Forensic Nursing Certificate
online program

Forensic nursing, like traditional nursing, is divided into several specialty areas such as the sexual assault nurse examiner, crime scene and death investigator, the correctional nurse and psychiatric nurse. Nurses who have an interest in the forensic aspects of health care provide necessary services for the victims of violence. Furthermore, law enforcement and the legal community are now realizing the positive impact forensic nursing is having on case outcomes. The ability to recognize forensic issues and to preserve, document and collect evidence are essential skills of today’s health care professional.

The Program
This comprehensive online program is designed to introduce nurses to the forensic aspects of health care and public service. Trauma, acts of violence, mass casualty incidents, sexual assault and human abuse are explored as they relate to evidence collection and preservation, documentation and follow-up procedures as performed by health care providers. Through Web-based programming, participants engage in problem solving through the use of case study formats. Nationally recognized experts host discussion sessions and serve as links to mentors in selected forensic science specialties.

The individual course modules are structured to provide both core content and an introduction to several sub-specialties within the discipline including death investigation, correctional nursing, forensic psychiatry, forensic photography and clinical forensic nursing. Victimology is explored as it relates to changing trends of violence in our society. The role of the forensic specialist within the health care environment is emphasized throughout. A network of mentors is available to assist participants in gaining access to community resources for additional learning opportunities to complement online course material. Advanced students with unique learning or experience needs are presented additional opportunities to amplify their forensic acumen.

The units earned in the required classes are "post-graduate professional level" credit designed for professional and occupational advancement. All required courses are letter-graded and have undergone a rigorous approval process by UC Riverside. If you are interested in using this program for credit toward a degree, check first with the college or university granting the degree. Requirements and policies regarding the transfer of credit differ among institutions.

Each course provides California BRN credit for nurses.

Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Certificate, the participant is able to:

• Identify and properly collect forensic evidence within the health care setting to ensure that it will withstand legal scrutiny.
• Communicate with the various members of the multi-disciplinary forensic team including victim advocates, law enforcement, and the judicial process in general.
• Determine treatment for triage and emergency intervention for patients who exhibit potential forensic implications.
• Identify basic policies and procedures required for conducting sexual assault examinations for child and adult women and men.
• Analyze the social and political implications of escalating violence as it relates to law enforcement, criminal justice and domestic living.

Delivery Method
The Certificate is presented online. Each course provides an instructor and a defined time frame for completing assignments, homework and required online sessions, i.e. discussion boards or chat sessions between the students and the instructor. Each course includes a required number of hours online with the instructor. Participants are given assignments, homework, online quizzes or research projects with rigid due dates that are submitted via e-mail to the instructor. Course materials are accessed online. A final exam for each course is provided online and can be accessed by the participant during a specified period of time. Blackboard will be used as the learning management system. Elective units may be earned through traditional or other distance education formats.

Who Can Benefit
Registered nurses, LVNs/LPNs, paramedics and other licensed medical professionals.