Online Program
Designed For
Intended participants include:
- Registered nurses
- LVNs
- Other licensed nurse professionals
All courses provide California Board of Registered Nursing continuing education credit. UCR Extension is an accredited provider.
What You'll Learn
- Roles and responsibilities of a nurse death investigator
- Best methods for collecting evidence, documenting a scene, and photographing and preserving evidence
- Procedures for identifying and confirming the decedent's identity
- Changes that occur to the body following death and the stages that follow
- Process and procedure of an autopsy
What You Can Do With This Certificate
Positions are available in a variety of venues including, but not limited to, coroner's office or medical examiner's office. They might include:
- Forensic Nurse Death Investigator
- Medicolegal Death Investigator
- Deputy Coroner
- Forensic Nurse
- Coroner
Real People. Real Results.

“In the midst of a career and personal transition, I realized that a traditional graduate program would not be feasible. Through UCR Extension, I was able to obtain my professional certificate. It was convenient, affordable, and expedient. Thanks to UCR Extension, I am prepared for a successful career in forensics!”
Tierra Williams
RN & Clinician II
Children's National Health System/Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Washington D.C.
Earning the Certificate
Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:
- Registered nurse
- Licensed vocational nurse or equivalent
Online Tutorial
To help prepare you for completing a course in our online learning environment, check out this tutorial: [link TBD]
For more information see How to Earn a Certificate
Certificate Courses
Our certificate programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you the option to take just a few courses or to earn the complete certificate. If choosing to complete the certificate, we recommend you get the most out of your experience by following the suggested completion path below.

Introduction to Nurse Death Investigation
BMSC X484
1 units
Forensic Approaches to Blunt Force and Firearm Injuries
BMSC X465.1
2 units

Introduction to Forensic Pathology for Health Care Specialists
BMSC X465.9
2 units
Death Investigation Evidence Collection and Documentation
BMSC X480
2 units

Death Investigation I: Natural, Accidental and Undetermined Deaths
BMSC X481
3 units
Death Investigation: Homicides and Suicides
BMSC X482
3 units

Death Investigation: SUID/Child and Infant Deaths
BMSC X483
3 units
Instructor Spotlight

“My interest in forensic nursing began in the Emergency Room--meeting and managing the needs of victims of violence. Soon, I advanced my education in both clinical forensic and death investigation, and now have almost 20 years of experience in this challenging and ever-changing field. I love teaching forensics and doing in-depth training for law enforcement, nurses and first responders.”
Kristine Karcher
Chief Deputy Medical Examiner
Coos County
Oregon
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