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How to Become a Legal Nurse Consultant


Legal Nurse Consultants are certified, registered nurses who provide information for legal professionals, healthcare professionals, or people needing the services of both medical and legal professionals.  These nurses must critically analyze situations to provide feedback and answers for their employers.  They create presentations after observing and analyzing evidence, and help develop case strategies.  They generally have very little, if any direct interaction with patience, but rather are more involved with records, medical tests, and documented evidence.  The main responsibility of a Legal Nurse Consultant is to use their training to provide an educated, professional opinion for legal matters.

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To become a Legal Nurse Consultant, you'll first need to complete a registered nursing program at an accredited college or university.  Usually this requires a 2-4 year program to attain an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, or a Registered Nurse Degree from a Registered Nurse Diploma program.  You will then need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to acquire a Registered Nursing License.  There are Legal Nurse Consultant education courses available.  However, no specific certificaiton is required to work as a Legal Nurse Consultant.  Many instead simply break into the field by becoming employed in the field.

Legal Nurse Consultants have a lot of flexibility within the growing field of nursing.  Registered nurses are in high demand, and specified skills provide you with an even greater edge in the market.  According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Registered Nurses earned a median income of $62,450 annually, and the profession was set to grow approximately 22% over the next ten years.  

These nurses work in very different conditions than most nurses.  Legal Nurse Consultants are employed in law firms and governement offices, consulting firms, and HMOs.  They work in the risk management offices of hospitals and other medical facilities.  They may also work in forensics and also for themselves as self-employed contractors working in a variety of environments.  

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