The global healthcare industry is evolving constantly. In the ever-changing industry, there is a need for qualified and licensed professionals for uninterrupted patient care. This is where locum tenens come into the picture, effectively bridging staffing shortages in medical teams. But what exactly is locum tenens, and how can locum tenens physicians make a difference? This guide will help you learn everything about them.
What is Locum tenens?
Locum tenens are the healthcare professionals who work temporarily in different positions until a full-time staff member is hired. These temporary healthcare professionals (physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants) are recruited through staffing agencies. These agencies offer medical staffing solutions to healthcare organizations. They handle their compensation, while the healthcare facility covers the associated costs.
With an estimated shortage of almost 100,000 doctors by 2030, medicare locums play a significant role in maintaining patient care. This career path is ideal for professionals seeking greater work-life balance or additional income alongside their permanent roles.
The Role of a Locum Tenens Physician
These physicians take on short-term assignments in various settings, from rural hospitals to major healthcare systems in urban settings. The main purpose is to avoid service disruption and ensure continuity of care. One of the biggest advantages of working in the locum tenens industry is flexibility. The providers can explore different medical environments while often earning higher pay compared to permanent positions.
Why Choose Locum Tenens?
Many healthcare professionals like to work as locum tenens or temporary staff members for the following reasons:
- Flexibility: Professionals in the locum tenens industry can pick their assignments based on their schedule, specialty, and preferred location. All this leads to better work-life balance.
- Earning Potential Increases: Many full-time professionals also choose locum tenens assignments in other medical settings to earn more. Also, since temporary physicians are called to fill in shortages, they are usually able to negotiate better and get lucrative compensation deals, sometimes even higher than full-time salaries.
- Travel Opportunities: These assignments give unique opportunities to healthcare professionals in different regions or even countries. This is a good opportunity for people who love to explore new cultures and medical practices.
- Versatile Job Experience: Locum tenens physicians have a great chance to gain experience in diverse healthcare settings, from large hospitals to rural clinics. This enhances their skill set and career opportunities.
- Filling Gaps Between Permanent Jobs: For many healthcare professionals, locum tenens roles offer a smooth transition between full-time roles or during career shifts, allowing professionals to explore various options before committing to a long-term position.
How to Become a Locum Tenens Provider?
Considering a career in the locum tenens industry? These are the steps follow:
- Get Important Medical Licenses: The first step is to obtain your medical license for all the states and countries where you want to work.
- Register with a Locum Tenens Agency: The next step is registering or partnering with the best locum tenens companies for nurse practitioners & physicians. They ensure that the professionals are placed in the right jobs. Some trusted agencies, including Vivian Health, Travel Nurse Across America, and Aya Healthcare, offer licensing and travel support. Healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics partner with staffing agencies to find qualified professionals, nurses, and physicians to fill short-term vacancies.
- Maintain Credentials & Certifications: If you want to work as a locum tenen, you need to make sure that you maintain your credentials and certifications. This means that you should be updated with industry requirements and compliance standards to remain eligible for assignments.
- Review Contracts Carefully: Even if you are associated with the best locum tenens companies in your area, make sure that you review the contracts closely & carefully. Ensure you understand the terms, compensation, and benefits before accepting the assignment. This will help prevent any conflicts later.
Benefits of Working With The Top Locum Tenens Companies
Associating with the right locum tenens agency is crucial for nurse practitioners and physicians for the following reasons:
- They help licensed professionals access top assignments in various specialties
- They assist with licensing and credentialing
- They also ensure competitive compensation packages, with most of them offering travel and housing arrangements
- Many top agencies also offer ongoing career guidance and contract negotiation support
Best Locum Tenens Agencies
Partnering with a reputable locum tenens agency is essential for nurse practitioners, physicians, and other healthcare professionals seeking temporary assignments. These agencies streamline the process by matching providers with opportunities that align with their specialties, schedules, and preferred locations. Below is a list of some of the top locum tenens agencies known for their comprehensive support, competitive compensation, and extensive networks of healthcare facilities.
Weatherby Healthcare
With over 25 years of experience, Weatherby Healthcare is a trusted name in locum tenens staffing. They specialize in placing physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in assignments across all medical specialties and settings, from rural clinics to urban hospitals. Weatherby offers personalized support, including assistance with licensing, credentialing, travel, and housing. Their user-friendly app allows providers to manage assignment details, upload paperwork, and track payments, ensuring a seamless experience. Weatherby is a member of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), ensuring adherence to industry best practices.
CompHealth
CompHealth is one of the largest locum tenens agencies in the U.S., offering temporary and permanent placement services for physicians, NPs, PAs, and allied health professionals. They provide a wide range of opportunities across various specialties, including medical labs, pharmacies, and imaging departments. CompHealth’s provider portal simplifies the process by centralizing assignment details, travel arrangements, and credentialing paperwork. Providers can also submit timesheets and receive weekly paychecks through the portal. Known for their extensive network and personalized recruiter support, CompHealth is a top choice for providers seeking flexibility and competitive compensation.
LocumTenens.com
As part of the Jackson Healthcare family, LocumTenens.com operates the industry’s largest job board and provides full-service recruitment for physicians, NPs, PAs, psychologists, and social workers. They offer both onsite and telehealth assignments, catering to a variety of healthcare needs. Their intuitive app allows providers to log hours and mileage easily, streamlining administrative tasks. LocumTenens.com is recognized for its award-winning customer service and commitment to matching providers with assignments that suit their career goals.
Vista Staffing Solutions
Founded in 1990, Vista Staffing Solutions is one of the oldest locum tenens agencies in the U.S. They specialize in placing physicians, NPs, PAs, and allied health professionals in government-run facilities, such as those serving veterans or American Indian communities, as well as traditional hospitals and private practices. Vista is a NALTO member, ensuring high standards in their placement process. They provide robust support for licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements, making them a reliable choice for providers seeking diverse opportunities.
AMN Healthcare
AMN Healthcare is a leading total talent solutions provider, offering locum tenens opportunities for physicians, NPs, PAs, and other advanced practice professionals. While not a NALTO member, AMN Healthcare maintains rigorous screening and credential verification processes to meet industry standards. They provide both short- and long-term assignments, along with referral rewards for high-demand specialties. AMN Healthcare is known for its extensive support, including competitive compensation, travel assistance, and career guidance, making it a popular choice for providers nationwide.
Hayes Locums
Hayes Locums is a full-service staffing firm focused on helping physicians, NPs, and PAs find locum tenens positions that match their expertise and preferences. They emphasize personalized service, working closely with providers to secure assignments that align with their career goals. Hayes Locums offers competitive compensation packages and support with licensing, credentialing, and travel logistics. Their commitment to building long-term relationships with providers makes them a standout choice.
How Can Felicity Real Estate Help Locum Tenens Providers?
Felicity Real Estate supports locum tenens with bespoke housing solutions. This makes temporary medical assignments stress-free for professionals. We offer short-term, fully furnished housing options near clinics and hospitals. The leasing agreements are short-term and flexible, aligned with the assignment durations. When it is time to relocate, we help with logistics and moving services so that locum tenens physicians and nurses can focus on patient care without the hassle of finding housing.