic and lab experiences prepare the graduate to provide forensic nursing care and investigation for assault survivors across the lifespan. Upon completion of this program, graduates may be eligible to take the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) adult and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE-A® and SANE-P®) certification and/or the Academy of Forensic Nursing Advanced Forensic Nurse Certification (AFN-C). This one-year program includes nine-twelve hours of course work, depending on the student's goals.
Forensic Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Evaluate the emerging model of adult and pediatric/adolescent forensic nursing within the historical, political, and social context of the disciplines of nursing, health care, law, and forensics.
- Apply forensic concepts and standards of practice to the provision of competent, comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated care to adult and pediatric/adolescent assault survivors.
- Appraise the available research and best practices related to the nursing care of adult and pediatric/adolescent assault survivors.
- Formulate collaborative interventions that employ ethical decision-making and cultural competence in the prevention and treatment of assault in adult and pediatric/adolescent populations.
- Practice collaboratively with the interprofessional assault response or resource team.
- Perform the medical forensic exam for assault survivors across the lifespan.
- Provide comprehensive, patient-centered care during the assessment, treatment, stabilization, and referral of assault survivors across the lifespan.
- Use critical thinking in the collection, preservation, and documentation of evidence obtained during the forensic examination.
- Apply principles of best practice in the presentation of findings and opinions in
legal proceedings.
Course Description
* Directed Study is optional.Course ID Title Credits
NSG 853 Forensic Nursing I 3 NSG 874 Forensic Nursing II 3 NSG 854 Forensic Examination and Investigation 3 NSG 960 Directed Study* 3 Total 9-12
Admission Requirements
The application deadline has been extended to April 1.
- Master of science degree in nursing (MSN) with nurse practitioner concentration, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
- Completion of three separate courses in Advanced Pathology/Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology
- An unencumbered license as an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner)
- Certification in an advanced practice nursing specialty
- Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in MSN or DNP program
- Three recommendations supporting the applicant’s ability to function in the SANE role. Two recommendations should come from graduate prepared nurses or faculty members who can address the applicant’s potential or ability for functioning in the SANE role
- Interview - Applicants meeting admission criteria and selected for further admission consideration
must participate in a recorded interview for the purpose of evaluating applicant’s
ability to practice within the SANE role.
Applications can be made through NursingCas.
*There is no residency requirement.
Pre-Matriculation Requirements
- Completion of required immunizations
- Successful criminal background check and drug screening prior to matriculation
- Student confirmation of their ability to meet the technical and performance standards of the certificate program