An online forensic nursing degree may enable individuals to qualify for a career as a certified sexual assault nurse examiner, registered nurse, forensic nurse, clinical nurse specialist, and other positions. A career path as a forensic nurse requires an individual to be a registered nurse and get certified to become a certified sexual assault nurse examiner. Forensic nurses usually begin a program to become a registered nurse, get certified, and may choose to become a clinical nurse specialist in order to work their way towards forensic nursing.

All Colleges offering Nursing Degree in Forensic Nursing

Online Degrees in Forensic Nursing

An online degree in forensic nursing can provide an individual with the credential they need to become a forensic nurse, clinical nurse specialist, or enter a related position. The only online degree offered in forensic nursing is an online forensic nursing certification. However, this certification provides one of the credentials needed to enter the medical field as a forensic nurse or in a related position.

Online Forensic Nursing Certification prepares individuals with one of the credentials they need to achieve a career as a forensic nurse, clinical nurse specialist, or related position. Individuals aspiring to become a forensic nurse or enter a related position should be a registered nurse, have experience with traditional patient care, and be certified as a sexual assault nurse examiner by the American Forensic Nurses.

Online Forensic Nursing Courses

Coursework in programs for an online forensic nursing degree may vary depending on the institution. However, some common courses to expect include information on science of violence, abuse victims, criminal activity, traumatic accidents, study of legal processes, specialty science courses, and other related courses.

Forensic Nursing Degree Careers and Salary Information

An online degree in forensic nursing enables people to enter a career as a forensic nurse or other related position. A forensic nurse evaluates and cares for victims of assault, sex crimes, and domestic abuse. They may collect evidence of the abuse and be presented as an expert in a court case related to a patient or incident that they have been investigating. The median entry level salary for people with a degree in forensic nursing is approximately $50,000. However, this may range from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the person's employment setting, level of education, and on-the-job experience. Employment settings may include hospitals, police forces, non-profit organizations that offer affordable medical care for victims of crimes, and other clinical settings. The number of registered nursing careers is projected to grow by 23% by 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. With an increasing number of nurses coming up to retirement age and retiring and a growing number of patients in need of attention, more registered nurses will be in demand. As police forces seek to strengthen cases against criminals and increase convictions, forensic nurses will become a more valued asset to their investigations.

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Online Colleges Offering Forensic Nursing Degrees

University of Phoenix - Online Campus

Accreditation

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Western Governors University

Accreditation

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s "home" accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU is the first online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU’s Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). WGU’s Nursing programs are CCNE accredited.

University of Saint Mary

Accreditation

The University of Saint Mary Online is accreditated by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Northern Arizona University(NAU)

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

UMassOnline

Accreditation

UMassOnline is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Accreditation
Chamberlain College of Nursing is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, one of the six regional agencies that accredit U.S. colleges and universities at the institutional level. The associate and bachelor's degree programs in nursing at the Columbus and St. Louis campuses are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The bachelor's degree program in nursing at the Addison, Columbus, Phoenix and St. Louis campuses is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation provides assurance to the public and to prospective students that standards of quality have been met. Program availability varies by location.

Drexel University

Accreditation

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Fort Hays State University

Accreditation

Fort Hays State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Indiana State University

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kaplan University

Accreditation

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Northeastern University

Accreditation

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education; The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).