Decker College offers a Victim-Centered Forensic Health microcredential for registered nurses enrolled in the online RN-BS program.
Victim-Centered Forensic Health microcredential
The Victim-Centered Forensic Health microcredential is designed to enhance a nurse’s ability to work with victims of crime, especially in emergency and psychiatric settings.
Binghamton microcredentials aim to prepare students for the workforce, helping them stand out to employers, bridge to larger credentials, support lifelong learning opportunities for professionals and enhance professional skills through continuing education.
Students who complete the requirements of the microcredential will earn a digital badge issued by Binghamton University through Credly, and will have the microcredential recorded on their academic transcript.
Requirements
The microcredential consists of two nonsequential 3-credit, 7-week courses:
- NURS Z335 Forensic Health Essentials (spring or summer): This course provides an overview of forensic disciplines, violence and diversity, forensic assessment and documentation, the collection and preservation of evidence, an overview of criminal aspects of forensics, an introduction to death investigation, basic civil issues, and principles of collaboration and consultation.
- NURS Z335B Forensic Health of Victims (fall): This course provides an overview of victim needs and rights, responses to trauma/trauma-informed approach, victims' resources, expert witness testimony, assessment and intervention strategies for intrafamilial violence, sexual violence, stalking, workplace violence, hate crimes, homicide and nonviolent crimes such as DUI.
Following completion of the two courses, students should submit a portfolio showcasing the basic skills they learned in:
- forensic assessment
- evidence collection
- trauma-informed care
- expert witness testimony
- assessment and intervention plan (inclusive of cultural competence and referrals)
- development for victims of family, sexual and workplace violence; victims of hate crimes; victims of nonviolent crimes
