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Nursing Forensics lab tests

Undergraduate Certificate inNursing Forensics

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Gain the tools you need to provide specialized services for victims and perpetrators of traumatic events. Learn about evidence collection and preservation; forensic documentation; the recognition of domestic violence, assault, and stalking; and legal and ethical issues.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by August 17 to start August 25

12 Credits$632/$678 per credit

Bridge the Gap between the Health Care and Criminal Justice Systems

  • Identify and analyze current forensic science and nursing issues and trends.

  • Identify the role of the forensic nurse in the multidisciplinary team that provides service from initial contact through courtroom adjudication.

  • Verbalize the complicated issues surrounding violence in society.

  • Critically analyze the role of the forensic nurse in health care and private industry, criminal justice, community organizations, and law enforcement entities.

This 12-credit forensic nursing certification can prepare you to provide more specialized care for victims and perpetrators of physical, psychological, and social violence or abuse. You can gain foundational knowledge in forensic nursing, including:

  • evidence collection and preservation
  • forensic documentation
  • the recognition of domestic violence, assault, trauma, and stalking
  • legal and ethical issues

With the patient as the first priority, the role of forensic nurses goes far beyond medical care. They have specialized knowledge of the legal system and skills in injury identification, evaluation, and documentation.

To earn this certificate, you must successfully complete a grade of C or better in all prescribed courses.

Prescribed Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Interdisciplinary discussion of violence and its perpetrators, victims, and impact on society as well as possible solutions for violence reduction.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an introduction to the forensic health sciences, forensic nursing, and the nursing role in the scientific investigation of violence.

    • Prerequisite

      NURS 250 and NURS 225 and NURS 230

  • 3
    credits

    Examines a forensic nurse's role recognizing injuries/patterns of injury. Evidence collection procedures are examined from collection to courtroom presentation.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      NURS 245 and NURS 409

  • 3
    credits

    A seminar to discuss the current topics, trends, and research related to forensic nursing, including evidence-based research, public policy issues, media-related events, regulatory considerations, professional responsibilities, and career planning.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      NURS 410

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

A group of nurses sitting at a table together having a meeting

Professionals trained in forensic nursing are often the first line of defense for victims of violence, abuse, or neglect when they enter the health care system. Their proper observation, collection, and preservation of forensic evidence can be critical in determining the legal outcome of traumatic events.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Steady job growth in health care is projected for the next several years. As a graduate of the nursing forensics certificate program, you could obtain a position in a hospital, community anti-violence center, medical examiner/coroner's office, corrections institution, public health department, or psychiatric hospital. Typical roles could include:

  • medical examiner
  • nurse investigator
  • forensic clinical nurse specialist
  • correctional facility nurse
  • emergency room forensic nurse
  • nurse coroner
  • assault or abuse nurse examiner
  • legal nurse consultant

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

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Ready to Learn More?

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Learn more about this program

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State undergraduate certificate?

Apply by August 17 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$638 per credit$685 per credit
12–19$7,755 per semester$8,371 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Head Start toward a Bachelor's Degree

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In addition to this certificate being an excellent stand-alone credential, 6 of the 12 credits earned in the program can be applied toward electives in Penn State's online RN to BSN degree program. Some of the courses in the certificate program may also satisfy continuing professional education requirements.

Who Should Apply?

If you are a currently licensed registered nurse and want to enhance your professional credentials, this program may be right for you. The skills you can acquire can be put to work immediately, helping those who are dealing with violence or abuse.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Certificate in One Year

  • Take 2 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

 

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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Apply by August 17 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by August 17 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by December 22 to start January 12

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by May 10, 2026, to start May 18, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.

    If you are already enrolled in a World Campus degree program, you can complete this certificate along with your degree program.

    If you are not enrolled in a World Campus degree program, you may still pursue this certificate as a nondegree student. Students pursuing a stand-alone certificate are classified as nondegree. (Nondegree students do receive full college credit for all courses taken in nondegree status; however, financial aid is not available to nondegree students.)

    Additionally, persons who want to enroll in any or all of these courses must be a currently licensed registered nurse.

  2. If you were previously enrolled in this certificate or another program, you may need to submit the Undergraduate Nondegree Enrollment Form instead of the Undergraduate Certificate Application. See if one of the following applies to you and contact us if you need confirmation of the best step to take.

    • If you were accepted to this certificate program for a previous semester and wish to continue your studies, please submit the Undergraduate Nondegree Enrollment Form. 
    • If you have previously been accepted to a different certificate program and you would now like to enroll in this one, you will need to apply for this certificate using the Undergraduate Certificate Application in Step 3. 
    • If you have been accepted to a degree program and would like to enroll in this certificate, contact your adviser.

  3. 3. Complete the application.

    Undergraduate Certificate Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, email [email protected] or call 814-865-1146.

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

For questions about admissions and applications, please contact World Campus Central:

World Campus Central
Phone: 814-865-1146
[email protected]

This certificate is offered through Penn State World Campus in collaboration with the highly respected Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty who have special training and experience teaching in an online environment.

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing has been designated a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing in recognition of the college’s work creating and sustaining environments that promote the pedagogical expertise of the faculty.

Faculty

  • Jocelyn Anderson

    • DNP, Johns Hopkins University
    • MSN, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Forensic Nursing, Johns Hopkins University
    • BSN, St. Cloud State University

    Dr. Jocelyn Anderson's research has focused on the health outcomes of violence and interventions to prevent and respond to violence. She is particularly interested in using technology-based interventions to improve health and justice outcomes at the intersections of violence, substance use, and mental health issues. Dr. Anderson is also an internationally certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, caring for patients who have experienced physical or sexual violence.

  • Mary Alyce Nelson

    • DNP, Penn State
    • MSN, Bloomsburg University
    • BSN, Villa Maria College

    Dr. Mary Alyce Nelson is the coordinator of the Penn State World Campus RN to BSN program and an assistant professor/undergraduate nursing coordinator at Penn State University Park. She has held various administrative roles in inpatient, outpatient, and educational settings, and her areas of expertise are mental health and health care leadership. Her research area of interest is alternative models of mental health treatment in rural outpatient clinics.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State undergraduate certificate?

Apply by August 17 to start August 25. How to Apply 

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