Becoming a locum tenens provider

Rachel Myers, author of this post Rachel Myers • Follow
Calendar icon January 28, 2025 • 10 min • Share icon
Locum Tenens Tips
Two healthcare professionals in white coats discussing patient care with a tablet, representing collaboration and opportunities for becoming a locum tenens provider

Highlights

  • Locum tenens roles are the fastest-growing segment in healthcare staffing, offering flexible work options for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) to address nationwide staffing shortages and maintain continuity of care.
  • Locum tenens work offers flexibility, high earning potential, diverse experiences and opportunities for professional growth, making it appealing for providers from early-career to semi-retirement.
  • Starting a locum tenens career involves choosing a reputable agency, understanding contracts and licensing requirements, and managing financial considerations like taxes and insurance. Aya Locums provides comprehensive support to streamline these processes.
  • Locum tenens roles provide options for short-term, travel or per diem assignments, allowing providers to balance professional and personal priorities while gaining exposure to various practice settings and specialties.

Table of contents

  1. What is locum tenens?
  2. Why providers choose locum tenens
  3. Is locum tenens right for you?
  4. How to start a locum tenens career
  5. Financial considerations for locums
  6. Insurance essentials for locum tenens
  7. Managing the locum tenens lifestyle
  8. Becoming a locum tenens provider FAQs

With growing demand for healthcare providers and an increasing preference for flexible work options, locum tenens roles have surged in popularity. A recent report from Staffing Industry Analysts highlights this trend, noting that locum tenens is the fastest-growing segment in healthcare staffing, with an anticipated 12% revenue increase in 2024.

Infographic displaying locum tenens statistics with a smiling female doctor in a white coat. Text reads: 'Locum tenens by the numbers: 82% of healthcare organizations rely on locums, 75% of physicians work locums full or part-time, 46% of physicians have worked locums to supplement income. Source: Locumpedia

As facilities nationwide contend with staffing shortages, they are increasingly relying on locum tenens physicians to fill critical positions and maintain continuity of care. This demand has opened numerous opportunities for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) interested in temporary placements across the country. During my career as a recruiter, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of some of the most common questions I’ve received regarding this method of practice. Here, I provide an overview of locum tenens work, covering its benefits, key considerations and steps needed to start down this flexible career path.

What is locum tenens?

A concept dating back more than 50 years, locum tenens is a Latin phrase meaning ‘to hold the place of.’ In healthcare, a locum tenens provider is a physician or APP who travels to different locations to provide patient care on contract. Aya Locums fills locum tenens assignments at healthcare facilities across the U.S. for vacancy coverage, during leaves of absence or during times of high patient census. These positions bridge staffing gaps, lasting from a few weeks to several months or even years. Locum providers work in various settings including hospitals, surgical centers, government facilities and clinics.

Graphic explaining types of healthcare assignments: short-term (lasting a few days to weeks, covering emergencies or holiday coverage), travel (temporary placements extending months to a year with housing needs), and per diem (daily shifts managing staffing fluctuations, often local or travel-based)

Why providers choose locum tenens

In my conversations with physicians and APPs, I’ve heard various reasons why they’ve chosen to practice locum tenens. However, I’ve consistently been told there are some key benefits that are common amongst those who choose this career path.

Work-life balance

Locum physicians and APPs can adjust work schedules, allowing for extended time off between assignments. This flexibility appeals to many who seek a better balance between their professional and personal life.

Financial benefits and extra income

Locum tenens assignments can earn higher hourly wages, and this earning potential makes locums an attractive option for those seeking additional income.

Flexibility and diverse experiences

Working locum tenens allows physicians to choose assignments in various locations and settings. For early-career professionals, this unique opportunity to explore different specialties, hospital types and regions, can help inform future career decisions.

Professional development and skill-building

Locum tenens gain exposure to different medical practices, broadening clinical skills and problem-solving abilities. This experience is invaluable for building a versatile skill set and can enhance both professional adaptability and personal growth.

Your path to locum success starts here

Partner with Aya Locums to find assignments tailored to your goals. Our team provides personalized support, streamlined credentialing, and full transparency on pay and details—making your locum tenens journey seamless.

Get started today!

Is locum tenens right for you?

Infographic highlighting how locum tenens fits at different career stages: Early Career (Diverse Settings), Mid-Career (Work-Life Balance), Late-Career (Reduced Commitment), and Semi/Post Retirement (Supplemental Income), on a blue background with green accents

New physician and early-career professionals

The experience required to become a locum varies by facility, but most healthcare settings require at least one year of practical experience. Once you accrue some time as a practicing physician or APP, locum tenens is an excellent option in the early years of your career. Locums work offers exposure to multiple practice settings, geographic locations and clinical cultures. It’s also a flexible way to earn additional income, which can be used to help pay down medical school debt.

Mid-career and experienced providers

For established physicians and APPs, locum tenens offers a refreshing change of pace, allowing for time off and the exploration of new roles, to help avoid burnout. Many mid-career locums seek out these roles for the work-life balance they afford and the opportunities to work in a variety of settings.

Late-career and post-retirement

Those nearing retirement often prefer locum tenens roles for the flexibility and reduced commitment. It allows them to transition smoothly out of full-time practice, staying engaged in patient care while enjoying a more manageable schedule. It also provides the bonus of supplemental income.

How to start a locum tenens career

Choosing the right agency

Selecting a reputable agency is imperative for your experience. Look for agencies with comprehensive support, transparent communication and a strong understanding of your preferences. With our dedicated team standing by to support you every step of the way, and full transparency on pay and assignment details, working with Aya Locums empowers you to craft a career that aligns your professional goals with your personal priorities.

When you work with Aya Locums, you get:

  • Immediate access to jobs with pay and assignment details
  • Concierge-level services, including recruitment and travel assistance
  • A dedicated account manager
  • Credentialing and licensing support

Understanding contracts and negotiations

Each locum tenens contract may vary in terms of duration, pay structure and responsibilities. Reviewing these terms carefully and negotiating where possible is crucial to securing an assignment that meets your expectations. Your recruiter is there to help guide you through the process, as needed.

Managing licensing and credentialing

Locum tenens need to obtain any necessary licenses for the state(s) in which they wish to practice, as well as maintain up-to-date credentials. Aya Locums streamlines and expedites this process by serving as a liaison between you and the facility.

Two smiling healthcare professionals standing in a modern medical office, highlighting the benefits of an in-house credentialing team that handles files, collects necessary documents, assists with applications, obtains references, conducts background checks, and helps with licensing

Financial considerations for locums

1099 vs. W-2

Most locum tenens work as independent contractors, receiving a 1099 form rather than a W-2. Before accepting your first locum assignment, consider consulting with financial and tax professionals who specialize in this type of work.

Insurance essentials for locum tenens

Health and disability insurance

As independent contractors, locum tenens typically don’t receive employee benefits. In these instances, insurance plans must be sourced independently.

Malpractice coverage for locum tenens

Most agencies, including Aya Locums, offer malpractice insurance. Make sure to verify coverage details, including limits and duration. Tail insurance may be necessary if assignments are not covered under continuous policies.

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Managing the locum tenens lifestyle

Travel tips and housing arrangements

Locum tenens work often involves frequent travel. Establishing efficient packing routines, securing housing close to facilities and managing travel points can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Balancing travel with health and well-being

Managing health while traveling is critical. Locum tenens providers should prioritize physical exercise, maintain a nutritious diet and develop a consistent sleep routine to stay energized and focused on the road.

Best practices for avoiding burnout

A supportive network and finding time for personal hobbies are just a couple ways to help avoid burnout. Locum tenens work is rewarding and balancing professional and personal needs ensures sustainable satisfaction.

Becoming a locum tenens provider FAQs

Can you work locum tenens right after residency?

While there is no hard and fast rule, most facilities require at least one year of practical experience as a physician or APP to fill a locum tenens assignment. However, many in the early stages of their careers find value in locum tenens for exposure to various practice settings and the potential for high earning.

How long do locum tenens assignments last?

Assignments can range from single shifts to year-long commitments, based on facility needs. Some locum tenens providers prefer short-term work, while others take on longer assignments.

Is board certification required for locum tenens roles?

The educational and certification requirements of locum assignments vary by facility. Work with your Aya Locums recruiter to be sure you meet all necessary requirements before applying for a role.

Why do hospitals use locum tenens?

Facilities rely on locum tenens to bridge staffing gaps for vacancy coverage, during leaves of absence or during times of high patient census. Doing so ensures continuity of care and helps support full-time staff.

How does locum tenens pay compare to full-time positions?

Pay for locum work is often higher on an hourly or daily basis than traditional full-time positions. Some factors that affect rates include a provider’s specialty, location and duration of the assignment. Most locum tenens roles also typically cover malpractice insurance and housing and travel expenses.

Read more FAQs

With a unique blend of flexibility, variety and competitive pay, it’s easy to understand why locum tenens roles are an increasingly popular career option in healthcare. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, avoid the long-term commitments of a permanent role or simply want a way to balance work and personal life, these roles can offer dynamic experiences that cultivate a rewarding professional path. Learn more in our guide to Locum tenens vs. permanent physician jobs: What’s the difference?

Ready to take the next step? Register with Aya Locums to start your locum tenens journey today. If you’re interested in finding a permanent position, you can also search opportunities through our partner, DocCafe. Both options allow you to make a difference while shaping the career that best fits your life and professional goals. So, start exploring today!

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Rachel Myers, author of this post
Rachel Myers

Rachel Myers is a Senior Recruiter II and Team Manager of Recruitment at Aya Locums. With several years of experience in the locum tenens industry, Rachel has worked with a variety of physician and advanced practitioner specialties. Driven by her passion for making effective matches and enhancing patient care, she primarily focuses on matching CRNAs with leading healthcare facilities across the US.

Learn more about Rachel Myers

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