In the United States, 53% of women and over 29% of men experience some form of contact sexual violence within their lifetime. Unfortunately, as of 2025, the U.S. has less than 2,150 certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) providers to support those who have been sexually assaulted.
Starting in 2019, Vanderbilt School of Nursing has been working to address the shortage of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner providers in rural and underserved areas throughout the country.
Free SANE training, including travel expenses, is available. The next opportunity is November 17-19, 2025, at Vanderbilt School of Nursing in Nashville, TN.
Program Overview
The comprehensive program includes online and in-person training that prepares nurse practitioners for SANE certification. There are two pathways for the program: SANE – A: Adult/Adolescent or SANE – P: Pediatric/Adolescent.
- 40-hour online course with CE
- In-person clinical competency experience (CCE)
- Virtual educational activities with CE completed each quarter
Online Learning Component
Engaging and easily accessible online courses are designed to be completed at your convenience. Once completed, participants are prepared and eligible to attend the in-person CCE.
- 40 hours of online, asynchronous didactic with CE
- Virtual educational activities with CE completed each quarter
In-person clinical competency experience (CCE)
Participants are reimbursed for travel costs, including lodging and transportation*!
CCE length varies by training pathway:
- 3-day for SANE-A
- 5-day for SANE-P
Next session:
November 17-19, 2025
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Nashville, TN
Future dates: April 27-29, 2026
Certification
Participants are reimbursed for the cost of exam fees* ($425+ value)!
Trainees are prepared for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner national certification exam from the International Association of Forensic Nurses.
There are two training and certification pathways for the program:
- SANE – A: Adult/Adolescent
- SANE – P: Pediatric/Adolescent
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a nurse practitioner currently working in an emergency department or urgent care setting
- Must commit to the completion of all program components
- Preference given to NPs practicing in rural areas and/or with underserved populations
- A recorded information session is available
*Participants are reimbursed for travel and certification expenses according to federal guidelines.
Ready to Apply?
Start your application to receive Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training at no cost through the ENPs-CARE program.
For any questions, please contact Dr. Pam Waynick-Rogers, Project Coordinator, at pamela.waynick@vanderbilt.edu
ENPs-CARE is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,500,000, with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.