Prospective Students

Advanced Practice Nurse Forensic Certificate Program

Forensic Nursing FAQ

What is Forensic Nursing?
Forensic Nursing is the application of nursing science to public or legal proceedings; the application of the forensic aspects of health care combined with the bio-psycho-social education of the registered nurse in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and/or death of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents (IAFN, 2006).

What jobs are available for forensic nurses?
Forensic nurses provide direct services to individual clients within their specialty (Emergency, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Mental Health, etc). They can also provide consultation services to nursing, medical and law-related agencies, and expert court testimony in areas dealing with trauma and/or questioned death investigative processes, adequacy of services delivery, and specialized diagnoses of specific conditions as related to nursing (IAFN, 2006).

What are the specialty areas within forensic nursing?

• Advanced Practice Forensic Nurse
• Forensic Nurse Clinical Specialist
• Forensic Nurse Investigator
• Nurse Coroner/Death Investigator
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
• Legal Nurse Consultant
• Correctional Nursing Specialist

What is a SANE?
SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is a registered nurse who has been specially trained to provide comprehensive care to the sexual assault patient, demonstrates competency in conducting a medical forensic exam and collecting evidence, and has the ability to be an expert witness. Credentialing for SANEs is offered by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).

What is the difference between a SANE-A and a SANE-P?
A SANE-A is the professional certification credential for sexual assault nurse examiners of adults and adolescents. Nurses with SANE-A after their name are Board-Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners-Adult/Adolescent. A SANE-P is the professional certification for sexual assault nurse examiners that care for the pediatric and adolescent populations. 

How do I get involved in the IAFN locally?
The IAFN (International Association of Forensic Nurses) has local chapters in many states. The Illinois chapter is their most recent addition. You may contact our program or the IAFN directly for more information.

What other certifications are available for forensic nurses?
Please go to our credentialing page for this information.