4 Facts to Know About Becoming a Legal Nurse Consultant

Are you a registered nurse (RN) who wants to have more flexibility and control over your life? Do you want to advance your career so that you can work remotely, schedule your work time, and set your personal salary requirements? Consider using your clinical training and experience as an RN to expand your expertise by becoming a legal nurse consultant (LNC).

Why Choose a Career as a Legal Nurse Consultant?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics, a seven percent overall increase in RN positions is projected from 2019 to 2029, outpacing the four percent national average for all occupations. Choosing to advance your nursing career by becoming an LNC brings added value to your professional marketability.

Another reason to think about a career as an LNC is the salary range. PayScale reports that the salary for a legal nurse consultant can range from $66,000 to $120,000. It is among the highest-paying nursing specializations in the nursing field. Of course, the amount of compensation that you can expect varies depending on what state you work in, the type of organization where you are employed, and whether you are self-employed as an LNC.

What do LNCs Do?

LNCs work as consultants in areas that relate to the intersection of healthcare and legal matters. According to Alicia Davis, RN, LNCC, “The primary role of a legal nurse consultant is to evaluate, analyze, and render informed opinions about medical issues, delivery of healthcare, and resultant outcomes in the context of applicable legal standards.” RNs who have been trained as LNCs offer expertise in nursing, medicine, and overall healthcare systems. An LNC’s primary goal is to ensure the best outcome for patients.

Attorneys need trained LNCs to consult on nursing malpractice and other healthcare-related legal cases. Since an attorney’s knowledge is in the law, an LNC is needed to provide clinical expertise on matters related to medical and nursing care. As an LNC, you will assist attorneys on various cases involving legal issues associated with malpractice claims and other healthcare-related claims such as worker’s compensation claims.

Some LNC responsibilities include:

Review and analyze medical records
Pass professional judgment on medical cases
Advise attorneys on health care-related cases
Educate legal experts on the standards of care for nursing
Act as an expert witness during trials

To learn more about the job responsibilities of a legal nurse consultant, you may reference the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals.

Where do LNCs Work?

There are many employment settings for LNCs. Some LNCs choose to work in law firms, insurance companies, healthcare organizations, and government organizations, or provide consulting services working with a specific attorney. Many LNCs have their own business and offer private consulting. Working as an independent consultant offers you the flexibility of setting your work hours and having more personal time.

What Training is Needed to Become an LNC?

If you have decided on a career as an LNC or are interested in information about the training and coursework that is involved, do your research. All LNC programs are not alike and may not be credentialed. Be sure to enroll in a training program with a school that is accredited and will lead to a Legal Nurse Consultant Certification.

Blackstone Career Institute’s Online Legal Nurse Consultant Program aligns with the Legal Nurse Consultant Certification. This 855-clock hour course is designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the principles and practices of legal nurse consulting, with an emphasis on legal research, personal injury and torts, civil litigation, and the medical-legal system. It is recommended that students have a minimum 2-3 years of nursing experience to be familiar with medical standards of practice, interpret medical records, and analyze the performance of other healthcare providers. BCI’s online program usually takes 8-14 months on average to complete.

Also, make sure that the school you choose for LNC training is accredited. Accreditation means that the institution has met the required educational standards to provide the correct training and ready students for their chosen careers. Find out how the school prepares students to take certification and licensing exams for LNCs. BCI is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Click here to view our accreditation page.

Tune In to You

Legal nurse consulting is a fast-growing healthcare career that is in demand throughout the country. Completing training to become an LNC has challenges, but there are personal and professional benefits to consider. As an LNC, you may have the freedom to create your work schedule, work independently as a consultant, and have increased income and less stress.

Organizations that can help you determine if an LNC career is right for you and what schools lead to certification include:

Written by Jo Gambosi