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 a Texas SANE-Forensic Nursing Education Course: Adult/Adolescent didactic course that meets the minimum standards for the IAFN Sexual Assult Examiner Education Guidelines.
Step 3: Attend our Person-Centered Adult Sexual Assault Simulation.
Step 4: Complete 12 courtroom observation hours. This can be obtained through our Mock Testimony Simulation.
Step 5: Complete Texas OAG Application use the SANE Certification Guide (Appendix 2 - pg. 26) as a resource.
- SANE Certification Application*
- pg 1 - Personal Information
- pg 2 - Verification form
- pg 3 - SANE Clinical Requirement Form
- pg 4 - SANE Courtroom Observation Form
After approval of your packet by the OAG, you will be CA-SANE Certified.
Step 6: Mail your application to the OAG Office.
Consider IAFN international SANE certification after several years of experience: https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/Certification
For additional information you can view our course on Course Catalog.
* It's Mandatory to use the OAG Form
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 Texas SANE-Forensic Nursing Education Course: Pediatric didactic course that meets the minimum standards for the IAFN Sexual Assult Examiner Education Guidelines.
Step 3: Attend our Well-Child Assessment Simulation
Step 4: Complete 20 well-child examinations.
Step 5: Complete pediatric 10 sexual assault medical forensic examinations with a preceptor.
Step 6: Complete Texas OAG Application use the SANE Certification Guide (Appendix 2 - pg. 26) as a resource.
- SANE Certification Application*
- pg 1 - Personal Information
- pg 2 - Verification form
- pg 3 - SANE Clinical Requirement Form
- pg 4 - SANE Courtroom Observation Form
After approval of your packet by the OAG, you will be CP-SANE Certified.
Step 7: Mail your application to the OAG Office.
Consider IAFN international SANE certification after several years of experience: https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/Certification
For additional information you can view our course on Course Catalog.
* It's Mandatory to use the OAG Form
Are courses online or in person?
Most courses are online. Select simulations are hybrid or in-person. Course format is listed on each course page.
Where do I find available courses?
Visit our Forensic Nursing website to view all current courses and registration links.
How do I register?
Click “Register” under your chosen course and follow all steps. Be sure to apply any applicable discount code during registration.
Can I access the course as soon as I pay?
Some courses (such as Human Trafficking) are on-demand. Others begin on a specific start date. You’ll receive access on or near that date.
How long does it take to get certified?
Texas learners have two years to complete certification. Most complete it within 9–24 months.
When will new course sessions be available?
New sessions are typically announced in December for courses starting in February.
Do I have to take the Adult Sexual Assault simulation before the Advanced simulation?
Yes. The Advanced Simulation builds on content covered in the Adult Sexual Assault sim.
Are simulations open to nurses outside of Texas?
Yes. Out-of-state learners are welcome to attend.
Are your courses approved by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)?
Yes. Our courses meet gold standard education criteria and are IAFN-approved.
Can I be connected with a preceptor?
Yes, if you are a HRSA grantee and currently employed. We’ll match you with a partner hospital.
Do I need to be employed to receive a preceptor?
Yes. Employment is a requirement for preceptorship placement.
Do I apply as a sole proprietor for my National Provider Identifier (NPI)?
Yes. Applying as a sole proprietor ensures your NPI remains associated with you personally, regardless of where you work.
How do I get my receipts from class/simulations I have taken?
- Go to cped.tamu.edu and log in. The login button is in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Your name will now appear in the upper right corner. When you click on the name, a dropdown menu will appear.
- Select “Purchases & Enrollments.”
- This will take you to a screen that lists all the enrolled courses with Continuing and Professional Education. You can use this for a receipt.
How does the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant work?
The HRSA grant helps reduce financial barriers by covering or discounting:
- Course registration fees
- Travel, meals, and hotel for simulation courses
- Networking opportunities with coaches and fellow learners
What does the HRSA grant not cover?
- Certification exam fees (SANE-A/SANE-P)—some support may be available
- Membership fees for the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) or Academy of Forensic Nursing (AFN)
Does the HRSA grant cover the SANE-A or SANE-P exam fee?
Generally no, but partial funding may be available based on your grant.
Does the HRSA grant cover professional memberships like IAFN or AFN?
No, these fees are not covered.
Are scholarships or grants available for courses?
Yes. Eligibility for HRSA funding is determined during registration. More info is available on our website.
Who do I contact about my reimbursement?
If you haven’t received a reply, we’re happy to help. Reimbursement processing may take up to 90 days. Contact forensicnursing@tamu.edu.
Is lunch provided during IHS courses?
Pre-ordering lunch is optional. You are welcome to bring your own lunch—microwaves and refrigerators are available. Nearby restaurants are also accessible.
What is the IHS course cancellation policy?
If Texas A&M cancels the course (due to weather or other emergencies), you’ll be notified and fully refunded for any pre-ordered lunch.
What is the refund policy for pre-ordered lunch?
- Full refund if canceled more than 7 days in advance
- No refund if canceled within 7 days of the course
Contact: courtwade@tamu.edu or 979.436.0537
How do I confirm my attendance for an IHS course?
You must verify attendance at least 14 days before the course. Contact: courtwade@tamu.edu
Can I transfer to a future IHS course?
Yes. A one-time transfer is allowed (14+ days prior). No transfers accepted after that deadline.
Email: forensicnursing@tamu.edu
I didn’t receive my registration confirmation email.
- Check your spam or junk folder.
- Make sure your email address was entered correctly.
- Still missing? Contact forensicnursing@tamu.edu.
I didn’t receive my certificate of completion.
Look in the M Drive Simulation folder for your course date. Still missing? Contact forensicnursing@tamu.edu.
I forgot to complete my course evaluation. Can I still get my certificate?
If your session is still active, we can reopen the evaluation for two days. Contact forensicnursing@tamu.edu.
I'm having trouble logging into Canvas.
Try the following:
- Log out of all Canvas accounts.
- Visit cped.tamu.edu and log in with your registered email.
- Try another browser if needed.
Still having issues? Contact forensicnursing@tamu.edu.
Can I cancel or reschedule a course?
- You can cancel for a full refund up to 10 days before the course.
- One-time transfer to a future session of the same course is allowed if requested 14+ days in advance.
Contact forensicnursing@tamu.edu.
Are books required for my coursework?
Books are not mandatory for your coursework. The Center provides them to help you begin building your Forensic Nursing library.
When will I recive my books?
Anticipate that you will be receiving the textbook(s) about two weeks from the start of the course.
How do I sign up for free webinars?
You can sign up for our free webinars by completing the registration form here: Webinar Sign-Up Form
Will the SANE Coordinator’s Forum be on Zoom?
Most sessions are held in person.
Can I get permission to use TAMU body diagrams in my protocol?
Email THWhitting@tamu.edu to request permission.
Is the hotel included in the course fee?
No. However, eligible HRSA grant recipients are reimbursed for lodging.
Does the HRSA grant cover travel and hotel?
Yes. This includes mileage, meals, and hotel—reimbursed using government rates.
When will I get my hotel reservation details?
You will receive them about 5–7 days before the course start date.
Is early arrival or late checkout covered by the grant?
Check-in the day before is covered. If you anticipate arriving late, call the hotel to complete an over-the-phone check-in.
Can I make travel arrangements before registering?
No. All travel (including flights) must be arranged after registration and pre-approved.
- 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.