Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Graduate Certificate

Program Description

Full Description

The Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner graduate certificate provides registered nurses the specialized training necessary to be certified as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) for adult and adolescent patients. A SANE provides comprehensive care to victims of sexual assault or abuse. In addition, they conduct a forensic examination and may provide expert testimony if a case goes to trial.

Nurses receive their SANE certification through the International Association of Forensic Nurses, Commission on Forensic Nursing Certification. To be certified, nurses with a minimum of two years of full-time experience must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of sexual assault education; worked under the supervision of an expert (e.g., SANE-certified nurse); performed enough sexual assault exams to demonstrate clinical competency; and successfully passed a certification test.

The certificate’s didactic courses will be offered on-ground and online at the Kent Campus, and the practicum experiences will be conducted at the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection and Care Facility of Cleveland Clinic Akron General.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner graduate certificate are not being accepted, starting with the fall 2025 admission term.

• Bachelor's or master’s degree from an accredited nursing program
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate or graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state of Ohio
• Two years of full-time registered nurse experience
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement (250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate
• Three letters of recommendation from health care professionals
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: March 1
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: November 1
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: March 1

Applications submitted by these deadlines will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Meet standards for advanced professional distinction.
2. Assume an advanced role in nursing and for leadership and career advancement.
3. Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive nursing care and promote quality outcomes in nursing and healthcare.

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Mostly online
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Applications to Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner graduate certificate are not being accepted, starting with the fall 2025 admission term.