Advanced Practice Forensic Nursing Certificate

The post-graduate Advanced Practice Forensic Nursing (APFN) Certificate program prepares masters and DNP-prepared individuals who are already licensed advanced practice nurses with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide holistic, culturally-competent, evidence-based, forensic nursing care for adult, adolescent, and pediatric assault survivors. Didactic and lab experiences prepare the graduate to provide forensic nursing care and investigation for assault survivors across the lifespan. Upon completion of this nine-credit, one-year program, graduates are eligible to take the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) adult and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE-A^® and SANE-P^®) certification and/or appropriate national board certification.

Admission Process and Minimum Requirements:

Admission is once per year. Applications open each year on August 15, with a priority application deadline for scholarships by February 1, and a final deadline of March 1, for consideration of admission into the next Fall class.  All application materials (for example: application, application fee, recommendations, recorded interview, official transcripts, copy of active advanced practice nurse licensure) must be submitted through NursingCAS by the deadline in order for students to be considered for admission. Applicants can access the NursingCAS application site at: http://nursingcas.org/.

Academic Preparation and Achievement Admission Criteria:

Admission to the APFN Certificate Program is competitive. Only applicants who meet minimum academic requirements will be considered for admission. However, applicants who meet minimal requirements are not guaranteed admission. Graduation requirements include completion of each required course with a grade of “C” or higher and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Applicants must document evidence of having earned a master of science in nursing or higher degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Only applicants with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 based on all collegiate work, or a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 earned during the applicant’s most recently completed degree program, will be considered for admission. The GPA calculation for the most recently completed degree will be based only on those grades earned at the degree-granting institution. Applicants may submit additional documents to demonstrate professional scholarship and leadership abilities that could make them more competitive.

Professional Recommendations and Interview Criteria:

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants are assessed through (1) professional recommendations and (2) a recorded interview.

• Recommendation Forms - Applicants must submit three recommendations. Two recommendations should come from graduate prepared nurses or faculty members who can address the applicant’s potential or ability for functioning in the SANE role (clinical skills, critical thinking, independent decision-making, collaborative skills with other health professionals, and nursing leadership). Applicants currently enrolled in an advanced practice nursing (APN) program should have at least one recommendation form submitted by a faculty member in that program. Individuals who are in an APN program must be licensed as an APN prior to entering the Advanced Practice Forensic Nursing Certificate program.
• Interview - Applicants meeting admission criteria and selected for further admission consideration must participate in a recorded interview for the purpose of evaluating applicant’s ability to practice within the SANE role. 

Admission Requirements:

1. Residence in one the following 21 counties of West Tennessee: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry,  Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley
2. Master of science degree in nursing or higher with nurse practitioner concentration
3. Completion of three separate courses in Advanced Pathology/Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology
4. An unencumbered license as an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner)
5. Certification in an advanced practice nursing specialty
6. Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in master’s program
7. Three recommendations supporting the applicant’s ability to function in the SANE role

Pre-Matriculation Requirements:

1. Completion of required immunizations
2. Successful criminal background check and drug screening prior to matriculation
3. Evidence of current cardiopulmonary certification (BCLS) and advanced cardiac life support certification (ACLS)
4. Evidence of health and professional liability insurance
5. Student confirmation of their ability to meet the technical and performance standards of the certificate program