Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Forensics Track
Request Information
Program at a Glance
Credit Hours
Year Program
Per Credit Hour
Accredited
Learn Essential Forensic Nursing Skills With A Specialized MSN
MSN forensic nursing programs at Xavier provide students with advanced study of healthcare and forensic nursing practice. Forensic nursing science is the application of science and nursing to both civil and criminal investigations and legal matters according to the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). This education program combines nursing and law while providing healthcare as well as collecting evidence for legal matters. Obtaining your MSN Forensic Nursing degree prepares you for legal matters which deal with patients ranging from issues such as sexual assault to patients needing intense clinical care. Victims of violent trauma such as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault and neglect require healthcare professionals who are taught to treat them as well as collect evidence that can be used by law enforcement and in court to prosecute perpetrators. Workers in the forensic nursing specialization fight for anti-violence and are an important resource that promotes the rights of the victim.
Choosing A Master’s In Forensic Nursing Program
This interprofessional healthcare education program has a curriculum that specializes in the diverse roles and responsibilities of the forensic nurse, as well as an independent practitioner. Nursing students will be given a personalized track to prepare nursing graduates for criminal and civil investigations and legal matters as well as an in-depth application to these nursing principles. In addition to the MSN Forensics nursing practicum, a dual MSN/MSCJ (M.S. in Criminal Justice) is another option for qualified registered nurses who are interested in pursuing forensic nursing.
The duties and roles of a forensic nurse are more specific than regular nurses. Some of the additional duties include but aren’t limited to evaluating and caring for victims of, assault, domestic abuse, child and elder abuse, sexual crimes and neglect. Legal evidence from these victims is collected and secured as the forensic nurse treats them.
What can I do with an MSN in Forensic Nursing?
There are many different forensic nurse jobs that aspiring forensic nurses can plan a long-term career for. Below are some of the many clinical practice options available for those in an advanced practice nursing profession:
-
- Forensic Psychiatric Nurse
A forensic psychiatric nurse commonly called an FPN is typically in charge of the evaluation of individuals in need of psychiatric evaluations, which are commonly court-ordered. FPN’s also are sometimes responsible for the evaluation and treatment of criminals in an institution or correctional facility who may be mentally ill.
-
- Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal nurse consultants are registered nurses that use their expertise and special training in the medical field to consult on various healthcare system-related legal cases.
-
- Forensic Gerontology Specialist
A forensic gerontology specialist typically works to help investigate cases involving the abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly people. These nurses also work to raise awareness regarding legal and human rights issues the elderly often face. They normally work in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities dedicated to senior care.
-
- Forensic Correctional Nurse
Forensic correctional nurses typically provide healthcare to convicted persons in the criminal justice system. These nurses commonly work within the legal system at prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers and other holding facilities that house inmates in need of healthcare.
-
- Forensic Nurse Death Investigator
Typically forensic nurse death investigators are employed in a medical examiner or coroner’s office. Their job is to examine bodies, study scenes, assist in autopsies and collect medical information on the deceased for a cause of death determination.
-
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)
Sexual assault nurse examiners are nurses with an RN license who have completed both a specialized education program and specific clinical preparations in forensic healthcare of a patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse.
Read more on exactly what forensic nursing is.
Forensic Nurse Salary
Remember that salaries for different forensic nurses’ work are always different. The salary of a forensic registered nurse depends on the location and experience level. The national median salary of a forensic registered nurse is $63,263 but a forensic nurse can make anywhere between $46,509 to $90,960 annually.
Why Choose Xavier University For Your MSN In Forensic Nursing?
Forensic nurses usually get their bachelor’s degree in nursing or other healthcare-related fields, and then go on to their masters in nursing while specializing in a forensic track. Xavier offers all the tools you need to become a forensic nurse. If the student is full-time, it can take as little as two years to obtain an MSN in the forensic nursing track.
ADMISSION INFORMATION FOR MSN- FORENSIC TRACK APPLICANTS:
- Once admitted into the program, students may start online classes in August, January or May (fall, spring or summer semesters).
- Applications for this program are accepted throughout the year.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications in a timely manner to allow for review and processing.
- Admission is competitive and applications are processed immediately upon receiving all required materials.
- The admission committee considers all information contained in the admission application, including prior grades, test scores and evidence for potential for success in graduate study.
- Applicants are notified of the admission decision as soon as possible.
- No admission tests (i.e. GRE) are required for applying to this graduate nursing program.
APPLICANTS TO THE ONLINE MSN- FORENSIC TRACK PROGRAM MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
- Be a registered nurse with an unencumbered RN license in the state where practicum experiences are to be completed. A strong candidate will have a minimum of 1-2 years of nursing experience.
- Hold a BSN and be a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university’s nursing program with CCNE or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accreditation (College of Nursing will verify).
- Applicants who do not have a BSN (BS in Nursing) cannot be accepted into the online MSN programs but should consider the MSN direct entry as a second degree – MIDAS Program.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION, STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
Xavier University's free online application.
One official transcript directly from all colleges or universities that you have attended for any undergraduate and graduate course work. Applicants must have a degree from a regionally accredited university. A strong candidate will have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Send transcripts to:
Xavier University
ATTN: Admission Processing Center
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131
For electronic transcripts, send to:
xugrad@xavier.edu
Current résumé or curriculum vitae outlining nursing experience.
A 3-page goal statement that addresses the following points:
- Why are you applying to Xavier University?
- What MSN track are you applying for and why? How do you plan to use the degree and specialty?
- What experiences have prepared you for graduate study? (or have influenced your desire to pursue graduate studies)
- Graduate school is challenging and a large time commitment, especially with working, family, other responsibilities. What are your plans and strategies for being successful in your graduate program?
- We also consider the writing quality of this essay. If writing is a challenge for you, also address strategies to help you in this area.
3 professional recommendations, (Please provide contact information for recommenders in the online application. An electronic form will be sent via email.)
A strong candidate will provide:
- At least reference from a direct manager or supervisor who evaluates their clinical work.
- Two references will be from someone with a masters or doctoral degree
A personal or phone interview may be required for the MSN-Forensic Track program.
Note: International students who reside outside of the United States cannot be accepted into the MSN degree program. International students in the U.S. cannot enroll in an online degree program to fulfill the legal requirement for an F-1 or J-1 visa.
STATE AUTHORIZATION
Xavier University is authorized to offer fully-online programs in most states. View the complete list of approved states by programs on the State Authorization page. Students must reside and complete practicum hours in approved states only.