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Become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in 3 Steps

Goodwork author

Goodwork author

— 2 min read
Become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in 3 Steps

How to Become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in 3 Steps

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse with specialized training to provide comprehensive care to survivors of sexual assault. This role encompasses conducting forensic examinations, offering emotional support, and coordinating with legal and healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care for survivors.

The Growing Need for SANEs

Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States experiences sexual violence, yet access to trained SANEs remains limited. For instance, in Virginia, there are fewer than 200 trained forensic nurses out of nearly 94,000 licensed nurses, highlighting a significant gap in care availability.

What Does a SANE Do?

SANEs play a critical role in:

  • Forensic Examinations: Collecting and preserving evidence, documenting injuries, and ensuring the chain of custody is maintained.
  • Medical Care: Providing treatments such as emergency contraception, prophylactic antibiotics, and testing for sexually transmitted infections.
  • Emotional Support: Offering compassionate care and connecting survivors with counseling and support services.
  • Legal Collaboration: Working with law enforcement and legal teams, and potentially providing expert testimony in court.

Where Do SANEs Work?

SANEs are employed in various settings, including:

  • Hospitals: Emergency departments and specialized units.
  • Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Programs: Dedicated facilities focused on forensic examinations.
  • Mobile Units: Providing services in underserved or rural areas.
  • Telehealth Services: Offering remote guidance and support to local healthcare providers .

Professionals interested in forensic nursing may also consider roles in:

  • Correctional Nursing
  • Legal Nurse Consulting
  • Emergency Room Nursing
  • Psychiatric Nursing

How to Become a SANE in 3 Steps

Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

  • Education: Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
  • Licensure: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed RN.

Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience

  • Experience: Accumulate at least two years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in emergency, critical care, or maternal health settings .
  • Continuing Education: Engage in ongoing education to enhance assessment skills and stay updated on best practices.

Step 3: Obtain SANE Certification

  • Training: Complete a 40-hour didactic SANE training program approved by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).
  • Clinical Preceptorship: Participate in supervised clinical practice to gain hands-on experience.
  • Certification Exams: Choose between the SANE-A (Adult/Adolescent) or SANE-P (Pediatric) certification exams, depending on your focus area.
  • Practice Hours: Accumulate a minimum of 300 hours of SANE-related practice within the past three years, with at least 200 hours focused on the intended patient population.

Additional Qualifications

Beyond certification, SANEs are expected to:

  • Advocate for Survivors: Ensure patients have access to necessary resources and support systems.
  • Maintain Legal Standards: Adhere to protocols for evidence collection and documentation.
  • Community Engagement: Participate in public education and prevention programs to raise awareness about sexual violence.

Salary and Job Outlook

As of April 2025, the average annual salary for a SANE in the United States is approximately $73,687 . The demand for SANEs is expected to grow, especially in underserved areas, as awareness of their critical role in supporting survivors increases.

Next Steps

Pursuing a career as a SANE offers the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of sexual assault survivors. For those interested in exploring job opportunities in this field, visit Good Work.

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