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how do I get a head start on a forensic nursing career/pathway in the 9th grade?

I'm in the 9th grade in high school wanting to start my pathway/career early

healthcare nurse doctor registered-nurses
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Isabella’s Answer

Hi! It's awesome that you are already planning ahead for your future career! My biggest tip would be to get your CNA (certified nursing assistant) license/certification when you are able to (most states, if not all, require you to be 16). Getting your CNA license will allow you to not only have a well paying job at a young age, but will allow you to observe how other healthcare settings operate. You will also be able to learn skills that you wouldn't be able to at almost any other job in high school. If you decide you don't want to pursue forensic nursing, having your CNA license will still be a great initial stepping stone into any healthcare career pathway.

You will do great things in your future!!
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Charlotte’s Answer

Hi there,
It’s amazing that you’re already thinking about your career in forensic nursing as a 9th grader! Getting a head start now will definitely give you an advantage later. To begin, focus on taking science courses like biology and chemistry, as they’ll build your foundation in understanding the human body, which is crucial for nursing. Consider joining your school’s health or science clubs to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Volunteering at local hospitals or community health events can also give you early exposure to patient care and the healthcare environment. Since forensic nursing involves working with legal cases, it’s helpful to explore criminal justice or forensic science classes if your school offers them. Additionally, reach out to local hospitals to see if they have youth volunteer programs or informational sessions about nursing careers. Reading books or watching documentaries related to forensic science can also give you a better understanding of the field. The more you immerse yourself in both science and criminal justice topics now, the more prepared you’ll be for nursing school and a career as a forensic nurse. Keep nurturing your passion, and you’ll be well on your way!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Mariah
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Chiquria’s Answer

That's an amazing goal! Starting in 9th grade puts you on a great path to success in the exciting field of forensic nursing. Here's how you can get a head start:

1. Dive into Science and Health Classes
Enroll in as many science courses as you can (like biology, chemistry, health, and anatomy) throughout high school.
Talk to your counselor about any medical or health-related electives you can take.

2. Get Involved in Relevant Clubs
Join clubs like the science club, health careers club (such as HOSA – Future Health Professionals), or even the debate club to boost your analytical and communication skills.
If your school offers forensic science or criminal justice clubs, be sure to participate.

3. Volunteer in Healthcare Settings
Look for chances to volunteer at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or with the Red Cross.
These experiences will help you understand healthcare and patient care better.

4. Shadow or Interview Professionals
With the help of a parent or school, reach out to forensic nurses, hospital nurses, or local law enforcement for job shadowing or informational interviews.

5. Explore Summer Camps and Enrichment Programs
Check out camps or workshops in nursing, healthcare, or forensics offered by local colleges, hospitals, or science museums for high school students.

6. Build People and Communication Skills
Practice empathy, active listening, and professionalism. Forensic nurses care for crime victims and need to communicate clearly with patients and law enforcement.

7. Research Career Pathways
Understand that after high school, you'll need to earn a Registered Nurse (RN) degree, gain nursing experience, and complete additional forensic nursing training.

Learn more:

IAFN: What is Forensic Nursing?
HOSA-Future Health Professionals
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Mariah:

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Forensic Nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.

Here are the Top10 Forensic Nursing Schools per www.nursingschoolhub.com:

https://www.nursingschoolhub.com/top-forensic-nursing-schools/

- Johns Hopkins University
- Penn State
- Boston College
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Colorado
- Duquesne University
- Xavier University
- University of Tennessee
- Stevenson University

U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools

A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Here is another link from www.indeed.com that lays out the pathway for Forensic Nursing:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/forensic-nursing

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.

There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.

College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and acceptance to the applied college of choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.

According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:

https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty

Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:

- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse

Best wishes for your education and career path in Forensic Nursing!
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