Post-Master’s Forensic Nursing Certificate Programs

Last Updated On Jun 13, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

7 Min Read

2026 Best Online Forensic Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificates

RegisteredNursing.org presents the most comprehensive guide to the best online Forensic Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificates available nationwide. Our expert research team has carefully evaluated programs that offer advanced training in forensic nursing through distance learning platforms, providing nurses with flexible opportunities to specialize in this critical healthcare field. These virtual programs enable practicing nurses to enhance their investigative skills, learn advanced forensic assessment techniques, and prepare for roles in legal and medical settings without disrupting their current professional commitments. Forensic nursing represents a crucial intersection between healthcare and legal systems, making these online certificates increasingly valuable for nurses seeking to expand their professional expertise and contribute to justice and patient care. Explore our comprehensive ranking methodology.

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - jhu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing (CAFN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johns Hopkins University's Online Forensic Nursing Post-Master's Certificate offers a transformative 12-credit advanced program targeting experienced nurses seeking specialized forensic practice expertise. The hybrid curriculum seamlessly blends online learning with limited on-site sessions, empowering nurses to develop critical leadership skills in forensic nursing research, policy development, and clinical interventions. Uniquely designed for working professionals, the program requires a nursing baccalaureate degree and relevant clinical background. No GRE is required for admission, making it accessible for motivated nurses. Students can potentially leverage this certificate as a pathway to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with flexible fall and spring semester start options. The program's executive-style approach costs $2,500 per course and prepares nurses for emerging forensic healthcare roles.

12-credit graduate forensic nursing certificate
Online and on-site coursework
No GRE required
DNP degree pathway possible
Tuition: $2,500 per course
Fall or spring semester start
Leadership-focused curriculum

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX - Public 4-Year - tamu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Forensic Health Care

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas A&M University's online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Health Care offers registered nurses a specialized pathway to advanced forensic expertise. This comprehensive program equips healthcare professionals with critical skills in forensic investigation, victim support, and trauma-informed care. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses with an active RN license, the curriculum spans 8 core credit hours and provides in-depth training on addressing complex health challenges related to violence. The program's flexible online format allows nurses to expand their clinical capabilities while maintaining professional commitments, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to forensic healthcare.

Online graduate-level certificate
Requires BSN and RN license
8 core credit hours
Recommended 3.0 GPA
Focuses on victim assistance
Multiple elective course options
Prepares nurses for forensic roles

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL - Public 4-Year - southalabama.edu

Graduate Certificate - Advanced Forensic Nursing Care

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of South Alabama's Advanced Forensic Nursing Care Post-Graduate Certificate offers a specialized online and hybrid program preparing advanced practice nurses to become Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). Uniquely designed for current graduate students and post-graduate professionals, the program integrates comprehensive trauma-informed education with intensive clinical simulation and practicum experiences. Students gain expertise in adult and pediatric sexual trauma care, pharmacological interventions, and supportive care for assault victims. The curriculum emphasizes national certification preparation, ensuring graduates are equipped to enhance community care standards and provide critical forensic nursing services. Military-friendly and featuring hospital-based training, this program represents a cutting-edge approach to forensic nursing education.

Prepares for SANE certification.
Includes trauma-informed care education.
Offers clinical skills simulation.
Focuses on sexual trauma care.
Combines didactic and clinical education.
Prepares for adult and pediatric SANE.
Emphasizes pharmacologic care post-assault.
Supports care for comorbidities.
Requires mandatory on-campus skills intensive.
Offers practicum experiences.

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA - Public 4-Year - fitchburgstate.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing (Forensic Nursing) Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fitchburg State University's online forensic nursing graduate certificate provides a specialized pathway for master's-prepared registered nurses seeking advanced medical-legal expertise. The comprehensive 21-credit program uniquely positions nurses to excel in complex forensic healthcare environments, covering critical domains like death investigation, sexual assault examination, and legal nurse consulting. Students engage in 360 clinical hours, developing sophisticated skills in trauma investigation and victim care. CCNE-accredited and designed for flexibility, the program allows completion within two to six years. Rolling admissions and professional recommendations streamline entry for qualified candidates. Graduates emerge with robust knowledge to navigate intricate medical-legal challenges across diverse healthcare settings.

100% Online Graduate Certificate
21 Credit Program
Complete in 2-6 Years
Requires Master's in Nursing
360 Clinical Hours
Multiple Career Paths
CCNE Accredited Program
Rolling Admissions
Professional Recommendation Required
Current RN License Needed

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - duq.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Duquesne University's online Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate empowers experienced nurses to specialize in forensic healthcare investigations. Designed exclusively for MSN degree holders, this flexible program enables professionals to develop advanced skills in legal-medical intersections, evidence collection, and trauma assessment. The certificate program provides comprehensive training in forensic nursing principles, preparing graduates to work in critical settings like sexual assault centers, crime laboratories, and legal consulting firms. With a focus on professional development, the program supports working nurses seeking to expand their expertise without disrupting current employment. Leveraging online learning platforms, students can engage deeply with forensic nursing curriculum while maintaining professional responsibilities.

Online program flexibility.
Six specialized certificate options.
For MSN degree holders.
Enhances patient care skills.
Focus on specialized nursing fields.
Builds upon existing MSN knowledge.
Designed for working professionals.
Admission requires MSN degree.
Tailored education paths.
Flexible for various life stages.

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA - Private 4-year - desales.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certification in Forensic Nursing with Certification in Investigative Forensics

Concentration: Investigative Forensics - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

DeSales University offers a distinctive online Post-Master's Certification in Forensic Nursing focusing on Investigative Forensics. The hybrid program uniquely bridges nursing expertise with criminal justice principles, preparing advanced practice nurses for intricate investigative roles. Students complete 51 comprehensive credit hours, including 375 clinical practicum hours, with flexible full-time (two years) and part-time (three years) enrollment options. The program emphasizes sophisticated forensic science and legal knowledge, enabling graduates to pursue advanced forensic nurse certification. Competitive tuition at $975 per credit hour and potential employer reimbursement make this an attractive interdisciplinary educational pathway for nurses seeking specialized forensic career opportunities.

51 total credit hours
375 clinical practicum hours
Full/part-time options
Online and hybrid formats
Advanced forensic nurse certification
Interdisciplinary curriculum
Sophisticated forensic nursing skills
Flexible course scheduling
Clinical skills simulation training
Multiple career pathway options

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - xavier.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Xavier University's fully online Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing delivers a specialized 15-credit advanced training program tailored for experienced registered nurses seeking forensic healthcare expertise. The curriculum strategically prepares nurses to navigate complex legal and clinical scenarios involving crime victims, trauma survivors, and violence-related cases. Students explore critical domains including psychosocial assessment, evidence-based forensic practices, and interprofessional collaboration techniques. With flexible scheduling and affordable tuition at $722 per credit hour, the program offers comprehensive preparation for specialized roles like Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Legal Nurse Consultant. CCNE-accredited and designed for nurses holding an MSN, this certificate provides a robust pathway to expanding professional forensic nursing capabilities through an evidence-driven academic framework.

15-credit online certificate program
Experienced RNs with MSN
Flexible course scheduling
$722 per credit hour
Total program cost $10,830
Focus on forensic nursing roles
Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
Evidence-based practice framework
Practicum experiences included
CCNE accredited program

Cedar Crest College

Allentown, PA - Private 4-year - cedarcrest.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Forensic Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Cedar Crest College's Forensic Nursing Certificate provides an innovative online pathway for registered nurses to develop specialized expertise in forensic healthcare. The 9-month accelerated program prepares nurses to navigate complex medical-legal environments through comprehensive training in trauma care, evidence collection, and victim advocacy. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills across healthcare facilities and legal settings. Students benefit from a unique hybrid format featuring online coursework and brief on-campus immersion experiences. The program requires an active RN license and focuses on multidisciplinary communication, ensuring graduates are equipped to support critical healthcare investigations and provide compassionate patient care in forensic contexts.

Online certificate program
1-2 day on-campus immersion
Complete in 9 months
Requires active RN license
4 core forensic nursing courses
Covers trauma, victimology, evidence collection
Applicable across healthcare settings
State-of-the-art simulation labs
Multidisciplinary communication focus
Accredited nursing program

*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

Choosing a Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate Program

The choice to enroll in a post-master's forensic nursing certificate program is a big decision, particularly if it has been years since the nurse attended school. Enrolling in the right program can significantly increase a nurse's chances of completion, as well as their job prospects upon earning the certificate. The following should be carefully considered when researching programs.

Accreditation– Choosing a properly accredited post-master's certificate program is a crucial first step for prospective students. Organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) only accredit schools that meet their strict academic standards. Those who desire a quality education should ensure that they choose a fully accredited program.
Cost – Total program costs can vary significantly from school to school. Simply choosing the "cheapest" option is not always the best choice; factors such as reputation and curriculum should also be considered in addition to cost. Keep in mind that aside from tuition and fees, students will typically be required to cover additional expenses such as textbooks and course materials.
Program Length– Forensic nursing certificate programs can require anywhere from 15 to around 21 credits, depending on the school and the types of courses a nurse has already completed. Prospective students should thoroughly consider the curriculum to ensure it meets their needs before deciding on a program, regardless of its length.
Online Options– Many post-master's certificate programs are offered online. There are advantages and disadvantages to distance learning programs, and students should consider whether it's the right pathway for them. Checking to see if online delivery is an option at a student's school of choice is a great idea for those who need flexibility.
Internship/Externship Options– Clinical experiences are often a requirement of post-master's forensic nursing certificate programs. Students are encouraged to explore the partnerships schools have with hospitals and other medical facilities, where they may be able to fulfill this requirement and align it with their future career goals.

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Online Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate Programs

One of the fastest growing areas of nursing education is online program delivery. This is particularly true of the post-master's forensic nursing certificate program pathway. While it may seem like a no-brainer option, students are encouraged to fully weigh the pros and cons of this popular option.

Online vs. Classroom-Based Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate Programs

For nurses who are working full-time or who have otherwise hectic schedules, online programs are an ideal choice. The convenience and flexibility allow students to complete coursework anytime, anywhere. Online certificate programs also eliminate the need for time-consuming commutes, gas, and parking fees, as well as other transportation-related expenses. Many students appreciate the fact that they don't need to incur extra costs for these items.

Classroom-based programs, by contrast, afford students more structure. Many prefer the routine schedule and face-to-face learning style. Interacting with professors and other students can be a huge plus. Those who require additional support with accountability may find traditional campus programs more effective than self-paced online options.

For those seeking a middle ground, hybrid program options are occasionally available. These marry online and campus programs, allowing students to take select courses online while requiring some classroom visits.