Forensic Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Education, Licensure & Salary

Forensic nurse practitioners (forensic NPs) are critical at the intersection of medicine and law enforcement. As specialized medical professionals, their role extends beyond the traditional boundaries of nursing, delving into areas like crime scene investigation, legal proceedings, and victim advocacy. 

Forensic NPs primarily care for patients who have been victims or perpetrators of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, abuse, or crime. Their work involves collecting evidence, documenting injuries, testifying in court, and working closely with law enforcement and legal teams to collect medical evidence properly and ethically. In addition to these duties, FNPs often provide crisis intervention services and connect patients with resources for longer-term support. They work in various settings, including hospitals, coroner’s offices, correctional facilities, and domestic violence shelters.

The career growth for FNPs is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) projecting a 45 percent growth rate for nurse practitioners from 2022 to 2032. Forensic nursing, in particular, is becoming increasingly recognized as a crucial component of the healthcare and justice system. The work of FNPs has a significant positive impact on society, as their expertise can play a critical role in ensuring justice is served and victims receive the care and support they need. Their unique skill set allows them to bridge the gap between medicine and the legal system, making a real difference in the lives of their patients and the community at large.

This article explores the education, licensure, and salary aspects of this fascinating and impactful career, offering insights for those considering a path in forensic nursing. Read on to learn more about how to become a forensic nurse practitioner.

What Does a Forensic Nurse Practitioner Do?

Forensic nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide specialized care to patients who are victims or perpetrators of trauma, violence, abuse, or crime. Their responsibilities often include collecting evidence, documenting injuries, and providing testimony in court. They also work closely with law enforcement and legal teams to collect medical evidence properly and ethically. In addition to these duties, FNPs often provide crisis intervention services and connect patients with resources for longer-term support.

Specific skills and tasks of a forensic nurse practitioner can include:

• Medical Examination: Performing detailed physical examinations, especially for victims of assault or abuse.
• Evidence Collection: Gathering and preserving physical evidence from patients, such as DNA samples or clothing fibers.
• Documentation: Precisely recording observations and findings in medical records for future legal proceedings.
• Testifying in Court: Serving as an expert witness in court cases, explaining medical findings and their implications.
• Interpersonal Skills: Communicating sensitively and effectively with patients who have experienced traumatic events.
• Collaboration: Working closely with law enforcement, legal professionals, and other healthcare providers.
• Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate psychological support for victims and referring them to appropriate mental health services.
• Continuing Education: Staying up-to-date on the latest research and developments in both medicine and forensic science.

These skills highlight the diverse and complex role of FNPs in healthcare and the justice system.

Forensic Nurse Practitioner Certifications

While it is possible to be employed as a forensic nurse practitioner without specific credentials, having certification demonstrates professional commitment and best-practice knowledge. Becoming certified ensures that peers, employers, patients, and other stakeholders recognize the nurse’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in this specialized field.

Here are three organizations that certify forensic nurse practitioners.

International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)

The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) is a reputable organization that provides two significant certifications in the field of forensic nursing. The SANE-A and SANE-P designations signify that the nurse has demonstrated the highest standards of forensic nursing practice, particularly in dealing with sexual assault cases. 

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) – 1,739 
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-P) – 744

The IAFN offers online training courses for those preparing to take the SANE-A or SANE-P certification exam, with prices ranging from $350 to $600.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) certification is a specialized credential designed for registered nurses with at least two years of experience and completing a 40-hour didactic course focusing on the SANE role. The SANE-A certification exam is held twice a year, in April and September, and requires a successful passing score for certification. This certification signifies that the nurse has demonstrated expertise and competence in caring for adult and adolescent sexual assault victims. It is recognized nationally and often required for nurses who wish to work in this specialty area.

• Eligibility: RN license, BSN, MSN, or DNP degree, two years of RN experience, completion of an accredited 40-hour SANE didactic course, a SANE clinical preceptorship, 300 hours of SANE-related practice 
• Duration: Three years
• Fee: $275 (IAFN members in the US/Canada); $350 (international members); $425 (non-members)

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric/Adolescent (SANE-P) certification is a distinguished credential offered by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). This certification is specifically tailored for registered nurses with at least two years of experience and completing a 40-hour didactic course focusing on the pediatric and adolescent SANE role. The SANE-P certification exam is held twice a year, in April and September, and candidates must achieve a successful passing score to be certified. The SANE-P certification validates a nurse’s specialized knowledge and skills in providing care for pediatric and adolescent victims of sexual assault. It is nationally recognized and often required for nurses seeking to work in this specialized area

• Eligibility: RN license, BSN, MSN, or DNP degree, three years of RN experience, completion of an accredited 40-hour SANE didactic course, a SANE clinical preceptorship, 300 hours of SANE-related practice 
• Duration: Three years
• Fee: $455 (IAFN members in the US/Canada); $530 (international members); $605 (non-members)

Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB)

The Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB) is a non-profit subsidiary of the Academy of Forensic Nursing that provides and manages professional credentials for forensic nurses. 

The FNCB offers the following certifications: 

• Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) 
• Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C)

The certifications validate the nurse’s expertise in forensic nursing and are valid for three years from the date of credential conferral. Renewal requirements include holding an active and unencumbered RN license, being currently certified by FNCB, meeting the renewal requirements for the specific certification, and submitting a renewal application with the applicable fee. 

The Generalist Forensic Nurse Certified (GFN-C) is designed to validate the mastery of forensic nursing knowledge, skills, and experience at the generalist level. It enhances the professionalism and expertise of registered nurses in this specialized field, affirming their ability to provide high-quality care to patients who have experienced trauma or violence.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for the GFN-C certification, candidates must hold an active and unencumbered RN license, practice the core competencies, and have general nursing experience
• Duration: Three years 
• Fee: $395 (AFN members); $450 (non-members)

The Advanced Forensic Nurse Certified (AFN-C) is a specialized credential offered by the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB). This certification recognizes nurses with advanced expertise in forensic nursing, demonstrating their mastery of complex forensic nursing skills and knowledge. It serves as a testament to their proficiency in providing comprehensive care to patients affected by various forms of trauma or violence.

• Eligibility: To qualify for the AFN-C certification, applicants must hold an active and unrestricted RN license; additionally, they must meet specific clinical practice requirements in forensic nursing with an advanced degree
• Duration: Three years
• Fee: $395 (AFN members); $450 (non-members)

American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AICHP) 

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP) provides certification and fellowship opportunities for healthcare professionals across various specialties. Located in Warren, Ohio, AIHCP offers a wide range of certificate programs in areas such as the Forensic Nursing Certification, among others. 

The institute’s mission is to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals, preparing them to deliver high-quality care in their respective fields. Their programs are comprehensive and designed to equip professionals with the tools they need to navigate complex healthcare scenarios. The AIHCP has received positive reviews for its thorough curriculum and role in preparing healthcare professionals for real-life situations.

The Forensic Nursing Certification offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP) is a comprehensive program designed to train nurses in the specialized field of forensic nursing. The certification course equips nurses with the skills and knowledge required to care for victims and perpetrators of trauma, violence, abuse, and crime. It involves understanding the legal system, collecting and preserving evidence, testifying in court, and consulting legal authorities.

• Eligibility: An active and unrestricted RN license; two years of practice experience in forensic nursing or a related field
• Duration: Four years
• Fee: $200