Forensic Nursing

Forensic nurses don’t only work in hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms. They also work as nurse coroners, expert witnesses and policy makers. Our online MSN in Forensic Nursing program was designed in partnership with the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law. You will learn to identify new methods and approaches to achieve civil and criminal justice. Our curriculum reflects the various roles— preparing you to become a respected leader who can work collaboratively on a multi‑disciplinary forensic team.

 

Program Information

The Master of Science in Forensic Nursing is a 2.5 year online program that prepares you to provide trauma-informed care and be a leader in this emerging specialty area. You will develop in-depth knowledge of victim assessment and rights, evidence collection, and legal collaboration. This program is offered in partnership with the Duquesne University Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Master's

School

School of Nursing

Duration

2.5 years

Required Credit Hours

36

Modality

Online

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

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.

Admissions Process

  • 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

Transfer Credit Policy for MSN Forensic Nursing Students

  • 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.

 

Curriculum

View Course Descriptions
Forensic nurses don’t only work in hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms. They also work as nurse coroners, expert witnesses and policy makers. Our curriculum reflects the opportunities available — preparing you to become a respected leader who can work collaboratively on a multi‑disciplinary forensic team.
  • GPNG 547 Historical and Contemporary Frameworks for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits)
  • GNFO 518 Criminal Law and the Courts (3 credits)
  • GNFO 517 Forensic Science and the Legal System (3 credits)
  • GPNG 534 Advanced Pharmacology Applications (3 credits)
  • GPNG 533 Advanced Pathophysiology Applications (3 credits)
  • GPNG 535* Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Applications (75 total clinical hours include 50 hours precepted and 25 campus residency hours) (3 credits)
  • GPNG 548 Evidence Based Practice and Policy for Advanced Nursing (3 credits)
  • GPNG 550 Clinical Prevention and Population Health Promotion for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
  • GNFO 519 Advanced Forensic Nursing I:  Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • GPNG 549 Nursing and Health Care Ethics in Practice and Policy (3 credits)
  • GNFO 520 Advanced Forensic Nursing II: Program Development, Leadership & Policy (3 credits)
  • GNFO 521** Forensic Clinical and Capstone (150 clinical hours) (3 credits)

* Students enrolled in GPNG 535 are required to come to campus for three days.  In addition to the campus residency visit, precepted clinical hours are also required for GPNG 535. 

** Courses are considered clinical courses.  Students must refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for all clinical policies and procedures specific to their program.

 

Ask a Question

Do you have questions about the MSN Forensic Nursing program?

Manny Bravo

Enrollment Counselor

School of Nursing

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of nursing’s distinct perspective and where shared perspectives exist use an intradisciplinary approach applying clinical judgment founded on a broad knowledge base from theory, research, arts, humanities and other sciences.
  2. Distinguish and promote person-centered care that is holistic, compassionate, evidenced-based, and developmentally sound for individuals, families, communities, and populations in their cultural context for optimal healthcare outcomes.
  3. Develop implementation and dissemination strategies to address the social determinates of health including population health, health equity, and health policy through collaboration with community stakeholders.
  4. Identify, differentiate, and analyze evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes while embracing ethical concepts as a life-long learner.
  5. Transform health care delivery through the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives to mitigate risk and promote safety of the patient and health professionals.
  6. Participate in the development of critical elements used in interprofessional, team based healthcare to address needs of a population with the purpose of increasing positive patient outcomes.
  7. Organize and execute safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations while maintaining cost-effective, just, and responsible stewardship of multiple system resources. 
  8. Embrace various technologies and informatics in safe care and communication to patients, interprofessional team members, and other stakeholders to deliver safe care to diverse populations.
  9. Demonstrate a professional approach in nursing through personal accountability to the individual, society, and the profession incorporating relevant laws, policies, and regulation while recognizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core to one’s professional nursing identity.
  10. Participate in leadership development activities that foster professional growth and encourage lifelong learning that demonstrate selfcare and reflection by maintaining health and wellness.

Accreditation

The MSN Forensic Nursing program at Duquesne University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)