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Forensic Doctor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Doctor information

See Iowa salary details

$38.5K

$82.5K

$128.7K

How much do forensic doctor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic doctor in Iowa is $82,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $104,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic doctor?

A forensic doctor, also known as a forensic pathologist, is a medical professional who specializes in determining the cause of death by examining bodies, often in cases of sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths. They perform autopsies, analyze medical records, collect evidence, and may testify in court regarding their findings. Their work is critical in criminal investigations and legal proceedings, helping to uncover vital information that can aid law enforcement and the justice system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic doctor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Doctor, you need a medical degree (MD or DO), board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, autopsy procedures, and forensic data analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills help you analyze evidence accurately and present findings in legal settings. These abilities are vital for ensuring reliable cause-of-death determinations and supporting the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic doctors when collaborating with law enforcement and legal teams?

Forensic doctors often collaborate closely with law enforcement and legal professionals, which can present challenges such as communicating complex medical findings in a way that is understandable to non-medical personnel. They may also face time-sensitive pressures to deliver accurate reports or testimony, especially in high-profile or sensitive cases. Maintaining objectivity and handling potentially graphic or emotionally difficult evidence is another common challenge. Successful forensic doctors develop strong communication skills, attention to detail, and resilience to navigate these aspects of the role effectively.

What is the difference between Forensic Doctor vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectForensic DoctorForensic Pathologist
CredentialsMedical degree, medical license, specialized training in forensic medicineMedical degree, medical license, residency in pathology, specialized training in forensic pathology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, forensic labs, crime scenes, morguesMorgues, forensic labs, hospitals, crime scene investigations
Industry UsageLegal investigations, crime scene analysis, medical examiner rolesAutopsies, cause of death determinations, legal testimony

While both roles require medical qualifications and involve death investigations, a Forensic Doctor often focuses on medical examinations related to legal cases, whereas a Forensic Pathologist specializes in performing autopsies to determine causes of death. The Forensic Pathologist typically has additional training in pathology and autopsy procedures, making them more specialized in post-mortem examinations.

How do you become a forensic doctor?

To become a forensic doctor, you typically need to complete a medical degree, obtain a medical license, and then pursue specialized training in forensic medicine through residency or fellowship programs. Certification from relevant medical boards and gaining experience in pathology or forensic science are also important steps.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Doctor jobs in Iowa?

For Forensic Doctor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Doctor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Doctor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Forensic Doctor jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Forensic Doctor job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Doctor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,540 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Emergency Department SANE Registered Nurse-RN

Davenport, IA • On-site


Trinity Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Employment Type:
Part timeShift:
Rotating Shift
Description:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor's visit or a place to go when you're in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities - that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.
MercyOne Genesis serves a 17-county bi-state region of the Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Ill.) metropolitan area and the surrounding communities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. But when it comes to clinical capabilities and quality, we exceed those geographical limits. We have earned distinction as a two-time national Top 15 Health System, and recognition for being in the top 1 percent in the nation for patient safety.
Position Title: SANE RN
Purpose: The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) RN will complete the following activities through the emergency services department: recruitment, training, and supervision of sexual assault nurse examiners; coordination of on-call SANE schedules; act as liaison with local SART, CPRT, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, victim advocacy programs; assist RNs who are preparing to testify regarding SANE cases in court; maintain and revise SANE policies for Genesis; conduct forensic sexual assault examinations; collect and maintain data regarding SANE activity.
Report To: Manager, Emergency Department
Supervisory Responsibility: No Supervision: The job does not require the provision of guidance or supervision to others. There is no formal responsibility for directing others.
Materials Responsibility: Limited: Work requires limited responsibility for material resources. Examples of resources could include supplies, equipment, inventories, small budgets, and other similar material assets. The employee has a limited amount of control over these resources. The cost of errors is also limited in terms of damage, waste or financial loss. Problems associated with material resources are not complex. The volume of resources may vary, but the level of difficulty in dealing with these resources is uncomplicated.
Key Relationship: Outside Agencies/Other Health Care Providers, Co-workers/Health System Employees, General Public/Visitors/Volunteers, Physicians/Medical Office Staff, Patients, Families, and Significant Others, Auditors/Review Agencies, Attorneys, Law Enforcement Agencies.
POSITION SPECIFICATION
  • Education: Associate's Degree
  • Field Of Study: Nursing
  • Special Training: Emergency Nursing; Certification in clinical specialty - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
  • Training Preferred: BSN, Adult SANE certification, Pediatric SANE certification
  • Licensure/Registration: Registered Nurse in Iowa at time of hire. Registered Nurse in Illinois within 6 months.

Experience: More than 2 years experience required.
Interpersonal Skills: Interaction is with a variety of people inside or outside the organization. Communications are of moderate difficulty and sensitivity. Contact with others may involve detailed & lengthy dialogues & exchanges of information. Requires a moderate amount of interpersonal skills. Interactions involve dealing with moderately complicated problem situations or stressful encounters.
Working Conditions: There is routine exposure to highly adverse environmental conditions including physical hazards, health and safety risks, and otherwise undesirable characteristics in the environment. Personal risks require safety equipment or precautions to be followed closely. The time the employee is exposed to these conditions exceed 70% of their work day.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US


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