Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN® Program
Set yourself apart from the rest of the pack!
Forensic nursing is an exciting and rapidly growing specialty field that offers great opportunities and rewarding career options for nursing professionals. Being a Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN® can set you apart from your peers to get the recognition and respect you deserve, both in the medical community and the legal arena.
Why should you choose the CFN credential?
The CFN program can demonstrate to a nursing professional's colleagues, patients, clients, employers, and the health care community that he or she has an extensive base of knowledge and education, direct professional experience, and a commitment to continuing education and excellence within the forensic nursing profession.
The CFN credential can also help contribute to the weight and relevance of the CFN's testimony and the applicability of the evidence that the nurse presents in a court of law.
Credential Content
The topics covered in the CFN credential are:
- Non-traditional role models
- Child abuse
- School zone violence
- Elder abuse
- Evidence collection
- Workplace violence
- Wound identification
How do I maintain the CFN credential?
Individuals are expected to maintain membership and complete 15 hours of forensic-related continuing education credits per year to maintain their CFN status. The initial CFN course provides 15 CE credits, fulfilling this requirement.
Future CEs may be earned through ACFEI's Executive Summits and/or completing tests for the continuing education articles located in The Forensic Examiner®, provided in our online course catalog.
Steps to becoming a Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN®
- Meet the eligibility requirements
These requirements must be met in order to apply for the CFN program.
- Member of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute
- At least 18 years of age
- No felony convictions
- Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States
- Have practiced for a minimum of three years as a RN in the United States
- Documentation of clinical experience (a clinical experience validation form) signed by an appropriate clinical authority, such as a mentor, employer, or nursing supervisor
- Complete the application
The application can be completed online by clicking Apply Now or you may submit it via mail, phone, fax, or email.
- Enroll in the program
Submit payment and register to receive program materials.
- Provide copies of résumé/curriculum vitae
A current résumé/curriculum vitae will be placed in your file.
- Provide copies of any degrees, licenses, certificates, and/or commissions, and two professional references
These documents will attest to your professional standing. Please include any necessary references as well.
- Review the materials once your eligibility has been confirmed.
Materials can be accessed from your online course catalog once you receive your log-in information.
- Successfully pass the CFN exam.
After finishing the exam, you will receive a certificate of completion from ACFEI.
