Universities In Texas That Offer Forensic Nursing

Universities across Canada and the United States offer programs for people interested in delving into the field of forensics, including criminology and forensic science, as well as other science-based programs. Forensic nursing is gaining recognition in areas such as the collection of evidence, and some universities in Texas are offering programs that allow students to incorporate a science and nursing degree and to specialize in fields such as forensics.

Forensic Nursing

As a professional, a forensic nurse is an individual with not only significant training in nursing, but also in various aspects of the criminal justice field. A forensic nurse is a nurse who specializes in things such as evidence collection, legal areas of expertise such as testimony, and various other procedures involved in criminal justice. Essentially, a forensic nurse provides a much needed go-between for legal and criminal professionals and medical professionals.

Continuing Education: Beyond the Bachelor's Degree

The University of Texas offers bachelor's, master's and even doctoral degrees in nursing, as well as an Undergraduate Nursing Honors Program. Students of nursing at this university have the opportunity to pursue advanced education in nursing beyond the bachelor's degree, and it is these master's and doctoral programs that can lead an individual to forensic nursing through specialties such as Public Health and Psychological and Mental Health. The University of Texas is a well-known establishment that boasts pre-nursing and professional nursing sequences of credits, as well as many other respected programs and financial aid.

Nursing Programs

The University of Phoenix offers prospective students a wide variety of program choices, with the option of taking classes to work towards degrees and certificates either online or on location. In Texas alone, the University of Phoenix has campuses in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. For individuals seeking a career in forensic nursing, there are forensic science and criminology programs, as well as an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for those who have already earned the title of Registered Nurse. This is an accredited university, with a variety of resources for financial aid.

Criminology

Strayer University has five campuses in Texas, in Irving, Katy, North Austin, Northwest Houston and Plano as well as an innovative online campus. This university does not actually offer programs related to nursing, but has a variety of options for students looking to pursue forensic nursing. For example, there are various Bachelor of Science degrees related to criminology, such as one with a concentration in computer security and forensics. These degrees can lead to master's degrees. Strayer University is also accredited, and has good financial aid availability and flexible hours.

Interesting Facts

Forensic nursing is a newly emerging profession and has only been recognized for a short period of time, since the early 1990s. These nurses often earn a higher salary than other nurses due to the amount of training they need to enter the field. While it is dependent on the organization, a forensic nursing salary can start at $26 an hour. Also, there are many specialties available within forensic nursing, such as a medical legal consultant, sexual assault nurse examiner and emergency room nursing.