Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Forensics Track

Program Overview

Xavier University's MSN - Forensics track is a 36-credit program that combines nursing and law, preparing students for legal matters involving healthcare. The program includes core nursing courses, forensic-specific courses, and practicums, and is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation. Graduates are prepared for careers as forensic psychiatric nurses, legal nurse consultants, and forensic gerontology specialists.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Forensics track program at Xavier University is a 36-credit hour, 2-3 year program that provides students with advanced study of healthcare and forensic nursing practice. Forensic nursing science is the application of science and nursing to both civil and criminal investigations and legal matters according to the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). This program combines nursing and law while providing healthcare as well as collecting evidence for legal matters. Obtaining your MSN Forensic Nursing degree prepares you for legal matters which deal with patients ranging from issues such as sexual assault to patients needing intense clinical care. Victims of violent trauma such as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault and neglect require healthcare professionals who are taught to treat them as well as collect evidence that can be used by law enforcement and in court to prosecute perpetrators. Workers in the forensic nursing specialization fight for anti-violence and are an important resource that promotes the rights of the victim.

Outline:

The program consists of 37 credit hours, which includes 20 credit hours of nursing core courses, 11 credit hours of forensic courses, and 6 credit hours of courses that synthesize and apply skills learned – including practicums and a scholarly project.

Core Courses (20 credits):

• NURS 500: Health Care Ethics for Nursing Leaders (3 credits)
• NURS 501: Theoretical Bases for Nursing Practice (3 credits)
• NURS 502: Nursing Research (3 credits)
• NURS 505: Health Care Informatics (3 credits)
• NURS 690: Health Care Policy for Nursing Leaders (2 credits)
• NURS 754: Nursing Leadership & Management Concepts (3 credits)
• NURS 864: Epidemiologic Methods in Health care (3 credits)

Synthesis and Application Courses (6 credits):

• NURS 703: Graduate Nursing Practicum I (2 credits)
• NURS 705: Graduate Nursing Practicum II (2 credits)
• NURS 797: Scholarly Project (2 credits)

Forensic Track Courses (11 credits):

• CJUS 609: Forensic Aspects in Population Health (3 credits)
• NURS 642: Psych/Social/Legal Aspects of Forensics (3 credits)
• NURS 648: Foundations of Forensic Nursing (4 credits)
• NURS 779: Applied Inter-Professional Collaboration (1 credit)

Teaching:

• Students take classes with the same world-class faculty as traditional students.
• Faculty includes:
• Dr. Angie Liggett, DHA, MSN, RN, APFN, SMQT Assistant Professor of Forensic Nursing, Coordinator of Forensic Nursing Programs
• Carlene Galanopulo, MSN, PhD-c, RN Teaching Professor
• Ms. Lisa Niehaus IPCP Project Coordinator

Careers:

• Forensic Psychiatric Nurse
• Legal Nurse Consultant
• Forensic Gerontology Specialist

Other:

• The program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC).
• The MSN Education Track program prepares graduates to sit for the NCC Certified Nurse Educator exam.
• The MSN FNP program prepares graduates for FNP certification through either ANCC or AANP certification boards.
• The program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN).
• The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• A dual MSN/MS (Criminal Justice major) is another option for qualified registered nurses who are interested in pursuing forensic nursing.