Alert

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training Information

Thank you for your interest in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training. The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) sets the standards for SANE training.

As of October 2024, UNC does not have plans to offer a SANE training in the near future. To be notified when UNC hosts its next SANE training, see the Contact Us section above.

SANE Training Eligibility

You must be a registered nurse to participate in SANE training. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) recommends two years of nursing experience, but this is not a hard requirement.

SANE Training Steps

Step 1a: Didactic Training

The didactic class can either be a 40-hour adolescent/adult class, a 40-hour pediatric class or a combined 64-hour class. The course includes an exam and a certificate of completion. (Note: This is not a SANE-A or SANE-P certification exam.)

Step 1b: Didactic Training (Transition Course)

This version of didactic training is designed for those nurses who are completing out-of-state or national didactic training. For example, if you opt to take an IAFN course or the SAE course through the Indian Health Service, you will need to complete an additional course that is North Carolina-specific. The state-specific course focuses on SANE care in North Carolina, including the NC sexual assault evidence collection kit and the kit-tracking system.

Step 2: Clinical

After completing NCBON didactic training (either an approved state-specific course or an out-of-state or national course plus the NC transition course), you’ll need to complete 16 hours of clinical SANE training including:

  • A clinical preceptorship of three acute medical forensic exams with evidence collection

OR

  • A combination of in-person exams and mock exams (training with a gynecological teaching associate or standardized patient) or simulations (on a mannequin)

Note: If you choose to use mock exams or simulations, the NCBON requires oversight by an experienced SANE (preferably SANE-A or SANE-P certified) or by a medical provider with medical forensic experience until the completion of your first three exams.

The clinical step also requires SANE trainees to become proficient with speculum exams. It is recommended that SANE trainees become familiar with Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) community partners, including law enforcement, rape crisis advocates, prosecutors and child advocacy centers.

After completing the Step 2 clinical requirements (and any other facility-specific requirements), nurses can provide SANE care to patients and use the designation of SANE.

Step 3: SANE-A & SANE-P Certification (Optional)

After completing 300 hours of SANE-related practice, SANEs are eligible to sit for the SANE-A (adult/adolescent) and/or the SANE-P (pediatric) certification exams. The SANE-A and SANE-P exams are offered twice yearly in April and September. Once certified, a SANE can then use the corresponding SANE-A or SANE-P designation. The certification is valid for three years and requires a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education for renewal. Explore IAFN’s SANE Certification Central to learn more.

Contact Us

If you have questions about SANE training or want to have your name added to the list for notification about when our next training at UNC Hospitals will be offered, please call 984-215-3078 or email us at ForensicNurse@unchealth.unc.edu.

Trauma-Informed Care LMS Training

If you are a UNC Health clinician interested in learning more about trauma-informed care for any patients who may have experienced sexual violence, we have created an LMS module titled Working with patients who have experienced sexual violence.