Forensic Nurse (MSN)

Like other fields of nursing, forensic nurse requirements include completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Registered Nurse (RN) designation earned by passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Beyond those requirements, students can seek employment and earn experience to make their way into forensic nursing. Upon completion of the BSN, students may find it highly advantageous to pursue graduate education programs like the Online Master of Forensic Nursing or Post-Master’s Certificate in Forensic Nursing.

Duquesne University’s forensic nursing program helps shape students into effective forensic professionals capable of supporting multiple efforts in criminal investigation, process and reform.

To qualify for our online MSN program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience as an RN (prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses)
• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license
• Complete an undergraduate-level statistics course with a “C” or higher
  
  The faculty admissions committee may look more closely at nursing and science grades when making admissions decisions.

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Professional goal statement
• Official transcript(s)
  • Two electronically submitted references (one academic and one professional in a supervisory role)The supervisor reference letters must come from a direct supervisor who is responsible for your performance evaluation
  • If you have been out of school more than five years, please speak with your Enrollment Advisor for advice

• A maximum of 9 graduate credits, completed within the past 5 years from a previously earned graduate degree, may be transferred.
• A grade of “B” or higher is required.
• The Advanced Standing Request form must be submitted during the admissions process for transfer credits to be considered.