Posted: 8/4/2008
A 12-credit, two semester graduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing (CAFN) is the latest addition to the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) comprehensive program of evidence-based forensic education.
The certificate, offered in an executive style format that includes online and limited on-site coursework, prepares nurses to assume leadership roles in forensic nursing practice, research, policy development, and education.
The flexible program allows students to begin the coursework in either the fall or spring semesters. A sample four-course program is:
Fall Semester
- Injury Pathology (three-day on-site session)
- Advanced Nursing Health Policy (online course)
Spring Semester
- Concepts and Principles of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Response (three-day on-site session)
- Advanced Identification and Documentation (three-day on-site session)
According to Daniel J. Sheridan, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the School’s graduate forensic nursing options, “Hospitals want nurses with forensic expertise. For that reason, forensic nursing is one of the fastest growing career areas.” Sheridan added that successful completion of the CAFN may allow students to apply the 12 credits towards the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The JHUSON forensic nursing options currently include MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees in addition to the new CAFN.
Applications are now being accepted for the fall 2008 CAFN cohort. Interested applicants must be baccalaureate-prepared nurses with a masters degree in nursing, education, or a health-related discipline with training and clinical experience in a forensic nursing-related field. GRE scores are not required. Tuition is $2,500 per course. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 410-955-7548 or [email protected] or visit www.son.jhmi.edu/forensics.