What forensic coursework is currently available through the Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University?
You can view course offerings by clicking “Catalog” in the navigation menu.
I want to register for your courses! Are there any prerequisites?
Prerequisites will vary depending on the course. Additional information can be found within each course in the Catalogue.
What do all these letters mean?
- SANE: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
- CA-SANE: A registered nurse who has achieved the Texas currency of practice adult/adolescent SANE certification. A CA-SANE has completed the requirements set forth by the state of Texas for care for adult and adolescent patients.
- CP-SANE: A registered nurse who has achieved the Texas currency of practice pediatric/adolescent SANE certification. A CP-SANE has completed the requirements set forth by the state of Texas for care for pediatric/adolescent patients.
- SANE-A: A registered nurse who has met the minimum standard set forth by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) via written examination. A SANE-A has passed the international certification examination for adult/adolescent patients.
- SANE-P: A registered nurse who has met the minimum standard set forth by IAFN via written examination. A SANE-P has passed the international certification examination for pediatric patients.
What are the first steps I should take if I want to become a SANE in the state of Texas?
Step 1: Become a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Texas and practice for a minimum of two years as an RN providing direct patient care.
Step 2: Take an adult/adolescent didactic SANE course that meets the minimum standards for SANE training courses. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers an excellent course. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page.
Step 3: Obtain experience: 10 pelvic examinations. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers an Adult Simulation where you can complete all 10 of these exams with the supervision of expert SANEs. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page. You only need to complete this once for both adult/adolescent and pediatric credentialing.
A pelvic examination is defined as the following (definition from Texas Attorney General’s Office (OAG)):
- Visual inspection and palpation of the external structures of the adult/adolescent female genitalia (vulva) to assess for normalcy, disease processes or trauma.
- Visual inspection with the use of a vaginal speculum inserted into the vagina allows for visual assessment of the vaginal vault and the cervix to assess for normalcy, disease processes and/or trauma.
- Inspections must be performed on a patient who is not presenting with an acute complaint of sexual assault or abuse.
- Live medical models may be used for any or all of the required adult pelvic examinations.
Step 4: Obtain experience: Complete 8 sexual assault medical forensic examinations with a preceptor. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers an Adult Simulation where you can obtain four of these exams, two of which count toward certification. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page. If you are practicing in the state of Texas and need assistance securing a preceptorship site, please contact aljanson@tamu.edu.
Step 5: Obtain experience: 12 courtroom observation hours. This can be done concurrently with Steps 3 and 4. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers a Mock Testimony Simulation where you can complete all of these hours with expert SANEs and criminal attorney preceptors. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page. You only need to complete this once for both adult/adolescent and pediatric credentialing.
Step 6: Apply for Texas adult/adolescent SANE certification. Complete Texas OAG Application packet with the following:
- Certification Application (Click here, page 1)
- Verification Form (Click here, page 2)
- Copy of Training Course Certificate
- Clinical Requirement Form(s) (Click here, page 3)
- Courtroom Observation Form(s) (Click here, page 4)
After approval of your packet by the OAG, you will be CA-SANE Certified!
Step 7: Consider IAFN international SANE certification after several years of experience: https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/Certification
Step 1: Become a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Texas and practice for a minimum of two years as an RN providing direct patient care.
Step 2: Take a pediatric/adolescent didactic SANE course that meets the minimum standards for SANE training courses. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers an excellent course. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page
Step 3: Obtain experience: Complete 10 pelvic examinations with a preceptor. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers an Adult Simulation where you can obtain all 10 of these exams under the supervision of expert SANEs. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page. You only need to complete this once for both adult/adolescent and pediatric credentialing.
A pelvic examination is defined as the following (definition from Texas Attorney General’s Office (OAG):
- Visual inspection and palpation of the external structures of the adult/adolescent female genitalia (vulva) to assess for normalcy, disease processes or trauma.
- Visual inspection with the use of a vaginal speculum inserted into the vagina allows for visual assessment of the vaginal vault and the cervix to assess for normalcy, disease processes and/or trauma.
- Inspections must be performed on a patient who is not presenting with an acute complaint of sexual assault or abuse.
- Live medical models may be used for any or all of the required adult pelvic examinations.
Step 4: Obtain experience: Complete 20 well-child examinations. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers a pediatric well-child simulation where you can complete all 20 of these exams with expert SANEs’ supervision. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page.
Step 5: Obtain experience: Complete 10 sexual assault medical forensic examinations with a preceptor.
Step 6: Obtain experience: 12 courtroom observation hours. This can be done concurrently with steps 3, 4, and 5. The Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing at Texas A&M University offers a Mock Testimony Simulation where you can all of these hours. You can view course offerings by clicking “Event Registration” in the top blue ribbon of this page. You only need to complete this once for both adult/adolescent and pediatric credentialing.
Step 7: Complete OAG Application packet with the following:
- Certification Application (Click here, page 1)
- Verification Form (Click here, page 2)
- Copy of Training Course Certificate
- Clinical Requirement Form(s) (Click here, page 3)
- Courtroom Observation Form(s) (Click here, page 4)
After approval of your packet by the OAG, you will be CP-SANE Certified!
Step 8: Consider international pediatric SANE certification after several years of experience working as a SANE: https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/Certification