Additional Information
Forensic nurses become registered nurses (RNs) first. Becoming an RN requires
college study and a licensing exam.
In the U.S., RN students choose between a bachelor of science in nursing
(BScN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and a diploma.
Daniel Sheridan is a forensic nurse in Baltimore, Maryland. He's also a
professor in the master's program in forensic nursing at Johns Hopkins University
School of Nursing. He encourages future nurses to earn a degree rather than
an associate's degree or diploma. He says nurses without a degree hit a ceiling
early in their careers.
He suggests students take electives in forensic nursing during their undergraduate
degree. Institutions are beginning to offer more training in forensic nursing
at the undergraduate level. Once a person becomes an RN, they can begin training
to specialize in forensic nursing.
"Some of us have master's degrees, which is becoming the standard in the
USA for forensic nurses," says Cathy Carter-Snell. She is a forensic nurse.
She has a master's degree and a PhD in nursing.
There are continuing education options, master's degrees and PhDs in forensic
nursing. Many continuing education programs are offered online, enabling nurses
to continue their education regardless of where they live.