While formal training in legal nurse consulting is not required to practice, some nurses benefit from a structured introduction to the specialty. AALNC believes that the individual nurse is best able to determine the program that meets his/her needs and goals.

While AALNC does not recommend or endorse particular programs, the following criteria should be considered in assessing credible, useful legal nurse consulting education:

Institution. Legal nurse consulting education is offered by universities, colleges, community colleges, for-profit businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. In assessing the value of these programs, the reputation and accreditation of the sponsoring institution should be considered.

Program. Legal nurse consulting education programs may be found in various colleges or departments including the School of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences, the Office of Continuing Education, and the Paralegal Institute, among others. The primary focus of legal nurse consulting education should be to build on nursing education and clinical experience and to prepare nurses to perform in the legal arena. In evaluating a particular program, its mission and purpose should be compared to this standard.

Program directors and instructors. AALNC?s position is that legal nurse consulting education should be developed and presented as specialty nursing curricula by nurse educators in partnership with legal educators. The qualifications of the program directors and instructors should be considered and, in general, programs developed and taught by experienced nurses and practicing LNCs are to be preferred.

Curriculum. AALNC recommends Legal Nurse Consulting: Principles and Practice as the core curriculum of legal nurse consulting education. Courses of study based on this curriculum vary in length from one day to two years. Nurses are encouraged to choose a course of study that meets personal needs and professional goals.