Forensic Nursing Courses

Forensic Nursing Courses For Rns: Expand Your Job Opportunities.

Forensic nurses take additional training beyond the requirements for a Registered Nursing license. forensic nursing courses teach licensed nurses skills in subjects such as death investigation and evidence collection. Courses cover rape and abused victim interviewing and examination, as well as emergency room nursing and the legal aspects of traumatic injuries.Online forensic nursing courses and classroom opportunities exist for nurses interested in this career. The American Institute of Forensic Education, Inc., at 255 North El Cielo Road, Suite 140-195, Palm Springs, CA 92262 has a Virtual Classroom for forensic nursing courses. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 provides information on courses at colleges and universities and online certificate studies.

Generally, graduate programs require a two-year course of study for a Master of Science degree. Certificate programs may take as long as one year.Web and on-campus opportunities may lead to either a degree or a certificate based on specific forensic nursing courses. The certificate route may take less time to complete and be less expensive. However, more future opportunities can open up for those with full degrees, particularly if nurses keep current through continuing education offerings in forensic nursing.forensic nursing courses may cover a wide variety of subjects.

The core areas taught include investigations of sexual assault, child abuse and deaths. Other important techniques involve collecting forensic evidence on-scene and in the emergency room including digital photography and photo software. Courses in the legal aspects of forensics covering topics as the chain of custody and court testimony should be part of any program of forensic nursing courses.Any nurses interested in pursuing career development by taking forensic nursing courses should check accreditation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is the official accrediting body for nursing education including forensic nursing courses.