DNP-Forensic Nursing
Program Overview
The DNP-Forensic Nursing program positions nurses to develop advanced skills needed to hold leadership roles in forensic nursing. Forensic nursing is a specialty in the field focused on caring for survivors of violence and trauma. This track of nursing study at the doctoral level is unique to Texas A&M.
Designed as a clinical doctorate, the program emphasizes the role of forensic nurses as implementation scientists who translate evidence into practice, measure outcomes and influence care delivery. Graduates learn to influence health policy and serve as expert consultants on issues affecting vulnerable populations in both health care and legal systems.
The DNP-Forensic Nursing program is delivered online over seven semesters. Students, who must have a graduate degree in nursing to qualify for admission, take classes part time and may complete most clinical hours in their own communities.
Admissions
Minimum requirements for admission:
- Graduate degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLNAC nationally accredited program and RN license
- Completion of elementary statistics with a minimum grade of "B" by the first class day
- Completion of advanced pharmacology, advanced physical assessment and advanced pathophysiology prior to admission with a minimum grade of "B"
Additional considerations:
- Recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA on all graduate coursework
- Timed verbal responses and written assessments (through our secondary assessment provider, Kira Talent)
- Community service
- Leadership and involvement in extracurricular and/or professional activities
- Military service
- History of academic withdrawals, repeats or failures
To apply, submit your:
- NursingCAS application, including:
- Official college transcripts from each institution (including Texas A&M University, if applicable)
- Professional resume
- Verification of practice hours (maximum of 500 applied to DNP)
- Online verbal and written assessments through our secondary assessment provider, Kira Talent (eligible applicants will be sent invitations to complete this portion following review of their NursingCAS application)
- International applicant credentials (if applicable)
Dates and Deadlines
Fall Entry
NursingCAS Application
- Open: Oct. 1
- Priority Deadline: Jan. 15
- Rolling Deadline: July 1
Orientation
- TBD
Curriculum and Student Learning Outcomes
| Fall | ||
| NRPR 725 | Theoretical Foundations of Healthcare | 3 |
| NRPR 728 | Organizational and Systems Leadership | 3 |
| NRPR 739 | Residency in Advanced Nursing Practice | 1 |
| Total | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| NRPR 714 | Leadership, Policy and Ethics in Forensic Nursing | 3 |
| NRPR 731 | Quality and Outcome Improvements in Healthcare | 3 |
| NRPR 739 | Residency in Advanced Nursing Practice | 1 |
| Total | 7 | |
| Summer | ||
| NRPR 615 | Theory, Assessment and Intervention with Offenders | 3 |
| NRPR 739 | Residency in Advanced Nursing Practice | 1 |
| Total | 4 | |
| Fall | ||
| NRPR 726 | Principles of Translational Science | 3 |
| NRPR 729 | Analytic Methods for Research and Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| NRPR 735 | Scholarly Project Practicum I | 2 |
| Total | 8 | |
| Spring | ||
| NRPR 616 | Forensic Nurse as Medicolegal Expert | 3 |
| NRPR 620 | Grant Writing | 1 |
| NRPR 736 | Scholarly Project Practicum II | 2 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| NRPR 630 | Transition into Professional Forensic Nursing Practice | 2 |
| NRPR 737 | Scholarly Project Practicum III | 2 |
| Total | 4 | |
| Fall | ||
| NRPR 730 | Informatics | 3 |
| NRPR 738 | Scholarly Project Practicum IV | 2 |
| Total | 5 | |
| Program Total | 41 | |
At the completion of the DNP-Forensic Nursing degree program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Apply implementation science as a framework to design, implement, and lead best practices at the highest level of advanced nursing practice.
- Act as a practice scholar to analyze, evaluate, and advance quality, safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of patient care and systems of care.
- Design innovative, evidence-based advanced nursing approaches to reduce health disparities, promote health and high-quality outcomes for individuals, populations, and health systems.
- Engage with and lead high performing inter-professional teams to co-create solutions that promote health outcomes and health care delivery.
- Construct innovative solutions to complex health issues using information systems, data analysis, and technology.
- Lead development of nursing practice and health care policy based on principles of social justice, health equity, and cultural sensitivity.
- Apply advanced knowledge of nursing, sciences, and forensic principles to deliver safe, evidence-based care to individuals and populations affected by violence, trauma, and criminal acts.
- Implement advanced forensic nursing assessments, evidence collection, documentation, and expert witness testimony to support justice and improve patient outcomes.
- Navigate complex ethical and legal issues related to forensic nursing, ensuring advocacy for victims and adherence to professional standards and legal requirements.
Cost of Attendance
For cost of attendance, including estimated cost of tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and more, visit Aggie One Stop.
Information Sessions
Interested students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about our programs of study. These sessions provide details on admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, student life, clinical experiences and other opportunities. Students are required to attend an information session prior to requesting an individual appointment.
- Reservations are required to attend a session.
- Guests of registered attendees are welcome.
- Sessions last approximately 60-90 minutes.