Go to Page Section:
- Job Description: What Does a Legal Nurse Consultant Do?
- Legal Nursing Consultant Salary: How Much Does it Pay?
- Salary Information by State
- Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Legal Nurse Consultant
- Legal Nurse Consultant Education & Requirements
- Licensing & Certification
- Job Outlook & Growth for Legal Nurse Consultant
- Should You Become a Legal Nurse Consultant?
A legal nurse consultant is considered a registered nurse who utilizes their medical knowledge and applies it to legal cases.
They help lawyers and other professionals interpret medical records and give their expert opinion.
Maybe you’ll provide testimony in a personal injury case or help an attorney analyze complex medical information.
If being a legal nurse consultant sounds appealing to you, this guide will break down the path to becoming one, from your duties to license and certification requirements.
Job Description: What Does a Legal Nurse Consultant Do?
The actual duties of a legal nurse consultant will vary depending on the type of case they are working on.
However, some of their daily responsibilities may consist of the following:
- Evaluate patient care- Legal nurse consultants are in charge of evaluating and assessing the care that patients receive to help determine whether the care fits their needs.
- Identify needs of patients- Legal nurse consultants must also identify ways the patients could have received care to determine if they were given the right treatment.
- Work with legal and healthcare professionals- Nurse consultants must work and communicate with various professionals in the legal and healthcare fields.
- Look over medical records- Medical records must be reviewed to determine whether proper treatment protocols were followed.
- Collect evidence- Consultants will look over medical evidence and determine how significant it is.
Other duties include:
- Prepare testimony
- Prepare documentation
- Revise legal documents
- Attend medical examinations
Legal Nursing Consultant Salary: How Much Does it Pay?
The average national salary for legal nurse consultants in the U.S. is $89,196 per year.
The typical salary range is anywhere from $79,153 to $97,229, with the possibility of earning up to $104,543.
The total salary that one makes as a legal nurse consultant will depend on experience, skills, license, certification, and location.
Those working as independent LNCs benefit from more flexibility in determining their salary and hourly rates, which means they can earn more.
LNCs can expect to make anywhere between $125 and $200 per hour.
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 50,450 | $71,370 | $34.31 | $92,870 | $50,310 |
| Alaska | 6,590 | $109,210 | $52.51 | $132,090 | $82,980 |
| Arizona | 63,150 | $91,430 | $43.96 | $109,750 | $70,060 |
| Arkansas | 29,690 | $72,900 | $35.05 | $96,040 | $45,200 |
| California | 332,560 | $137,690 | $66.20 | $194,240 | $83,510 |
| Colorado | 53,480 | $91,730 | $44.10 | $112,800 | $70,790 |
| Connecticut | 36,430 | $101,840 | $48.96 | $127,150 | $78,370 |
| Delaware | 11,810 | $94,670 | $45.51 | $122,670 | $73,800 |
| District of Columbia | 10,810 | $106,850 | $51.37 | $136,120 | $75,340 |
| Florida | 207,910 | $84,760 | $40.75 | $105,580 | $63,520 |
| Georgia | 93,730 | $90,000 | $43.27 | $124,330 | $63,450 |
| Hawaii | 11,920 | $119,710 | $57.55 | $145,940 | $81,070 |
| Idaho | 14,060 | $83,090 | $39.95 | $105,300 | $62,210 |
| Illinois | 139,910 | $87,650 | $42.14 | $105,140 | $63,900 |
| Indiana | 68,850 | $82,700 | $39.76 | $103,710 | $61,710 |
| Iowa | 33,300 | $74,610 | $35.87 | $90,800 | $61,250 |
| Kansas | 31,120 | $76,240 | $36.65 | $94,900 | $58,760 |
| Kentucky | 48,710 | $81,770 | $39.31 | $101,770 | $61,520 |
| Louisiana | 36,840 | $80,760 | $38.83 | $101,650 | $60,720 |
| Maine | 14,770 | $84,340 | $40.55 | $107,240 | $64,600 |
| Maryland | 49,770 | $92,090 | $44.27 | $114,440 | $66,880 |
| Massachusetts | 87,320 | $108,850 | $52.33 | $166,100 | $74,010 |
| Michigan | 102,240 | $86,210 | $41.45 | $101,610 | $67,450 |
| Minnesota | 66,700 | $94,830 | $45.59 | $120,420 | $73,050 |
| Mississippi | 28,910 | $75,510 | $36.30 | $100,160 | $54,580 |
| Missouri | 73,190 | $77,590 | $37.30 | $99,330 | $56,690 |
| Montana | 9,740 | $82,950 | $39.88 | $104,970 | $64,530 |
| Nebraska | 22,870 | $79,780 | $38.36 | $99,410 | $61,770 |
| Nevada | 25,890 | $97,700 | $46.97 | $132,010 | $77,160 |
| New Hampshire | 14,380 | $89,410 | $42.98 | $109,930 | $66,620 |
| New Jersey | 82,950 | $101,960 | $49.02 | $127,750 | $77,700 |
| New Mexico | 18,030 | $92,140 | $44.30 | $124,800 | $68,120 |
| New York | 188,060 | $106,620 | $51.26 | $136,780 | $69,450 |
| North Carolina | 104,380 | $82,530 | $39.68 | $104,190 | $62,980 |
| North Dakota | 10,350 | $79,190 | $38.07 | $95,680 | $63,920 |
| Ohio | 133,300 | $84,430 | $40.59 | $105,380 | $64,480 |
| Oklahoma | 32,610 | $82,110 | $39.48 | $101,390 | $61,360 |
| Oregon | 38,770 | $113,440 | $54.54 | $136,950 | $86,730 |
| Pennsylvania | 144,100 | $87,530 | $42.08 | $109,740 | $64,820 |
| Rhode Island | 11,350 | $95,070 | $45.71 | $116,510 | $69,350 |
| South Carolina | 48,790 | $81,390 | $39.13 | $98,980 | $60,780 |
| South Dakota | 14,600 | $69,030 | $33.19 | $85,400 | $54,780 |
| Tennessee | 63,460 | $78,240 | $37.61 | $98,090 | $55,510 |
| Texas | 251,840 | $90,210 | $43.37 | $115,740 | $64,580 |
| Utah | 24,730 | $83,100 | $39.95 | $102,000 | $64,950 |
| Vermont | 7,260 | $88,380 | $42.49 | $110,680 | $65,390 |
| Virginia | 70,650 | $88,350 | $42.48 | $115,120 | $63,710 |
| Washington | 65,030 | $111,030 | $53.38 | $139,390 | $82,630 |
| West Virginia | 20,860 | $75,990 | $36.53 | $99,440 | $50,650 |
| Wisconsin | 61,870 | $87,220 | $41.93 | $105,110 | $69,240 |
| Wyoming | 5,350 | $83,990 | $40.38 | $105,800 | $62,400 |
| Guam | 740 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Puerto Rico | 22,860 | $39,130 | $18.81 | $50,530 | $28,770 |
| Virgin Islands | 380 | $70,410 | $33.85 | $87,610 | $45,050 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $137,690.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Legal Nurse Consultant
To become a legal nurse consultant, you will be required to possess a certain number of qualifications and experience.
Sometimes, even having a certificate is recommended.
Step 1: Earn a BSN Degree
The first step to becoming a legal nurse consultant is to graduate with a BSN degree, which is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
This degree program takes four years to complete.
However, you’ll find that there are various programs out there that provide advanced options for those who hold a degree already.
Or, if you have completed prerequisites, the accelerated program may work for you.
Even though you can easily become an RN by earning an associate’s degree in nursing, you will need to earn a BSN if you want to become a legal nurse consultant.
Step 2: Take the Exam to Receive Licensing
The next step on your path to becoming a legal nurse consultant is to take and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Following graduation, future legal nurse consultants must pass this exam if they intend to apply for a state license.
More information about this exam can be found in your state.
Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to acquire a state license.
Licensing requirements will differ from state to state.
Step 3: Gain Experience
A requirement to become a legal nurse consultant is to work for at least three to five years as a registered nurse.
This is a great way to gain the necessary clinical experience you need before you transition into a legal nurse consultant role.
Having this experience will enable you to understand procedures, medical terminology, medical records, and more that are critical to evaluating legal cases.
Step 4: Build a Network
On your journey to becoming a legal nurse consultant, you should build your network.
It will be helpful to network with different legal professionals.
You should also consider becoming a part of associations such as the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants.
This opens up the door for opportunities for job prospects and more.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs
After you have completed all of the above steps, you are now ready to apply for legal nurse consultant jobs.
You can also use this opportunity to start your own business if you plan on becoming an independent legal nurse consultant.
You can find employment through a healthcare facility, an insurance company, or even a law firm.
Step 6: Consider Earning Additional Certification
While this is not a requirement, you should consider gaining additional certification after you have gained some legal consulting experience.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in doing, you can pursue a certificate through the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants.
This can make you appear more desirable to clients and employers.
Step 7: Consider Higher Education
Finally, you can also consider pursuing higher education if you choose.
Many legal nursing consultants acquire advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing or even a doctoral degree.
This can pave the road for roles that give you a higher salary.
Legal Nurse Consultant Education & Requirements
Having a formal education to become a legal nurse consultant is not required to enter the field.
However, there are many schools, including colleges, universities, and organizations, that offer legal nurse consulting programs and courses that can provide students with a certificate upon completion.
Furthermore, there are postgraduate legal nurse consulting courses that you can take, and several even offer the option of earning a Master of Science degree in nursing with a specialty in legal nursing consulting.
The foundation for education to start a career as a legal nurse consultant is first receiving a BSN or ADN in a nursing program.
From there, you should work to become a registered nurse and receive an RN license.
You should also have several years of clinical experience under your belt as a registered nurse prior to becoming a legal nurse consultant.
Many individuals who pursue this career path also enroll in additional training in legal nurse consulting.
This training can consist of several unique courses and/or certificate programs.
While not required (but recommended), you should consider receiving certification from several organizations that offer it.
For example, you can enroll to receive certification from the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board.
This organization offers certifications, such as LNCC, that show your expertise in the field.
Besides the educational requirements that you must have, you should also possess several key skills and knowledge, such as:
- Legal concepts- You should possess knowledge of legal processes, terms, and laws related to your field.
- Medical terminology and knowledge- You should possess a strong understanding of medical terminology, treatments, and diagnoses.
- Analytical and Communication Skills- Being able to communicate effectively with attorneys, clients, and other professionals is crucial. You should also maintain the necessary research and analytical skills relevant to your field.
- Medical Record Review- You should have the ability to interpret and evaluate medical records effectively and efficiently.
Licensing & Certification
Certification and a license to become a legal nurse consultant will depend on what your state requires you to hold.
It will also depend on whether you have a specialty such as critical care, addiction, or pediatrics.
For instance, if you have a certificate that is related to a legal case, you may appear more competitive to work for that particular case.
And while you don’t need a certificate to practice, it can make you stand out more and give you more credibility.
Having a license or certificate demonstrates your education and training.
Here are the two most recognized certifications that many legal nurse consultants hold:
LNCC: You can obtain the LNCC certificate from the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board.
However, the exam associated with this certificate is more in-depth and requires you to have more experience.
CLNCC: You can acquire the CLNC certificate from the Medical-Legal Consulting Institute, Inc., as long as you are a licensed RN.
It’s a great and common option for nurses looking to get into the legal field.
As mentioned earlier, you must also obtain an RN license in the state where you plan on working.
After you receive your RN license, you will then move on to taking the NCLEX-RN exam and receive a passing score.
RNs must renew their license every two to four years, depending on the state they live in.
To renew your license, most state nursing boards require you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours for nursing.
Remember, most employers prefer to hire legal nurse consultants who are certified, and you’ll also find some employers that require it.
Obtaining certification means that you should have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete your job.
To sit for the exam through the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board, you must have a current RN license, at least five years of work experience as an RN, and at least 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting experience.
Job Outlook & Growth for Legal Nurse Consultant
The job outlook for legal nurse consultants is good.
To date, there are over 1,300,000 attorneys in the U.S.
This number will only continue to increase.
As the number increases, the demand for legal nurse consultants will also increase.
Legal nurse consultants can consult with lawyers on a variety of legal cases that are related to the medical field, such as product liability, general personal injury, medical and nursing malpractice, and more.
And while there isn’t an exact percentage of growth for legal nurse consultants, the projected rate for registered nurses, according to BLS is expected to increase to 6% from 2023 to 2033.
Should You Become a Legal Nurse Consultant?
Overall Satisfaction: High
Legal nurse consultants report having high levels of job satisfaction due to various factors such as diversity, intellectual stimulation, and flexibility.
The majority of legal nurse consultants fulfill their duties and benefit from the autonomy that the occupation offers.
This is especially true for consultants who work independently.
Furthermore, those who earn a higher salary report having higher job satisfaction, as this is a big contributing factor, especially for those who have successful businesses.
Legal nurse consultants have diverse opportunities, a sense of purpose and impact, and a reduction in burnout and stress.
Average Salary: High
Legal nurse consultants make an average hourly rate of $42.15 per hour or $87,681 per year.
Top earners make $117,500 per year. Salaries overall can vary depending on experience, certification, skills, and location.
Independent LNCs make more than traditional legal nurse consultants.
Job Growth Outlook: Medium
While the job outlook for legal nurse consultants is positive, the growth rate is slightly lower compared to the overall increase for registered nurses.
It is still satisfying as the need for legal nurse consultants will only increase as the need for lawyers will also increase.
The demand for legal nurse consultants has a lot to do with the need to have more medical knowledge and expertise in legal matters.
Education Duration: 5–7 Years
Those interested in becoming a legal nurse consultant must count on spending between five and seven years in school, possibly more.
If you are starting with experience or a degree, it may take you only five years.
The time spent in school includes first becoming a registered nurse, which takes anywhere from two to four years.
You must then gain a few years of experience in a clinical setting as a registered nurse.
And while a few years is exceptional, most employers want to see at least five years in some cases.
Finally, you must factor in certifications and the additional education you choose to take.
Personal Skills Needed
- Written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to analyze complex legal cases and recognize discrepancies
- Ability to gather and collect information from different sources
- Possess personal and professional qualities including resilience, adaptability, independence, work ethic, empathy and compassion, technical skills, and medical terminology
- Ability to understand and manage your own emotions, including the emotions of others
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become a legal nurse consultant?
Becoming a legal nurse consultant requires a range of education.
To start, you must become a registered nurse, which can take between 2–4 years.
Following nursing school, you must work for at least five years as a nurse to gain relevant experience.
Additionally, you should factor in certification and additional training, but overall, plan for seven years at a minimum.
How much money does a legal consultant make a year?
The annual salary for legal nurse consultants can vary nationwide depending on various factors such as experience, location, skills, and additional education and certification.
LNC salaries can range anywhere from $60,600 (being the lowest) and $155,043, although top earners make $117,500.
Another factor that determines your salary as an LNC is the type of consulting you specialize in.
Depending on the area of consulting, such as legal technology, can mean different pay.
What skills do you need to have to be a legal nurse consultant?
To become a successful legal nurse consultant, you must have a variety of skills, such as communication skills, analytical abilities, nursing skills, the ability to understand medical terminology, and the ability to analyze medical records and interpret legal documents.
Are legal nurse consultants in high demand?
Legal nurse consultants are in high demand.
The need for the expertise of an LNC in a legal case is particularly high, especially those that involve medical issues.
The demand for LNCs is driven by the high number of attorneys who are looking for those with medical expertise to provide testimony in their cases.
What kind of education do you need to be a legal nurse consultant?
You’ll need a nursing degree, which is a Bachelor of Science in nursing, to jumpstart your career as a legal nurse consultant.
You’ll also need to earn your RN certificate by passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Clinical experience is also required, with the minimum being three years, in order to develop essential knowledge and skills for the profession.
Finally, you may consider specialized training and certification from organizations such as AALNC or LNCC.
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