FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Do I have to be an attorney to practice as a Legal Nurse Consultant?
A. No. Active RN licensure, in good standing, is all that is required.

Q. How do I become educated in Legal Nurse Consulting?
A. There are many choices for education in the field; and the options continue to grow as colleges, universities, and independent entities enhance their curriculum with courses on Legal Nurse Consulting. A formal education is not mandatory; however, most benefit from a structured introduction to the specialty. To determine which program is right for you, consider these issues: cost; time commitment; ability to travel for an intensive, on-site program; reputation and credibility of the program/instructor(s); etc. For more details see the AALNC position statement on education at www.aalnc.org/about/faq.cfm.

Q. Once I’ve been educated, how do I get started in the field?
A. If you don’t feel sufficiently prepared to take that first step after completing the program of your choice, AALNC has educational products on marketing and setting up a business. You can view them at www.aalnc.org/about/marketing.cfm and www.aalnc.org/edupro. In addition, networking within the St. Louis chapter as an active member provides a continuous connection to colleagues experienced in the field. Frequently, chapter meetings feature guest speakers and chapter members sharing tips on marketing.

Q. Do I have to be certified to practice as a Legal Nurse Consultant?
A. No, certification is not necessary.

Q. Are all certifications the same?
A. No. Various educational entities and professional organizations each have their own certification process. AALNC holds that certification in a nursing specialty promotes a level of expertise, education and professionalism. LNC’s must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by AALNC to earn the LNCC (Legal Nurse Consultant Certified) designation. This includes proof of consulting experience, and a passing score on a multiple-choice examination that is administered by the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board (ALNCCB). The LNCC certification program is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). Additional information on certification can be found at www.aalnc.org/lncc/.

Q. Do I have to be practicing as a LNC and/or certified to join AALNC?
A. No. AALNC welcomes all professionals who share in our mission and goal. There are varying levels of membership, including a level for non-nursing professionals. Bylaws do state however, that you must be a member of the national association in order to join a local chapter.

Q. Do I have to be a member of the AALNC and/or the local chapter to attend one of your meetings?
A. No. The St. Louis Chapter holds regular meetings on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Richmond Heights Community Center near Interstate 40 and Hanley Road. The address is 8001 Dale Avenue 63117. Click on this link for a map: Map of 8001 Dale Ave Saint Louis, MO 63117-1448, US) or call 314-645-1476 for directions. We invite you to attend two meetings as our guest, after which you may either join or pay $10 for each subsequent meeting you attend. Be sure to check the chapter voice mail (314) 991-6177 and/or this website for the most current details on meeting topics.

Q. How do I become a member?
A. AALNC bylaws state that the individual must first be a member of the national organization in order to join a local chapter. Membership fees for national are $145.00, covering a 12-month period from the date you join. The application form can be accessed through the national website at www.aalnc.org/membership/. Once you have received your national membership number, you may then apply for membership in our St. Louis Chapter. Local membership fees are $55.00, covering the calendar year. The St. Louis Chapter application form follows. You may download and print a hard copy to complete. Then simply enclose it with your check, and mail to St. Louis Chapter-AALNC at PO Box 50166, St. Louis, MO 63105-0166.

Please note that dues paid to the St. Louis Chapter by a newly joining member from January 1 through September 30 are applicable for that calendar year only. Dues paid from October 1 through December 31 are applicable to the remainder of the current year, as well as all of the upcoming year.