Forensic Science Colleges

Archive for the ‘Info’ Category

Hey guys, I’m pretty sure I want to become a Forensic Scientist. However, I also like a backup. Would it be possible to become an investigator, or detective with that degree?

Forensic Nursing is one of the newest specialty areas recognized by the American Nurses Association. It involves working with law enforcement officials to aid in the investigation of crimes such as abuse, accidental death and assault.  

They also collect evidence from the survivors of the violent crime as well as the suspect so a case can be can be made and justice can be served.

Since crimes happen almost everyday even when the suspect is already in prison, forensic nursing requires a lot of manpower. Just to give you an idea, there is a Correctional Nursing Specialist, Forensic Clinical Nurse Specialist, Forensic Gerontology Specialist, Forensic Nurse Investigator, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, Legal Nurse Consultant, Nurse Coroner/Death Investigator and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

The largest subspecialty of forensic nursing is sexual assault, closely followed by death investigation, forensic psychiatric nursing and medical-legal consulting.

When sexual assault or rape occurs, it is the job of the forensic nurse to collect evidence and take pictures so whoever is responsible can be caught. This is done by cross referencing the DNA sample into the criminal database system assuming that the one who did it has a criminal record. If the victim knows who did it, a DNA sample can be collected from the suspect and if it is match, then an arrest is made.

In terms of death investigation, the forensic nurse assists the pathologist in determining the cause of death of a victim. In some areas, this person is already the coroner.

Forensic psychiatric nursing is all about giving a convict or a suspect a psychiatric evaluation. This will determine if he or she is fit for trial. Inmates who have been released who have been pardoned and released from prison may also have to do the same test so they can find work.

In order for you to become a forensic nurse, you have to enroll in a program offered by a university which focuses on the criminal justice system, forensic mental health, interpersonal violence, perpetrator theory and victimology.

You will also need practice experience under the auspices of a trained forensic doctor or nurse. Since there are improvements in forensic science, you must also enroll in continuing education courses. If you want to move forward in your career, take a formal graduate study program so you have a master’s degree.

Once you have your degree, you can already apply for work without having the need to get a certificate which is required in other nursing professions.

Can you shift to forensic nursing after working for some time as a registered nurse? The answer is yes. You should just pass the exam that is given by the International Association of Forensic Nurses.  

Aside from helping law enforcement officials solve a crime or help a victim, forensic nursing is also useful in other fields. These include tissue and organ donation, pediatrics and in a correctional institution.

In tissue and organ donation, the forensic nurse will talk to the family of the potential donor. When they agree, he or she will fill up the legal paperwork so everything is properly documented.

In pediatrics, forensic nurses are present to assist and give comfort who have been victims of abuse and neglect.

Forensic nurses who work in correctional facilities are there to perform health screenings, educate inmates on various health related topics, manage acute illness and injuries, dispense medication and provide acute and chronic assessments.

There is a lot you can do as a forensic nurse. You just have to see what opportunities suit you most then go for it.

I’m a senior in high school and I’m looking at colleges for forensic science. I’ve looked at both schools and they both seem pretty good. I’m not sure which one is better. I know that UNH’s forensic science program is the oldest forensic program in the country, but PSU also seems to have a great forensic science program with classes in various forensic disciplines. I can’t ask either college because they’ll just tell me to go to their’s. So if anyone has any additional knowlegge about the program or colleges that might help me make the decision, I’d greatly appreciate it.

I am getting my associate’s degree in natural science. After this, I want to go to school for forensic science for my bachelor’s. Does anyone know where i could go for two years to study forensic science? I live in Massachusetts and would like to stay in New England.

thank you so much

I am currently studying Forensic Science at BTEC level, and am hoping to go to uni next year but am stuck on which course to choose. I want to be a forensic biologist, but am not sure whether I should do a biology degree then a masters in forensics, or to just to a forensic biology degree?
I wasn’t sure if I would stand a better chance at the career with a Biology degree of a Forensic Biology degree? I know that the Biology degree offers a sandwich year which will gain me experience.

Some sources I have found say it’s best to major in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology but some schools have an undergraduate degree in forensic science. I plan on getting a masters degree in forensic science, but what would be the best undergraduate major to pursue?

Or would you stay home?

I ask because I read a story last night that really disturbed me (I am choosing not to post a link because it is way too gruesome. I cried myself to sleep after reading it, and I studied Forensic Science crime scene investigations in college so news stories almost never bother me).

The husband had been acting strangely for a few days before the mother was due to return to work. on the morning she was getting ready to leave, he begged her to stay home because he thought the Apocalypse was coming that day and would destroy the earth. she considered staying home, but decided to go to work.

on her lunch break, she returned home to check in and found her daughter murdered in the most gruesome way imaginable. the husband was found days later hiding out in a hotel. he escaped jail time by pleading insanity and is expected to be released to a mental health facility until recovered.

If your husband seemed really “off” or was not making sense, would you have left your child alone with him? quit your job? tried to call a sitter? I don’t know what I would have done if put in the situation.
I don’t know what I would have done exactly, but I know for a fact I would never leave my child with someone acting crazy. That would never happen. I won’t even leave my child with my husband when he’s cranky!

its alot cheaper to go to college in canada so i was wondering if anyone knew which ones i could look at if i want to be a forensic science major
thanks

My top choices are Sam Houston State University or CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

I’m currently a Junior in a Criminal Investigations program in at a SUNY college. It’s a Bachelor of Technology program. I am in the National Criminal Justice Honor society.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any colleges/universities that have a Master’s of Forensic Science program. Please provide a link if possible.