First, you must complete a nursing program and pass the National Council for Licensure Examination. Choose among the following academic options: bachelor of science in nursing, associate degree in nursing and a diploma program. Keep in mind that certain forensic nurse certifications require the nurse to hold a valid registered nurse license.
Choose a practical nurse program if you would like to complete the degree requirements within one academic year and are not required to be a registered nurse. There are many forensic certification programs that do not require the nurse to hold a valid registered nurse license. Consult the American Forensic Nurses online site.
Register for the National Council for Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse if you have completed a BSN, ADN or diploma program. Register for the NCLEX-Licensed Practical Nurse if you have completed a practical nurse program. Submit an application authorizing criminal background and academic credential verification checks to the state board where you hope to get a license. Obtain a satisfactory score on the exam and pass the personal verification performed by the state board.
Review the current certification and continuing education programs offered by the American Forensic Nurse. The organization offers information to both online and on-campus programs that vary in length from six months for a certificate to two years for a master of science in nursing program. Consult all degree offerings before deciding which program best meets your professional goals and time constraints.
Choose a master of science in nursing program with a specialization in forensic examination for greater career opportunities and salary options. An MSN program lasts approximately 24 to 28 months and may cover forensic examination procedures, protocols and patient psychology. Employers may prefer an MSN graduate to a certificate holder since an MSN provides more in-depth study in the field of forensics and greater testing and rigorous testing of the nurse. Keep in mind that admission to an MSN program requires completion of a BSN.
As an example, choose the University of California-Riverdale online certificate in forensic nursing with a specialization in sexual assault if you are able to commit to the 60-hour academic course and obtain a passing score of 90 percent on the final examination. The student must also complete a minimum of 45 hours of supervised clinical and non-clinical volunteer nursing experience. As of 2010, the tuition cost for the program is $665.