VC-1001-B
THE SEXUAL ASSAULT EXAMINATION: ADULT AND ADOLESCENT
(For the Non-Healthcare Professional)


COURSE DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive 40-hour sexual assault examiner didactic (SAE, SANE, FNE) training program is designed to prepare registered nurses and other qualified health care professionals to conduct the forensic examination on victims of sexual assault and alleged perpetrators. The course content includes background information and demographics of sexual assault, introduction to pertinent anatomy and physiology, forensic terminology for documentation, techniques for identification of traumatized tissue including use of toluidine blue dye, use of Wood's Lamp and other alternate light sources, photographic documentation including use of colposcope imaging, collection, handling and preservation of physical evidence and biological specimens, evidentiary chain of custody procedures, assessment and management of injuries and prophylaxis for health risks, role of victim advocates, strategies for crisis intervention, medical and forensic documentation procedures, and preparation for the forensic examiner's role in the judicial process including depositions and courtroom testimony.

The participant does not need to complete the additional separate 45-hour clinical and non clinical internship. Instructors are available throughout the course and will assist in linking participants to professional resources within their own communities for additional learning. Upon successful completion of the didactic portion of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be issued for the Sexual Assault Examination: Adult and Adolescent.


INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Cari Caruso, RN SANE-A, has been a registered nurse since 1974. Her experience is in emergency department, pediatrics, women's health, GI laboratory and post-surgery. Her introduction into sexual assault began in 1990. Ms. Caruso has worked in multiple sexual assault units including Los Angeles County, University of California Medical Center Violence Intervention Program, California Hospital Medical Center and Mission Community Hospital. Caruso has trained registered nurses, other medical professionals, legal professionals, sexual assault and domestic violence workers, law enforcement, students, community groups, and lectures at national and international conferences.

Ms. Caruso is President and founder of Forensic Nurse Professionals, Inc. (FNPI), an independent and privately owned center conducting forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and suspects of sexual assault. She also provides consulting services and expert testimony, throughout the United States, for the prosecution and defense in cases of sexual violence.


OBJECTIVES
After completion of this course of study, the participant will:

Have knowledge of the history of the evolution of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in the United States.

Have learned the medical and legal definition of rape and sexual assault consistent with the participant's jurisdiction.

Have knowledge in the essential procedural steps in the examination of a victim of sexual assault as those procedures may vary in different jurisdictions (state to state).

Be able to meaningfully collaborate with law enforcement and crisis intervention personnel in the care of a victim of sexual assault, and establish priorities for their post event care management.

Be proficient in the generally accepted investigative processes used to identify, charge and prosecute suspects of sexual assault.

Have knowledge of 1) the sexual assault forensic examination procedures on a victim, male or female, 2) recognized forensic evidence collection techniques, 3) the detailed description of genital injuries and related areas of trauma 4) forensic evidence documentation of findings during the sexual assault examination process and 5) local jurisdictional policies.

Be able to differentiate between findings related by causation to sexual assault and those resulting from other forms of trauma.

Have knowledge of the biohazards potentially present during the process of a sexual assault victim examination, and the appropriate techniques to insulate both the examiner and victim from such potential risk exposure.

Be familiar with the profiles of various categories of sexual assault offenders.

Have knowledge of those authoritative resources available to the sexual assault examiner for networking, and continuing education in the forensic practice of sexual assault examiner.


WHO MAY TAKE THIS COURSE
Physicians, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, other qualified licensed health care professionals, law enforcement, social services professionals, attorneys, advocates, forensic scientists and criminalists. Enrollees who elect to complete the clinical practical internship must demonstrate proof of current professional licensure.


PREREQUISITES
It is suggested that course participants have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology and have interest in the process of interacting with law enforcement, the forensic crime laboratory, prosecutorial agencies, attorneys, medical professionals and advocacy groups regarding sexual assault. Those with other backgrounds and interests may call for further information and explore enrollment.


AVAILABITIY
Course # 1 Schedule
Start Date: February 5^th, 2010
Final Exam: April 16^th to 23^rd

2009 SAE Course Calendar click here

2010 SAE Course Calendar click here


CE CONTACT HOURS
40 Continuing Education Hours (upon completion of didactic portion)
45 Clinical and Non Clinical Internship Hours
85 Total Continuing Education Hours (upon completion of didactic and internship portions of course)


DURATION
This is a 3 month course. The course must be completed within one calendar year of enrollment.


PRESENTATION METHOD
The Blackboard Learning System is used as the learning management system.


TEACHING METHOD
This program is presented online with on-going instructor participation. There is an established time frame for completion of assignments, homework, research projects, and for participating in discussion forums. Lessons are supplemented by online interactive quizzes, tutorials, and discussions. All assignments and homework must be submitted to the instructor via e-mail or digital drop box. Routine course guidance and instructional materials will be accessed online. A final examination is administered interactively and can be accessed by the student within a specified time period. The course syllabus provides students with a roadmap for course navigation as well as a detailed schedule.


METHOD OF COURSE GRADING
Participation in Discussion Forums: 20 points
Homework Assignments: 20 points
Midterm Exam: 10 points
Final Exam: 50 points

Minimum passing score for the final examination is 70%. Retakes must be approved by the course instructor


METHOD OF COURSE EVALUATION
After successful completion of the course study and examination with a passing score of 70%, an evaluation shall be completed and submitted to amerforensi@linkline.com


CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon successful completion of the 40-hour online didactic portion of course, the non-medical professional will receive a certificate specifying completion of that portion of the course only. Participants must complete the online didactic portion of the course in three months.


REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Note: Allow 2 weeks for receipt of course materials, order early.