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Master of Science in Nursing – Forensics (MSN) Track

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Overview

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Receive the hands-on training you need to become a forensic nurse and help patients who have experienced trauma with Xavier’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Forensics (MSN).

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Be at the forefront of the nursing discipline by earning your MSN-Forensics from Xavier University. We are proud to be one of 17 universities in the nation to offer a forensic nursing program. In our groundbreaking online MSN in Forensic Nursing program, you gain advanced clinical knowledge while also specializing in forensic nursing science. No GRE required.
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Application Deadline
Fall 2026
7/1/2026
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Online Courses

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Why Xavier’s Online Master of Science in Nursing – Forensics (MSN) Degree?

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Earn Your MSN 100% Online

Our 100% online MSN-Forensics program offers a flexible learning format, so you can receive an Xavier education wherever you are. Additionally, our program utilizes mostly asynchronous courses, so you don’t have set weekly classes to attend.

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Embark on a Meaningful Career Path

This training you receive in our online nursing program prepares you to provide comprehensive health care to patients who have experienced trauma and collect evidence for legal matters that can be used by law enforcement and in court to prosecute perpetrators.

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Personal Attention From Expert Faculty

At Xavier Online, you learn from the best — no matter where you are. You’ll get the personal attention and flexibility needed to reach your goals at your pace. Our invested professors and small class sizes will set you up for success.

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CCNE-Accredited Online MSN Program

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Xavier University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) has also approved this program.

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Advance Your Nursing Career

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Xavier University's Master of Science in Nursing – Forensics (MSN) program prepares you to become a highly skilled Forensic Nurse—a critical link between healthcare, the legal system and crime victim advocacy.
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Curriculum

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Bridge the gap between medicine and the legal system with a curriculum focused on trauma-informed care, evidentiary collection, and the specialized advocacy required for justice-involved patients.
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The online MSN – Forensics program at Xavier University consists of 37 credit hours, including

  • 16 credit hours of nursing core courses
  • 15 credit hours of forensic courses
  • 6 credit hours of synthesis/application courses including practicums and a scholarly project
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Online MSN Core Courses

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The MSN program’s core courses strengthen overall nursing practice. You’ll explore advanced theoretical and ethical frameworks, health care policy, and nursing research methodologies while developing leadership and management skills.
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NURS 500: Healthcare Ethics for Nursing Leaders (3 credits)
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This course examines ethical frameworks, such as theories of justice, rights-based ethics and virtue ethics and their significance to the delivery of health care. Analysis of ethical dilemmas focuses on differentiating what are called traditional and modern ethical frameworks for decision-making. Application will be made within the parameters of nursing’s metaparadigm (person, nursing, caring, healing, health, environment) using personal and professional processes of valuing, unconditional acceptance and deciding in the preservation of wholeness and dignity.
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NURS 501: Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice (3 credits)
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Introduction to the role of theory in knowledge development and its relationship to nursing research, practice, and administration. Critical analysis of selected theoretical models within the discipline of nursing and of theories and concepts from other disciplines as used in nursing. Concepts related to the application of the theoretical concepts in providing holistic care are explored. Examination of the application models, theories and concepts in nursing practice, administration, and research.
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NURS 502: Nursing Research (3 credits)
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Exploration of modes of inquiry for systematic study of the application, use and evaluation of nursing innovations in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on the identification and solution of clinical problems through scientific inquiry. Research is examined for evidence-based practices which include a critical review of research studies, nurse’s expertise and patient/family preferences. Discussion entails the importance of dissemination of research findings.
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NURS 505: Healthcare Informatics (3 credits)
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This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge essential for the master’s prepared holistic nurse working in complex interprofessional technological healthcare systems. This course addresses basic computer and information management competencies. The student will also learn to manage and use healthcare data in decision making. Legal, ethical, and practical ramifications of information technology in healthcare are examined. The major focus in this course is the management of information that supports improving health outcomes.
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NURS 779: Applied Interprofessional Collaboration (1 credit)
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Interprofessional care recognizes a culture of respect, concisely clear communication, interdependent care for client-centered outcomes, and integration of services through shared decision making. This course will provide students with an opportunity to practice across disciplines in teams to meet the needs of individuals, families and the community.
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NURS 864: Epidemiologic Methods in Healthcare (3 credits)
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Principles and biostatistical methods used in the study of the distribution and determinants of injury and disease through the interaction of environment and genetics in human populations (HP2020) are presented for use in the holistic development, implementation, and evaluation of primary, secondary and tertiary preventive and acute health care services in a variety of settings. Resources for epidemiological investigations within organizations and communities are introduced. Opportunities are provided to use the epidemiological and biostatistical methods of reasoning for determining causal inferences about the distribution and determinants of injury and disease (HP2020). Evidence-based innovative and evaluative health care delivery plans for clinical prevention and population health are developed using epidemiological and biostatistical data.
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Online MSN – Forensics Track Courses

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The forensic nursing track deepens your understanding of the criminal justice system, the social and psychological effects of violent crimes, and the role of forensic nursing in civil and criminal investigations.
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CJUS 609: Forensic Aspects in Population Health (3 credits)
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The CJUS 609, Forensic Aspects in Population Health course provides a review of forensic nursing science, forensic science/criminalistics, forensic anthropology, and the criminal justice system through the lens of interprofessional collaboration, and population-health. Forensic nursing concepts addressed in the course will include a review of the expanded and collaborative roles in working with forensic scientists, criminalists, and the criminal justice system. The specific areas for this course related to forensic science/criminalistics include: the crime scene, death investigation, physical evidence, drugs, and DNA. The introduction of population-health concepts will allow graduate MSN/MSCJ students to identify a population of interest (aggregate) related to forensic nursing, while using evidence-based practices to develop effective approaches to care for victims of trauma, violence and crime. This course is intended to prepare graduate MSN/MSCJ dual degree nurses the opportunity to “apply the nursing process to public or legal proceedings, and apply forensic health care in the scientific investigation of trauma and/or death to abuse, violence, criminal activity, liability, and accidents” (Lynch, 2004 as cited in Hammer, Moynihan, & Pagliaro, 2013).
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NURS 642: Psych/Social/Legal Aspects of Forensics (3 credits)
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A comprehensive examination of the behavior, emotional responses, and cognitive decision-making of both victims and perpetrators of crime. Elements of victimology as well as the psychosocial ramifications of the criminal act on the person, the family, and the community will be explored. The expanded role of the psychiatric forensic nurse will be explored.
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NURS 648: Foundations of Forensic Nursing (4 credits)
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This course provides an evidenced-based practice (EBP) framework for nursing care of forensic population, their families as well as communities impacted by acts of violence and/or traumatic events. The EBP framework incorporates empirical and theoretical aspects from a multidisciplinary perspective in the planning and delivering nursing care. This course is intended to prepare nursing graduate students for further studies in various clinical roles such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nursing Death Investigator and/or Nurse Coroner.
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NURS 690: Healthcare Policy Nurse Leader (2 credits)
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This course provides an overview of health care policy, including formulating and analyzing policy at the institutional, local, state, federal, and global levels. Issues regarding the nursing work environment as well as social determinants and healthcare delivery/ regulation will be discussed. The influence of socio-cultural, economic, political, ethical, legal, and historical context on nursing and health care policy will be explored. The role of the master’s prepared holistic nurse in health policy decisions in the public and private sectors will be explicated.
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NURS 754: Leadership and Management Concepts for Nurse Leaders (3 credits)
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This course focuses on leadership and management concepts that are essential for holistic nurse leaders at various levels throughout the healthcare organization. The focus is to prepare holistic nurse leaders for collaborative practice in complex healthcare organizations through examination and application of effective leader behaviors.
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Online Synthesis and Application Courses

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NURS 703: Graduate Nursing Practicum I (2 credits)
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This course is designed for synthesis and application of theory and principles from all previous courses, with particular emphasis in the designated track: education or forensics. Individually modified course objectives, supervised experiences, periodic seminar discussions, and written practicum logs are methods used to facilitate the learning experience.
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NURS 705: Graduate Nursing Practicum II (2 credits)
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This course is designed for synthesis and application of theory and principles from all previous courses, with particular emphasis in the designated track: education or forensics. Individually modified course objectives, supervised experiences, periodic seminar discussions, and written practicum logs are methods used to facilitate the learning experience.
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NURS 797: Scholarly Project (2 credits)
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This course is the development of a scholarly project that addresses a phenomenon, issue, or problem related to the discipline of nursing. A variety of options are available to demonstrate the comprehensive and scholarly nature of the final product. The following options are possibilities, but the student is not limited to these for the scholarly project: conducting a research study; developing a concept analysis paper; providing an innovative solution to care delivery, an administrative, advanced practice, educational, healthcare law, forensics, informatics issue or opportunity; developing a creative potentially fundable, health-related proposal; or developing a business or educational proposal. This capstone project is a synthesis and integration of all previous graduate coursework.
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Admission

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Xavier accepts applications to our MSN programs on a rolling basis. Once admitted into the program, you may start online classes in the fall or spring semesters.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Start: Fall 2026

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Admission Requirements
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To receive acceptance into the online MSN - Forensics program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a registered nurse with an unencumbered United States RN license in the state where practicum experiences are to be completed. A minimum of 1 year of nursing experience is required, a strong candidate will have a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience.
  • Hold a BSN and be a graduate of an accredited college or university’s nursing program (the College of Nursing will verify accreditation to ensure it meets requirements). Transfer credits are accepted only from regionally accredited institutions.
  • An undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better is required for admission.
  • 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.
  • A strong applicant will have a 3.0 GPA.

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.

No admission tests (i.e. GRE) are required for applying to this graduate nursing program.

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Application Materials
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  • Free Online Application
  • Official Transcript
    • 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. Send transcripts to:
      • Xavier University
        ATTN: Admission Processing Center
        3800 Victory Parkway
        Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131
      • For electronic transcripts, send to:
        xuadmit@xavier.edu
  • Current Resume and Personal Essay
    • Current résumé or curriculum vitae outlining all professional nursing experience, including facility/organization name & location, position and employment dates.
    • 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.
  • Professional References
    • Three 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 one reference from a direct manager or supervisor who evaluates their clinical work.
      • Two references will be from someone with a master’s or doctoral degree.
  • Personal Interview
    • A personal or phone interview may be required for the MSN-Forensics program.

Applications are processed immediately upon receiving all required materials.

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State Authorization
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Due to state regulations regarding the delivery of distance education, as well as requirements of each individual state board of nursing, Xavier is not currently able to accept applications from all states into all of its online programs.

View the complete list of approved states on the State Authorization page.
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International Admission
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Xavier welcomes students from outside the United States to enroll in its online programs. However, some countries do not formally recognize foreign online degrees. This may have implications for enrolling in subsequent degree programs or for securing employment requiring these credentials. It is students’ responsibility to determine whether the online degree will be recognized in their country of residence or in any country in which they plan to work.

Additionally, students should inquire in their country of residence how the collection of student data may be used and whether they will be subject to additional withholding taxes in addition to the cost of tuition.

  • All international students are strongly encouraged to submit an official third-party course-by-course evaluation of their high school and/or college transcripts from an international credential evaluation service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
  • International students must pass either the TOEFL or IELTS exam if English is your second language.
  • International students may have additional application requirements. Find more information on the International Admission page.

Note: 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.

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Tuition and Fees

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Get More from Your Graduate Education with Xavier

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At Xavier, we understand that no two graduate programs and no two students are alike. Therefore, we structure every online degree and certificate program to address the unique needs of individual students and have created unique fee structures for each program as well.
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Tuition

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MSN: $739
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Fees

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  • Liability Insurance (per semester with practicum): $18
  • Student ID Fee: $15
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking full-time: $15 (per semester)
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking part-time: $10 (per semester)

Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 7 semesters.

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The amounts listed are for the 2026-2027 academic year, and include classes from Fall 2026 through Summer 2027. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated. For the full, official listing, please visit xavier.edu/costs.
Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.
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Testimonials

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Hear From Our MSN Students

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“With a Master's of Science in Forensic Nursing at Xavier University I got confidence, I got opportunity, and by opportunity I'm a leader in the nursing field.”
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Xavier University MSN-Forensics Graduate
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“My mentors, as well as my peers, genuinely cared about my success. I learned the skills necessary to transform my career, and even after I left, the Xavier community has still been there for me, to answer questions or give advice.”
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Xavier University MSN-Forensics Graduate
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“I was able to work full time, manage a family, and have a life outside of school while taking classes online. I loved that my professors cared for me as a student but also as a peer.”
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Xavier University MSN-Forensics Graduate
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Faculty Spotlight
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Angie Collins, DHA, MSN, RN

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Collins teaches online courses covering forensic nursing principles and psychosocial legal aspects.
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Holistic Nursing Certification

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At Xavier, we’re proud to have our MSN program as one of only 17 online programs in the U.S. to be endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC).
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is Xavier’s online MSN in Forensics program accredited?
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Xavier’s online Master of Science in Nursing - Forensics track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the premier accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. The Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) has also approved the program.

As a CCNE-accredited program, we offer a high-quality graduate nursing education rooted in trustworthy pedagogical principles and a rigorous curriculum. Through the instruction you receive, you undergo essential professional development and gain the skills needed to advance your nursing career.

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Will my MSN degree say "online?"
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No. The Master of Science in Nursing degree is from Xavier University and is awarded on meeting coursework standards that are independent of course delivery mode. Participants will earn an MSN degree.
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Will students be expected to participate at a specific time during this course?
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Participation expectations vary by professor. Courses are asynchronous with no set meeting times; however, practicum and scholarly project courses may include an online synchronous session (at the discretion of the instructor) at the end of the semester for student sharing/collaboration purposes. The nursing administration and faculty in this program understand the importance of flexibility for working professionals.
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Does this MSN program offer state nursing licensure?
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None of the graduate nursing programs offered here include nursing licensure. RN licensure is a prerequisite for admission to these programs.
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How long is the online MSN in Forensic Nursing program? Is it possible to attend part-time?
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The full time online MSN-Forensics program is 28 months. It is possible to attend part time.
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What careers are available for forensic nurses?
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As a forensic nurse, you primarily work with patients who have endured violent trauma, such as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault and neglect. You take a trauma-informed approach to providing patient care and are well-trained in collecting evidence, assessing injuries and documenting findings, which is instrumental in legal proceedings. As a result of your careful work, you advocate for victims, uphold ethical standards of care and promote public safety.

There are many different forensic nurse jobs for which aspiring forensic nurses can plan a long-term career. 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 evaluating individuals in need of psychiatric evaluations, which are commonly court-ordered. FPNs are also sometimes responsible for evaluating and treating criminals in an institution or correctional facility who may be mentally ill.
  • Legal Nurse Consultant: Legal nurse consultants are registered nurses who use their expertise and special training in the medical field to consult on various health care 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 and routinely work in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities dedicated to senior care.
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Online MSN - Forensics Track Program at Xavier University

Pursue your Master of Science in Nursing – Forensics (MSN) online at Xavier University and graduate at the cutting edge of the nursing field. With your clinical knowledge and understanding of civil and criminal investigations and legal matters, you can make a positive impact on those who have experienced trauma and uphold justice in your community.

Xavier University’s College of Nursing prepares undergraduate and graduate students as professional nurses to meet the needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing, highly technical health-care environment. Graduates have the skills to practice nursing today and to be nurse leaders tomorrow in holistic health-care delivery with an educational foundation grounded in Jesuit values. Our graduates are well-respected in the health-care community as knowledgeable, professional, and ethical and prepared to excel in meeting challenges in health-care delivery. Xavier’s Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."

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