Forensic Nursing Science Certificate Program

Forensic Nursing Program Offers New Potential for Health Care Professionals

These two courses are specifically designed with the working professional in mind.

Open Enrollment is Now Available! Register Here

For more information, please contact Katherine Scholl RN, SANE, CMI-3, CHS-3, DABFN, FACFE

Course Descriptions

Forensic Nursing Distance Education StudentThe University of Florida Forensic Nursing Science Program is an on-line training program designed for nurses that are already registered and are seeking to specialize in the area of forensic science. The program is intended to introduce nurses to the forensic aspects of health care, criminal justice, law enforcement and public service. Forensic nurses work closely with law enforcement at crime scenes by collecting evidence and assisting in the process of forensic analysis. Nurses trained in forensic science also specialize in treating victims of assault, accidents and other violent abuse. The role of the forensic nurse specialist within the health care environment is emphasized throughout the program.

This training program is affiliated with the University of Florida Global Forensic Science program which recently received the American Distance Education Consortium Award of Excellence in Distance Education. The certificate program consists of two entirely on-line self paced courses. Participants learn by using a highly interactive course management system which allows for the use of collaborative case studies and on-line discussion forums designed to provide maximum interaction between participants and the course instructor. Nationally recognized experts host discussion forums and are available to answer questions from participants about both course content and the role of the forensic nurse specialist throughout the health care and criminal justice spectrum. Upon completion of the program participants receive a certificate from the University of Florida..

Program Objectives

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

  • Describe principles and processes used in forensic science;
  • Explain special forensic issues in healthcare and criminal justice;
  • Identify mechanisms of injury;
  • Discuss legal standards and practice issues;
  • Apply forensic science techniques using the nursing process;

Program Outline

Forensic Nursing Science Part I ($1,495)

  • Module 1: History & Nature of Forensic Science
  • Module 2: Crime Scene Investigation
  • Module 3: Latent Prints
  • Module 4: Trace Evidence
  • Module 5: Biological Evidence
  • Module 6: Forensic DNA Analysis
  • Module 7: Illicit Drugs
  • Module 8: Forensic Toxicology
  • Module 9: Firearms & Toolmarks
  • Module 10: Death Investigation
  • Module 11: Questioned Documents
  • Module 12: Fire & Explosive Examination

Required Textbook:
Forensic Science : An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques
Editor: Stuart H. James, Jon J. Nordby
ISBN-10: 1420064932
ISBN-13: 978-1420064933

Forensic Nursing Science Part II ($1,495)

  • Module 1: Forensic Science in Healthcare
  • Module 2: Crime Against Individuals
  • Module 3: Mechanisms of Inquiry
  • Module 4: Death Investigation
  • Module 5: Unique Situations
  • Module 6: Psychiatric Forensic Nursing
  • Module 7: Crime Analysis
  • Module 8: Legal Standards & Practice

Required Textbook:
Forensic Nursing by Virginia A. Lynch
ISBN-10: 0-323-02826-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-323-02826-4