Post-Master’s Forensic Nursing Certificate Programs

Last Updated On Jun 13, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

7 Min Read

2025 Best Online Forensic Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificates

RegisteredNursing.org has carefully ranked the best online forensic nursing post-master's graduate certificates to help nurses advance their careers with flexibility. These programs are perfect for working professionals who need to balance education with their busy schedules. Online learning makes it easier to access top-notch education from anywhere, breaking down barriers like distance and time. Whether you're looking into distance learning or virtual classrooms, these programs offer the quality and convenience you need. Forensic nursing is a critical field, and advancing your education online can open doors to new opportunities. For more details on how we ranked these programs, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-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 Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing (CAFN) is a hybrid program tailored for nurses aiming to excel in forensic nursing. This 12-credit graduate certificate blends online learning with minimal on-site requirements, offering flexibility for working professionals. It emphasizes leadership in forensic nursing practice, research, and policy, without the need for a GRE. Priced at $2,500 per course, the program opens doors to advanced roles in this rapidly expanding field. Ideal candidates possess a baccalaureate in nursing and relevant clinical experience. The program supports a seamless transition to a DNP degree, with starts available in fall or spring.

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-College Station offers an online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Health Care, tailored for registered nurses aiming to specialize in forensic health. This program equips nurses with the skills to support victims of violence and trauma through a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices. Admission requires a BSN and an active RN license, with a suggested GPA of 3.0. The program delves into forensic investigation, victimology, and interdisciplinary strategies for tackling health issues stemming from violence. Notably, it does not mandate an entrance exam, making it accessible for professionals seeking to advance their expertise without the hurdle of standardized testing. The online format provides flexibility for working nurses, featuring 8 core credit hours and a variety of elective courses to customize the learning experience.

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 offers an Advanced Forensic Nursing Care Post-Graduate Certificate Subspecialty, designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to specialize in forensic nursing. This hybrid program uniquely prepares students for roles as sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), blending online coursework with essential on-campus clinical simulations and practicum experiences. Focused on sexual trauma care, the curriculum covers trauma-informed care, pharmacologic interventions post-assault, and managing comorbidities, equipping graduates to achieve SANE certification for both adult and pediatric populations. Admission requires current enrollment in a graduate nursing program or meeting specific post-graduate certificate criteria, with no mention of an entrance exam requirement. This program stands out for its comprehensive approach to forensic nursing, enhancing community care standards for assault victims.

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.

Xavier University

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

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

Online Learning - Visit Website

Xavier University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing, tailored for RNs holding an MSN who aim to specialize in forensic nursing. This 15-credit program delves into the intersection of healthcare and legal systems, equipping nurses with skills to address cases of violence, trauma, and crime. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, forensic science, and interprofessional teamwork, preparing graduates for roles such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners or Legal Nurse Consultants. Priced at $722 per credit, the total cost is $10,830. The program is CCNE accredited, includes practicum experiences, and does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for busy professionals.

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

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 program is tailored for MSN holders seeking to specialize in forensic nursing. This program stands out for its flexibility, catering to working professionals who aim to advance their expertise without pausing their careers. Unlike many programs, it does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for eligible candidates. The curriculum is designed to deepen understanding in forensic nursing, enhancing skills in patient care within legal contexts. With a Roman Catholic affiliation and a military-friendly status, Duquesne supports a diverse student body. Prospective students should note the program's online format, ideal for balancing education with professional commitments.

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 unique Post-Master's Certification in Forensic Nursing with a focus on Investigative Forensics, blending nursing expertise with criminal justice insights. This hybrid program equips advanced practice nurses for roles at the intersection of healthcare and legal systems, emphasizing forensic science and law. With 51 credit hours and 375 clinical practicum hours, students can choose between full-time (two years) or part-time (three years) schedules. The program's flexibility is enhanced by online and hybrid course formats, priced at $975 per credit hour. Graduates are prepared for advanced forensic nurse certification, opening doors to diverse investigative careers. No entrance exam is required for this online-accessible program.

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

Cedar Crest College

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

Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Forensic Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Cedar Crest College offers a hybrid Certificate in Forensic Nursing, blending online coursework with minimal on-campus immersion, ideal for RNs aiming to specialize in forensic nursing without pausing their careers. This 9-month program sharpens skills in trauma care, victim advocacy, and evidence collection, preparing nurses for roles in healthcare and legal systems. With a focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, the curriculum is designed for immediate application in various settings. Admission is streamlined for RNs with an active license, requiring no entrance exam. The program stands out for its accelerated format, practical simulation labs, and accreditation, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

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

Fitchburg State University

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

Graduate Certificate - Nursing (Forensic Nursing) Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fitchburg State University offers an online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing tailored for registered nurses holding a master's degree, aiming to specialize in the intersection of healthcare and legal systems. This 21-credit, CCNE-accredited program is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals. It emphasizes practical skills in trauma investigation, victim advocacy, and forensic healthcare, requiring 360 clinical hours for hands-on experience. With rolling admissions, the program can be completed in as little as two years, though students have up to six years to finish. Admission requires a current RN license, a master's in nursing, and professional recommendations, with no entrance exam specified.

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

*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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.