How to Train to Be a Nurse Consultant
- 1). Obtain a degree in nursing, which takes two to five years. The degree can be a two-year degree (associate's), a four-year degree (bachelor's) or a graduate degree.
- 2). Obtain a licence to be a registered nurse. This typically requires passing a state board licensing exam and periodic renewal. Some states also require continuing educational coursework. (See Reference 1, page 4).
- 3). Obtain legal-related knowledge. There are no formal training requirements to be an LNC: the formal requirement is certification. However, to be successful in obtaining the certification to be an LNC, AALNC recommends "a formal legal nurse consulting program, a paralegal program or other legal seminars and programs." Other options include a paralegal program or studying the AALNC's Legal Nurse Consulting: Principles and Practice guide.
- 4). Pass the Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) exam. This exam consists of a "rigorous board certification process to become recognized as a nurse specialist in legal nurse consulting." The exam is the only one recognized by AALNC and American Board of Nursing Specialties. The exam covers the following areas: "medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, workers' compensation, risk management, life care planning, administrative health law/regulatory compliance, elder law and criminal/forensic."