Overview
The Fitchburg State College online master of science degree program in forensic nursing is a 36 or 37-credit graduate program for students who have bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Generally, students complete six or seven credits per semester but offers some flexibility to those who need to reduce their coursework. Most students complete the program in about 2 1/2 years.

The Fitchburg State online M.S. in forensic nursing program is primarily asynchronous—which means you don’t have to be at your computer at any particular time of the day or week. There are, however, some classes that require participation on specific days, at specific times. You will need to maintain regular course participation each week and visit the course web site on a regular basis.

Using our web-based technology you can access course material at your convenience, wherever you have an Internet connection. This state of the art program will also incorporate the latest technology allowing students and faculty to have some ”real-time” classroom experiences. Our online course demo walks you through the process, step by step, so you’ll be ready to use the system before you start your coursework.
And you’ll have access to technical support by phone 24/7.

In addition to working online, you’ll gain first-hand forensic experience as you complete the clinical component of your degree. With the assistance of an advisor, you will arrange your own clinical placements, providing you with the flexibility to meet your scheduling and geographical needs.

Quality, Field Oriented Education
Classes are taught by Fitchburg State faculty members, who are experienced, doctorally prepared, forensic clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and attorneys. This teaching model bridges the gap between theory and practice.

The program is designed to prepare you for a variety of exciting careers in which you will apply the forensic aspects of healthcare to public or legal proceedings.You will be educated in both scientific investigation and the treatment of trauma, enabling you to provide direct services to individual clients including both victims and perpetrators, consultation services to nursing, medical and law-related agencies.

The Fitchburg State online M.S. in forensic nursing program will give you the skills you need to take your career beyond the traditional healthcare setting. The first nurses hired as investigators by the Massachusetts Medical Examiner were Fitchburg State graduates. Our alumni are also successfully employed in the New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s office, and work as legal nurse consultants, forensic psychiatric consultants, expert witnesses in a variety of specialty areas, and in many of the other domains of forensic nursing practice.

More flexible than a traditional Cohort learning format
Like a traditional cohort format, you will enter the program with a group of your peers. But because of the flexibility offered to students who need to reduce their coursework, or even take a semester off, you may not take every class with the same group. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to interact with fellow students and faculty, building relationships, and sharing experiences in a virtual environment. Instructors are readily available to collaborate with you on your progress through the program. And as you near completion of your degree requirements, faculty advisors will help you with your job search by providing access to Fitchburg State’s extensive network of contacts in the field of forensic nursing.

And when you complete the program, you are invited to participate in the graduation ceremony at Fitchburg State College so you can receive your degree with the rest of your class.