SANE-A study plan
SANE-A · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Forensic Evidence Identification, Collection, and Preservation
Map each forensic evidence category (DNA/saliva, blood, semen, hair, trace, fibers, digital, clothing, debris, toxicology) to its accepted collection method, packaging medium, and storage condition
Sequence the chain-of-custody steps from patient contact through laboratory transfer, including labeling, sealing, and release signatures
Explain drying, air-drying, refrigeration, and biohazard handling requirements that preserve sample integrity
Identify the documentation elements required at each evidence handoff and the consequences of a documentation gap
Your checkpoint
Build a 10-row evidence matrix (evidence type to collection method to packaging to storage to documentation) and score 80% or higher on a 25-question self-quiz written from your own notes
Anatomy, Physiology, and Patient Assessment (Adult and Adolescent) & Forensic Evidence Identification, Collection, and Preservation
Label adult and adolescent anogenital and body anatomy, including structures relevant to injury interpretation
Correlate mechanism of injury (blunt force, penetrating, restraint, pressure) with expected physical findings
Perform and verbally narrate a systematic head-to-toe assessment sequence in the correct order
Distinguish normal anatomic variants and healing/non-injury findings from acute trauma
Your checkpoint
Produce an annotated body-map worksheet with 12 labeled findings and a written rationale for each, then score 85% or higher on a 20-question anatomy and assessment self-test
Trauma-Informed Examination and Injury Identification (Including Strangulation and Medical Stability) & Anatomy, Physiology, and Patient Assessment (Adult and Adolescent)
Differentiate the physical and historical indicators of strangulation from those of other neck trauma, including findings that may be absent
Apply a medical stability screening framework and state the criteria that trigger EMS transfer or physician consultation
Demonstrate trauma-informed sequencing of the examination: consent, framing, breaks, and re-consent
Select appropriate visualization and documentation techniques (naked-eye, magnification, alternative light source, photo-documentation) for subtle injury
Your checkpoint
Write a strangulation-focused assessment checklist plus two case write-ups (one with visible findings, one without) documenting reasoning and disposition
Legal, Ethical, and Judicial Proceedings (Including Courtroom Testimony) & SANE Role, Scope of Practice, and Professional Issues
Trace a forensic case through reporting, consent, evidence release, subpoena, and testimony stages
Distinguish the SANE role from law enforcement, advocacy, and medical roles within scope of practice and mandated reporting duties
Identify ethical obligations around confidentiality, consent, minors, impaired patients, and conflicts of interest
Outline the structure of direct examination, cross-examination, and objection handling for courtroom testimony
Your checkpoint
Draft a mock courtroom testimony script with a 10-question direct and 10-question cross examination, plus a one-page scope-of-practice boundary summary
Prophylaxis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Medical Management (STI, Pregnancy, HIV) & Psychosocial, Cultural, and Behavioral Health Considerations
Compare recommended STI prophylaxis regimens, HIV nPEP eligibility and timing, and hepatitis B evaluation by exposure type
Determine emergency contraception options and timing windows appropriate to the patient's history and preferences
Sequence follow-up intervals for serology, pregnancy testing, and wound or injury re-evaluation
Adapt communication and care planning to cultural, linguistic, gender-identity, disability, and behavioral health needs, including patients with substance use or mental health crises
Your checkpoint
Build a prophylaxis and follow-up decision table (exposure scenario to regimen to timing to follow-up date) covering 8 scenarios and score 80% or higher on a 20-question self-quiz
Documentation, Quality Improvement, and Evidence-Based Practice & SANE Role, Scope of Practice, and Professional Issues
Write a complete, defensible examination narrative using objective, behavior-based, non-conclusory language
Correct common documentation defects: opinion statements, missing consent language, incomplete evidence logs, and vague injury descriptions
Apply a quality-improvement cycle by auditing your own documentation against a peer-reviewed standard
Describe evidence-based practice standards and how to evaluate new literature for applicability to SANE practice
Your checkpoint
Complete a self-audit of two practice narratives using a 15-item documentation rubric and submit a written remediation plan for every item scored below standard
Forensic Evidence Identification, Collection, and Preservation & Trauma-Informed Examination and Injury Identification (Including Strangulation and Medical Stability) & Legal, Ethical, and Judicial Proceedings (Including Courtroom Testimony)
Integrate evidence collection decisions with injury identification findings in complex, multi-site scenarios
Resolve ambiguous case vignettes involving delayed presentation, minimal findings, or incomplete evidence
Rehearse testifying about documentation you wrote, including limitations and uncertainties
Identify and close remaining gaps in the three heaviest domains from quiz error logs
Your checkpoint
Complete three full-length integrated case simulations (evidence, injury, legal) with written answers scored against a self-built answer key at 85% or higher
Prophylaxis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Medical Management (STI, Pregnancy, HIV) & Psychosocial, Cultural, and Behavioral Health Considerations & Documentation, Quality Improvement, and Evidence-Based Practice & SANE Role, Scope of Practice, and Professional Issues
Consolidate lower-weight domains through spaced retrieval rather than re-reading
Sit two timed practice assessments and categorize every missed item by domain and error type
Rewrite weak-topic notes into one-page summaries for the 10 highest-error concepts
Assemble a final one-page pre-exam reference sheet for timing windows, regimens, and evidence handling
Your checkpoint
Two timed practice assessments completed with an error log, plus a final one-page reference sheet and a written list of the 10 remaining weak concepts with remediation notes
Milestones
Week 2: Score 85% or higher on the anatomy and assessment self-test and complete the 10-row evidence matrix with no missing cells
Week 4: Complete the mock testimony script and demonstrate all four legal stages and all six ethical obligations in writing without referencing notes
Week 6: Achieve at least 13 of 15 rubric items at standard on both documentation self-audits
Week 8: Average 85% or higher across two timed practice assessments with no domain below 70%