About the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

The victim of a sexual assault is one of the most severely psychologically traumatized individuals a nurse can encounter. Upon presentation to the hospital, they are often re-traumatized as well. Just being examined, most will re-live the assault.

The role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is the epitome of patient support. The SANE nurse is responsible for not only preserving the dignity of the victim, but for collecting evidence that links the victim and the suspect.


A few of the functions of the SANE nurse include:

Perform a physical examination on the victim

Collect evidence

Treat minor injuries such as cuts/bruises

Expert testimony regarding the forensic evidence collected

Serve on a SANE response team (SART)

Work closely with law enforcement agencies and the prosecuter's office

Support the psychological needs of the victim


Here is an educative list for SANE:

University of California Forensic Nursing Certificate Program - Online

International Association of Forensic Nurses

Kaplan University - Online

American College of Forensic Examiners Institute of Forensic Science

Sexual Assault Resource Service

Allnursingschools.com List- not inclusive


Most academic programs are approximately 60 hours with a 45 hour cinical internship.

To sit for national certification, one must have:

1 - unrestricted RN license
2 - at least 2 to 5 years RN experience (depending on the certification entity)
3 - have completed at least 40 hours of SANE didactic instruction (again, depending upon the program and certification entity)
4 - have pre-determined supervised clinical practice post education

Of course, a Masters degree will be longer; approx. 30 months part time. Most certificate programs can be completed in approx. 12 months full time.

There are also DNP programs with a Forensic Nursing track.