Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program - Online Course

This 44-contact-hour online program offers nurses a comprehensive foundation in caring for patients affected by sexual violence. Aligned with the latest IAFN Educational Guidelines for Adolescent/Adult SANE practice, the fourteen-module course integrates trauma-informed care, evidence-based practice, and nursing theory. Learners are guided through the full scope of forensic nursing—including exams, documentation, legal considerations, and multidisciplinary collaboration—with content developed by experts in nursing, law enforcement, and law.

The flexible, self-paced format must be completed within 15 weeks and prepares nurses for clinical practice under a qualified preceptor. While not a certification guarantee, this program is widely recognized as a vital first step toward becoming a SAFE-trained clinician.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

If you're serious about advancing your nursing career, this program is your opportunity to step into one of the most meaningful and in-demand roles in healthcare. Forensic nursing isn’t just a specialty—it’s a calling that requires precision, compassion, and advanced training. This course gives you the foundational knowledge you need to begin practice as a SAFE, while offering the credibility of 44 accredited contact hours to strengthen your professional portfolio.

You’ll gain practical, real-world knowledge designed to help you confidently conduct medical forensic exams and collaborate across systems—from hospitals to courtrooms. Whether you're looking to expand your current role, pursue certification, or become a stronger advocate for survivors, this is the training that opens those doors. This is a widely respected program trusted by healthcare systems nationwide. Taking advantage of it now can accelerate your readiness and impact—giving you the preparation, insight, and credibility that distinguish you in the field and equip you to support survivors with excellence.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After participating in this program, learners will be able to (Each of the 40 sections has associated learning objectives. Below is a sample of them):

• Identify common psychological responses to violence
• Define a “Victim-Centered” approach to Sexual Assault
• Describe how law enforcement responds to a sexual assault investigation
• Discuss how evidence collection impacts the analysis of the evidence
• Discuss injuries frequently seen in strangulation patients
• Name the oral, ano-genital anatomical structures of the female and male adolescent/adult
• Assess and document visible Physical Examination Findings
• Promote and apply evidence-based practice in your role as a forensic nurse
• Define a chain of evidence
• Confidently carry out your duties as an expert witness in court

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Each of the 14 modules includes a pre-assessment and graded test. Approximate completion time is noted (in minutes). A final graded post-assessment follows.

• Introduction to the SAFE Program — 9
• Modules
1. Overview of Forensic Nursing and Sexual Violence — 283
2. Victim Responses and Crisis Intervention — 128
3. Collaborating with Community Agencies — 221
4. Medical Forensic History Taking — 160
5. Observing and Assessing Physical Examination Findings — 429
6. Medical Forensic Specimen Collection — 243
7. Vulnerable Populations — 340
8. Medical Forensic Photography — 126
9. Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Prophylaxis — 87
10. Pregnancy Risk Evaluation and care — 57
11. Medical Forensic Documentation — 99
12. Discharge and Follow-up Planning — 52
13. Legal Considerations and Judicial Proceedings — 219
14. A Complete Medical Forensic Exam — 177
• Post-Assessment

BIOGRAPHIES:

Program Editor

Debra Holbrook, MSN, RN, SANE A, FNE A/P, AFN-C, DF-AFN, FAAN

Course Content Reviewers

Barbra Bachmeier, JD, MPH, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CPH, DF-AFN, FAEN

Allyson Boss, BSN, RN, FNE-A, GFN-C

Roger, Canaff, JD, BA

Diana Faugno, MSN, RN, CPN, SANE-A, SANE-P, FAAFS, DF-IAFN, DF-AFN

Jennifer Johnson, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, AFN-BC, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, DF-AFN

Teri Labbe, BS

Valerie Sievers, MSN, RN, CNS

Patricia M. Speck, DNSc, ARNP, APN, FNP-BC, DF-IAFN, FAAFS, FAFN, FAAN

Angela Trujillo, DNP, MS, WHNP-BC

Course Authors

Barbra Bachmeier, JD, MPH, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CPH, DF-AFN, FAEN

Debra Holbrook, MSN, RN, SANE A, FNE A/P, DF-AFN, FAAN

Jennifer Johnson, DNP, APRN, AFN-BC, SANE-A, SANE-P, DF-AFN

Angelia Trujillo, DNP, RN, WHNP-BC, DF-AFN

Nora Baladerian, PhD

Kathy Bell, MS, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P

Amy Carney, PhD, NP, FAAFS

Elizabeth Donegan, BS

Kathy Gill-Hopple, PhD, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P

Angela Kaufman, MA

Stacey Mitchell, DNP, MBA, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, DF-AFN, FAAN

Wendy L. Patrick, JD, PhD

Susan B. Patton, DNSc, PPCNP-BC, AFN-BC, FAANP, FAAN

Michael Prodan, MS

Julie Renfroe, MBA, D-ABC

Catherine Rossi, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, SANE-A, SANE-P, DF-AFN