3 Best Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs – 2024
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you a registered nurse with an ADN interested in using your nursing skills to help victims of violence or crime? Do you like the idea of learning about the legal system and how to integrate your nursing knowledge with an understanding of the law to make a difference in others' lives? If so, a career as a forensic nurse could be a great option for you. An RN to MSN forensic nursing program can help you achieve that goal.
Have you considered a forensic nurse career but wondered what are the best online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs? If this sounds familiar, you have found the right article. In this article, I will share information about the 3 best online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs for 2024. You will learn what forensic nurses do, how to get into a top program, find information about curriculum and job outlook and get answers to frequently asked questions about forensic nursing programs to help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
What Exactly Is The Goal Of An Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Program?
Online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs aim to provide educational opportunities for registered nurses with an associate degree who desire a career in forensic nursing while learning in a distance learning format. These programs aim to prepare registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to combine nursing theory and skills with a knowledge of the law and forensic healthcare.
Is An Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Program Hard To Complete?
Whether an RN to MSN forensic nursing online program is hard to complete is more of a subjective opinion than an objective one. Courses and clinical training that come naturally to one person may be challenging for others.
Online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs offer rigorous curriculums combining classes about legal processes in caring for victims with graduate-level nursing theory and clinicals. While some classes and experiences may be difficult, you can succeed with a dedication to your studies and commitment to earning the degree.
Who Accredits RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs?
Finding accredited RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs is essential. Accreditation ensures the education you receive meets high-quality standards. As you search for programs, look for those accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).
When Do RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs Start?
Colleges and universities determine start dates for their programs based on available faculty and applicants. Some programs offer only one start date each year. Others have multiple start dates. The following are start dates at the online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs featured in this article.
• The online RN to MSN forensic nursing program at
Monmouth University begins once yearly in the fall semester.
• Fitchburg State University’s forensic nurse program begins in the fall and spring terms each year.
• At
Aspen University, the RN to MSN forensic nursing program offers rolling admission. Classes begin on alternating Tuesdays each month.
How Many Credits Are There In RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs?
The curriculum for RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs varies, with most requiring 30 to 40 credits. Your previous degree program and the number of transferable credits you have will determine the credits you need to graduate. The following are examples of the credit requirements for our featured programs.
• The online RN to MSN forensic nursing program at
Monmouth University requires its students to complete 36 credits.
• Fitchburg State University’s online RN to MSN forensic nursing program features a 39-credit hour curriculum.
• At
Aspen University, you will complete 57 credits in the RN to MSN forensic nursing online program.
How Long Are RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs?
Most online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs take two to three years to complete. A few factors, such as whether you enroll part-time or full-time or if you have transferrable credits, determine the time it takes you to complete a program. The average time to complete the programs featured in this article are as follows.
• Monmouth University offers part-time and full-time study options for its online RN to MSN Forensic Nurse Program. Full-time students can graduate in as few as two years. Part-time students typically take three to four years.
• At
Fitchburg State University, the RN to MSN forensic nursing program online is designed to be completed in six to seven semesters. The program is only offered part-time.
• The online RN to MSN forensic nursing program at
Aspen University can be completed in two years following a full-time study plan. Part-time students usually take three and a half to four years to finish the program.
How Much Do RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs Cost?
Online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs can cost from $13,000 to $50,000 or more. Some schools charge per-credit tuition rates. Others have a flat program fee or charge by the semester. The following are costs of the programs featured in this article. These costs are based on out-of-pocket expense before applying grants, scholarships, or loan funds.
• At
Monmouth University, tuition for the online RN to MSN forensic nursing program is calculated at $1,348 per credit hour plus a comprehensive fee of $356. The program requires 36 credits, making the tuition total $48,884.
• The online RN to MSN Forensic Nurse program at
Fitchburg State University costs $405 per credit hour. This rate includes tuition, educational service, technology, capital project, and online service fees. The program features a 39-credit curriculum, making the total cost of the program $15,795.
• Students enrolled in the online RN to MSN forensic nursing program at
Aspen University pay an average of $20,762. This cost includes $18,525 for tuition and $2,237 for fees.
What Is The Minimum GPA Required To Get Into Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs?
Like many other graduate programs, the minimum GPA required to be admitted to online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs varies. Most programs require between a 2.5 and 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. The following are the GPA requirements for admission to the programs featured in this article.
• Monmouth University requires candidates for the online RN to MSN forensic nursing program to have a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0.
• Prospective students seeking admission to the
Fitchburg State University RN to MSN online forensic nursing program must have a minimum 2.8 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all previous college coursework.
• At
Aspen University, you must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be eligible for admission to the online RN to MSN forensic nursing program.
What Are The Admission Requirements For Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs?
Admissions requirements for RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs may vary from one school to the next. However, general criteria are relatively similar across the board. If you are considering one of the programs featured in this article, you must meet the following admission requirements.
• To get admitted to the RN to MSN online forensic nursing program at
Monmouth University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned at an accredited nursing school and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates must have one year of work experience as a professional RN and have an active, unencumbered New Jersey RN license. You must submit a Statement of Intent, and three letters of recommendation and participate in an admissions interview with program faculty.
• If you want to attend the
Fitchburg State University RN to MSN online forensic nursing program, you must provide official transcripts reflecting all attempted college coursework and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Applicants must submit three letters of professional or academic recommendation, a professional resume, a Personal Statement, and a copy of their current RN license.
• At
Aspen University, candidates must have an Associate Degree in Nursing earned at a CHEA-recognized accrediting institution and a minimum college GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. You must have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse and one year of nursing experience within the past five years. You need 30 semester credits of liberal arts coursework. However, if you fall short on the liberal arts credit requirement, you may take liberal arts courses while in the online RN to MSN forensic nursing program.
What Are The Best Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs In The Nation?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 3 Best Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
What Kind Of Courses Will You Take In Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs?
While attending online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs, you will take courses that will provide you with a range of knowledge regarding social factors, nursing practices, and legal issues - to name just a few. Below are some examples from the best online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs for 2024.
• At
Monmouth University, the RN to MSN online forensic nursing program curriculum includes classes such as Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology, Advanced Health Assessment for Forensic Nurses, Forensic Pathology, Issues in Forensic Nursing, Interpersonal Violence, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
• Students enrolled in the online RN to MSN forensic nursing program at University study Issues and Trends in Professional Nursing, Concepts and Theories in Nursing, Forensic Nursing, Diverse Populations & Health Care, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care.
• The
Fitchburg State University RN to MSN forensic nursing program online offers classes including Introduction to Forensic Research, Scientific Foundations for Forensic Nursing Interventions, Forensic Nursing: Caring for Victims, Forensic Nursing: Caring for Perpetrators, Advanced Pathopharmacology & Epigenetics in Forensic Nursing and Criminal Law: Substantive and Procedural.
What Kind Of Practical Training Will You Undergo In Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs?
All nursing programs, including RN to MSN online forensic nursing programs, have a clinical component. The kind of practical training and hours required may vary from one program to the next. Practical training in forensic nursing programs gives you hands-on experience working with victims of trauma, violence, or crime in various settings where you can develop and sharpen skills relevant to forensic nursing.
• Fitchburg State University’s online RN to MSN forensic nursing program includes 420 clinical practicum hours. Practicum experiences prioritize the development of interpersonal, psychomotor, and leadership skills and abilities relevant to serving as a forensic nurse.
You will work with program faculty to identify clinical sites and preceptors. Every effort is made to secure clinical sites as close to your home as possible. However, travel may be necessary if suitable sites and preceptors are unavailable near your home. Students who live in or near New Hampshire have opportunities to complete practicum experiences with some of the university's clinical partners, including the State Medical Examiner's Office in New Hampshire.
• The online RN to MSN forensic nursing program at
Aspen University includes 250 clinical practicum hours completed along with three clinical courses. Some clinical hours are completed in a community health setting where you will develop and evaluate community health programs and learn to perform family and community risk assessments. You will also spend at least 120 hours in a clinical practice environment that includes interprofessional collaboration and direct care experience.
The Aspen University online RN to MSN forensic nursing program culminates with the completion of a Nursing Capstone Project.
• At
Monmouth University, you will participate in a Forensic Nursing Practicum that includes eight hours of practice weekly in a setting specific to forensic nursing. Additionally, the program includes a weekly one-hour seminar which you will attend in a synchronized online setting.
5 Most Important Skills And Abilities You Will Gain In An Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Program
The work of a forensic nurse is challenging but rewarding. The best online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs will equip you with the following skills and abilities to prepare you to be the best in your field.
1. You will learn to provide trauma-informed care:
Forensic nurses address trauma victims' physical, mental, and emotional needs. Delivering trauma-informed care means recognizing not only an individual's present trauma but acknowledging past trauma and how those events may affect your patient's current condition. In online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs, you will learn to identify and address the root cause of your client's trauma, referred to as trauma-informed care, which will help you deliver holistic care to your clients in their most vulnerable times.
2. You will learn to implement the standards of forensic nursing practice/forensic nursing process:
As a registered nurse, you use the nursing process to care for patients in all situations. The forensic
nursing process centers on the patient and creates a loop of communication and feedback to ensure a framework for evaluating, re-evaluating, and updating care plans. RN to MSN online forensic nursing programs teach you to use the forensic nursing process to identify forensic situations and victims, investigate the situation, intervene through evidence collection and patient care, and to provide a post-intervention review. Understanding and following the forensic nursing process is crucial and could make the difference in the outcome of legal cases.
3. How to demonstrate therapeutic communication:
Therapeutic communication prioritizes your client’s emotional and physical well-being and helps to establish a trusting nurse-patient relationship. As a student in an online RN to MSN forensic nursing program, you will learn the importance of therapeutic communication and how to implement the practice in patient care. Therapeutic communication includes measures such as validating your patient's feelings, actively listening, and making empathetic observations. This skill is especially important as patients, especially trauma victims, often open up to nurses more easily than doctors or law enforcement officers.
4. Evidence Collection:
One of the most essential skills you will learn in online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs is collecting, storing, and preserving evidence. Forensic nurses do more than swab for DNA or draw blood for lab tests. Evidence collection involves following specific protocols to prevent the loss of critical evidence, using the proper chain of custody, and documenting forensic findings.
5. Advanced Critical Thinking:
Forensic nurses use critical thinking to analyze situations and make decisions to promote positive patient outcomes. Online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs will teach you to take critical thinking to an advanced level. You will learn to integrate other skills, such as observation, verbal and nonverbal communication, and assessment, to determine appropriate interventions for patients experiencing trauma related to violence or crime.
What Kind Of Financial Aid, Scholarships, And Tuition Waivers Are Offered By Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs?
Although graduate students are not eligible for federal grants, students may apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans issued through the federal government.
Financial aid, scholarships, and waivers vary, but most programs offer financial help in one form or another. I have included the tricks for saving money for 3 of the best RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs below.
• Monmouth University offers several financial aid opportunities for graduate students, like those enrolled in the RN to MSN forensic nursing program online. Your financial aid package may be comprised of a combination of grant, scholarship, and loan funding.
Graduate Endowed Scholarships are university-sponsored scholarships made possible by donors. The school determines and awards eligible candidates without requiring you to apply. The Monmouth University
Graduate Scholarship program provides assistance to students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance.
The
Yellow Ribbon Grant is available as part of the Yellow Ribbon Agreement between the university and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Candidates must submit a DD-214 and Certificate of Eligibility.
You can also browse the many
private scholarships available to nursing students through the university’s financial aid database. Graduate assistantships are also available.
• In 2021,
Fitchburg State University awarded $43 million in financial assistance to students based on needs and merit. The university offers graduate students, like those enrolled in the online RN to MSN forensic nursing program, several scholarship opportunities. A few examples include the
Dean’s Graduate Scholarship,
Jack and Lou Leamy Scholarship, and the Dorothy Holmes Toporek Graduate Scholarship. The
Georgia A. Pasqualone ‘99 Memorial Scholarship is designed specifically for the MSN forensic nursing program.
• Although
Aspen University does not mention scholarship or grant opportunities specific to online RN to MSN forensic nursing program students, the university offers
financial assistance options to all students. For example, the school offers tuition discounts for active-duty military and veterans and their qualifying spouses and dependents. The university also offers tuition deferment for students employed by organizations with a direct billing contract with Aspen. Financial aid advisors work with students to fill out the appropriate paperwork for
federal financial aid, including subsidized, unsubsidized, and Direct Plus Loans.
4 Main Advantages Of Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs
There are incredible advantages to participating in online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs. If you are undecided about whether to pursue your degree through an RN to MSN online forensic nursing program, here are four advantages to consider.
1. Forensic Nurses Can Choose from Several Career Pathways:
When you earn a degree through an RN to MSN online forensic nursing program, you can pursue several career paths. Some forensic nurses work in clinical care settings such as hospitals, and mental health facilities. Others work with coroners or medical examiners or work in community preparedness settings and correctional facilities. You may work in the criminal justice system or a law office. The variety of job opportunities is one of the main advantages of pursuing your degree as a forensic nurse.
2. You Can Make a Difference in Others’ Lives:
Forensic nurses are in unique positions to make a significant difference in the lives of others. The knowledge and skills you gain in online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs will guide you as you provide compassionate, empathetic care to individuals at what they often feel is the worse time of their lives. Your presence and professional care could change the trajectory of their outcome that reaches beyond your time with them.
3. The Job Outlook for Forensic Nurses is Promising:
Several factors, including increased awareness about domestic violence, abuse, and sexual assault, contribute to the need for qualified forensic nurses. One advantage of earning your degree through an online RN to MSN forensic nursing program is you will have the knowledge and skills required to fill the jobs created by the demand for forensic nursing professionals.
4. You Can Choose to Specialize:
When you graduate with a degree from RN to MSN forensic nursing programs online, you can choose to specialize and provide care in a specific setting or patient population. You may choose to work with Elderly Protective Services, the Office of Children and Family Services, in hospitals, or in prisons. You could specialize as a correctional forensic nurse, psychiatric forensic nurse, or
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for Adults/Adolescents or Pediatrics.
2 Main Disadvantages Of Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs
As you consider whether a career in forensic nursing is right for you, it is necessary to think about the disadvantages as well as the advantages. Weighing the pros and cons can help you decide. The following are a few disadvantages of online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs.
1. Forensic Nurses Are Exposed to High Stress:
Despite the many advantages of becoming a forensic nurse through online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs, one of the main disadvantages is the level of stress that comes with the job. You will care for people during critical times when tension, anxiety, and fear levels are elevated, which can make performing your job stressful.
2. It can be challenging to remain objective:
Working as a forensic nurse will expose you to the darkest side of humanity. No matter how professional you are, you will face situations in forensic nursing when it becomes difficult to separate your personal feelings from the current case you are working on. You need to be honest with yourself about your feelings and have an outlet for unresolved feelings.
Where Do Graduates Of Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs Mostly Work?
Graduates of RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs have a wide array of options when looking for work environments. Still, the top three are a hospital, a medical examiner or coroner’s office, or a correctional facility.
1. Hospitals:
Many forensic nurses work in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.
2. Medical Examiner’s Office:
Forensic nurses may work in the offices of the medical examiners or coroners and assist in analyzing the bodies of victims of crime.
3. Correctional Facility:
Forensic nurses often work in jails or prisons and care for inmates. Care in these facilities may involve direct nursing interventions or assessing clients to determine if a physician or advanced practitioner should evaluate and treat the person.
3 Best Jobs For Graduates Of Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs
Graduates of online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs most often find work as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), but job opportunities for forensic nurses are by no means limited to SANE. Below, I have listed the 3 best jobs for you to look into after graduating from an online RN to MSN forensic nursing program.
1. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE):
As a sexual assault nurse examiner, you will provide care to victims of sexual assault. Your job as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner will involve establishing a safe, therapeutic environment for assault victims, assessing clients for wounds and other trauma, obtaining, and preserving evidence, and working with other healthcare team members and law enforcement.
2. Forensic Nurse Death Investigator (FNDI):
Forensic Nurse Investigators work closely with social services and law enforcement. Also known as nurse coroners, forensic nurse death investigators have the authority to confirm and pronounce death, establish the identity of the deceased, and notify authorities and next of kin.
3. Psychiatric Forensic Nurses:
Forensic psychiatric nurses work in various settings to aid crime victims and perpetrators. This role involves addressing the patient's and perpetrator's physical, emotional, and mental health needs and gathering evidence that could lead to treatment and prevention or assisting with legal proceedings.
What Starting Salary Can New Graduates Of This Program Expect?
The starting salary for RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs graduates is $78,900 per year. This equals $37.93 per hour, $1,517 weekly, or $6,580 monthly.
Hourly | $37.93 |
Weekly | $1,517 |
Monthly | $6,580 |
Annual | $78,900 |
(Source: salary.com) |
What Average Salary Can Graduates Of RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs Expect?
The average annual income for online RN to MSN forensic nursing program graduates is $117,195. This pay equals $56.35 hourly, $2,254 weekly, or $9,970 monthly.
Hourly | $56.34 |
Weekly | $2,254 |
Monthly | $9,770 |
Annual | $117,195 |
(Source: salary.com) |
10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates Of RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs
The ten-year job outlook for graduates from RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the availability of forensic nursing jobs will rise at least 45.68% between 2021 and 2031.
2021-31 |
+45.68% |
(Source: Careeronestop.org) |
Is The Cost Of An Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Program Worth The Return On Investment (ROI)?
Online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs can cost from $13,000 to more than $50,000. Graduates of these programs begin their careers earning nearly $79,000 per year. The average annual income of forensic registered nurses is more than $117,000 annually. When you compare the income potential to the cost of earning the degree, the return on investment is worth the price you pay.
Bonus! 5 Expert Tips To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Accepted Into The Best Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs
When hoping to get into one of the many great RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs, you should consider these 5 expert tips before applying.
1. Demonstrate academic excellence.
As you apply to online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs, you must submit copies of official college transcripts and meet minimum grade requirements. However, if you want to stand out, do not settle for the minimum. Forensic nursing programs combine nursing and legal coursework and require you to work for good grades. Demonstrating good study skills and dedication to the school is an excellent way to show admissions faculty you are a good candidate for their program.
2. Get experience working in a relevant setting.
Most online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs require applicants to have at least one year of clinical nursing experience as a registered nurse. While any work experience as an RN is a plus, having experience working with victims of trauma or violence is a plus. For example, emergency departments, domestic violence or homeless shelters, and correctional facilities are excellent places to gain relevant work experience.
3. Obtain Trauma-Informed Care Certification.
As a forensic nurse, one of the most important skills you will develop is the ability to deliver trauma-informed care. However, you do not have to be a forensic nurse to earn a Trauma-Informed Care Certification or demonstrate the characteristics associated with trauma-informed care. While certification is not a requirement for admission to online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs, it is undoubtedly a plus. When admission faculty discover you took the initiative to obtain certification without being required to, it shows them you are serious about choosing this field.
4. Write an excellent Admissions Essay/Statement of Intent.
One admission criterion for RN to MSN online forensic nursing programs is usually to prepare an essay or statement of intent. Your statement should be personal, reflecting why you chose forensic nursing as a career path. If you experienced a situation in your life that led you to this decision, share it. In your statement, include why you chose the school. Your statement should align with the program's goals and outcomes. So, be sure and review those when writing.
5. Apply to several programs and do so early.
Admission to top online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs can be competitive. If you want to increase your chances of acceptance, apply to several programs. Be sure you submit your application and all required documentation before the deadline.
My Final Thoughts
Now that you have read this article, you no longer have to ask yourself, “What are the best online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs?” We have presented you with the 3 best online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs for 2024, including all relevant information.
Looking at the advantages, disadvantages, and job outlook, it is a no-brainer decision to pursue forensic nursing if you are interested. The benefits greatly outweigh the costs. Going into the career with your eye on mental health and the risk of burnout, you should easily find yourself in a fulfilling, high-earning job that makes you happy.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Our Expert
1. What Is The Best Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Program In The Nation?
The best online RN to MSN forensic nursing program in the nation is offered by Monmouth University, located in West Long Beach, New Jersey.
Monmouth University - West Long Branch, NJ |
2. Are Campus Visits Required For Online RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Programs?
Some online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs require campus visits, but all do not.
3. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs?
The minimum GPA to get into RN to MSN forensic nursing programs online varies. The average required GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs?
The per-credit cost for online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs varies with some costing as little as $350 per credit and others as much as $1,5000.
5. Can I Work Part-Time And Complete This Program?
Yes, it is possible to work part-time and complete an online RN to MSN forensic nursing program.
6. Can I Work Full-Time And Complete This Program?
It is possible to work full-time and successfully complete RN to MSN online forensic nursing programs. If you plan to work while enrolled, take the time to discuss scheduling options with your employer and academic advisor to develop a plan that accommodates work and school and promotes your success.
7. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make?
New graduates of RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs earn approximately $78,900 yearly.
8. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour?
The average hourly pay for graduates of RN to MSN forensic nursing online programs is $56.34.
9. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month?
Graduates of online RN to MSN forensic nursing programs make an average of $9,770 per month.
10. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of RN to MSN Forensic Nursing Online Programs Make Per Year?
Graduates of RN to MSN forensic nursing programs online earn an average of $117,195 per year.
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).