What is locum tenens? A beginner’s guide

What is the meaning of locum tenens?

Locum tenens is Latin word that means “to hold the place.” In modern healthcare, a locum tenens provider is a physician or advanced practice provider who fills in for another clinician while they are unavailable.

The locum tenens industry was established in 1979 to help fill physician staffing gaps in rural locations. Today, many healthcare facilities use locum tenens providers for temporary staffing.

For physicians, PAs, and NPs, locum tenens is a practice alternative that allows them to have more control over their careers and schedule flexibility while providing care for patients who might otherwise have to go without.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in becoming a locum tenens provider.

Why do providers choose locum tenens?

Physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) who adopt the locum tenens lifestyle reap numerous benefits that you don’t often find in a permanent position. Here are some of the benefits we hear most often from providers working locums:

Work/life balance 

Locum tenens clinicians control their own schedule and have the final say over when, where, and how often they want to work. 

Hospitalist Dr. Matthew Dothager loves that locums allows him to be very particular with the number and duration of assignments he chooses. “I wouldn’t necessarily have this level of flexibility if I were a staff physician,” he says. “Most positions are seven on/seven off, but with locums, I can essentially structure the schedule I want.”

Likewise, Dr. Simran Kalra, a pediatrician, says, “I could choose how long I wanted to work or take off based on how much money I could save during that time. After my baby was born, I could go back as fast or slow as I wanted. I started working, but not full time. I’d just cover two days here and there and a few more days the following week.”

Not just a surgeon: Dr. William Barrett uses locums to pursue his hobbies

Extra income

Competitive pay rates, zero overhead, and complimentary malpractice coverage make locum tenens financially attractive. Even providers who hold a permanent position often supplement their income via short-term locums contracts during weekends or vacations.

Dermatologist Dr. Carrie Cera Hill worked locum tenens part time to supplement her income as she established a private practice near her home in Colorado.

“I knew I would need to supplement my cash flow in the beginning while I grew my patient base,” says Dr. Hill. “I was able to work locums and still be available to see patients regularly at my own growing practice. I feel extremely fortunate.”

I was able to build the business I wanted, earn the extra income I needed to do it, and still be home with my husband and children every night. It was truly the best of both worlds.

- Dr. Carrie Cera Hill

Emergency medicine physician Dr. Ali Chaudhary used locums to pay off medical school debt. “I started doing locums while I had my full-time job to supplement my income and pay my student debt off faster. Eventually, I realized I had full flexibility and was getting paid more doing locums than at my full-time job. I could work the same amount and make a lot more money or work less and make the same amount as I did at my full-time job.”

Debt-free in two years: A psychiatrist tries out locums after residency

Travel and adventure

Since locum tenens contracts are available for nearly every specialty in every state, providers can use locum tenens to explore the country or pursue seasonal recreational options. For example, skiers can spend the winter near the slopes, and surfers can be near the beach as often as they like.

Internist Dr. Natalie Owens-Sloan loves working locum tenens because she can explore the area where she’s on assignment, and build lasting friendships. “I love meeting new people and traveling to places I’ve never been,” she says. “I did an assignment for the summer in Alaska, and on my weeks off, my family joined me, and we traveled all over the state.” 

Giving back: One doctor uses locums to do medical mission trips

Enhanced skills  

Locum tenens providers often experience a variety of practice settings, which enhances their CV and expands their professional expertise. Treating diverse patient populations keeps them current, and working with different colleagues offers a fresh perspective on medicine.

“Locums helps me acclimatize to different clinical situations,” says Dr. Simran Kalra, a pediatrician working locum tenens with Weatherby. “You have to work with people and the tools they have, and you have to adjust quickly. It keeps you on your toes.”

Practice in the last frontier: Expanding skills as a locum in Alaska

Varied work settings

Many physicians right out of residency or fellowship — or even well-established physicians — like working locum tenens so they can essentially “try before you buy” if they’re not ready to sign a permanent contract.

It’s also a great way to learn how other providers and healthcare facilities run their practices. “I’ve been able to see other clinics and hospitals and how they work,” says Dr. Kalra. “Every place does things a bit differently. Locum tenens means working in different setups.”

Exploring her options: A physician finds her true calling by working locums

Which providers are best suited for locum tenens?

Physicians and advanced practice providers in all specialties, in every phase of their career, can benefit from accepting temporary contracts.

Early-career physicians  

Locum tenens assignments are ideal for physicians just coming out of residency. Temporary placements let them test-drive different work settings and locations before making a long-term commitment.

“Locums affords me the opportunity to make a bit more money than I would in an office setting,” says Dr. Lee Green, a hospitalist who began working locums straight out of residency. “With the money I earn working locums, I'm able to live the rest of the year with family in South Africa.”

Mid-career physicians

Whether you are transitioning from a previous work environment or looking to explore outside interests, the flexibility afforded by locum tenens allows you to earn income without incurring administrative headaches, freeing up time and energy for other endeavors.

“Mid-career physicians often work locums to augment their income,” says neurologist Dr. Andrew Wilner, author of The Locum Life: A Physician’s Guide to Locum Tenens. “Locums can also be a bridge to a non-clinical career by providing an income stream until the new venture takes off.”

Late-career physicians

Highly skilled physicians in semi-retirement may want to slow down but aren’t ready to retire completely. These physicians can use locum tenens to continue doing the work they love at their own pace. Additionally, taking assignments in different locations can be helpful in scouting out potential retirement locations.

“Most of the work I do is locums,” says Dr. Betsy Connelly, medical oncologist. “I’m not a regular schedule kind of person — at least not in retirement. My husband and I like to just kind of spontaneously decide, oh, let’s take a train ride to Seattle. We’ve done a ton of traveling since I’ve retired from full-time work.”

What it’s really like: 10 locum tenens myths busted

How locums works

Locum tenens may seem like a big leap, but it’s a simple process once you understand the basics. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Connect with a staffing agency: Most providers partner with a locum tenens agency to find assignments that match their skills, preferences, and availability (see list of benefits below).

2. Choose an assignment: You’ll review available assignments and choose one that fits your schedule, specialty, and location preferences.

3. Credentialing and licensing: Your staffing agency will assist with credentialing and licensing, ensuring you’re ready to start work.

4. Travel and housing: The agency arranges and pays for your travel and housing. You’ll typically receive complimentary housing near the assignment location or a housing stipend.

5. Get to work: Once on site, you’ll provide patient care just as you would in a permanent role. Your staffing agency remains available for support throughout your assignment.

6. Get paid: You’ll be paid weekly, and because locum tenens providers are independent contractors, the locums agency won’t withhold taxes from paychecks. Instead, you’ll need to pay quarterly estimated tax payments based on your income.

Get your bearings: What to expect in the locum tenens onboarding process

What’s included when working locum tenens?

One of the major perks of working locum tenens is covering many costs associated with the assignment. Here’s what’s typically included:

• Travel: Flights, rental cars, and mileage reimbursement (if you’re driving) are often provided.

• Housing: Your agency will either arrange housing for you or offer a stipend to cover lodging.

• Licensing and credentialing support: Navigating state medical licensing can be time-consuming, but staffing agencies provide support to streamline the process.

• Malpractice insurance: Your agency provides malpractice insurance for every assignment, so you’re covered.

Benefits of working with a staffing agency

While finding locum tenens jobs on your own is possible, working with a reputable agency offers significant advantages. Here’s why most providers prefer to partner with an agency:

• Less paperwork: Credentialing, licensing, and insurance are all managed by your agency, saving you hours of administrative work.

• Faster job placement: Agencies have access to more job opportunities, which means you’ll find assignments faster.

• Paid expenses: The agency typically pays for travel, housing, and malpractice insurance, reducing out-of-pocket costs.

• Dedicated recruiter support: You’ll have a recruiter who understands your preferences and works with you to find the right assignments.

Pro tip: When choosing a staffing agency, look for one with a long track record, great reviews, and dedicated support. Your relationship with your recruiter is key to a successful locum tenens experience.

Which one came out on top? Best locum tenens agencies compared

Choosing the right locums assignment

With so many assignments available, how do you know which is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

• Location: Do you want to stay local, explore a new state, or head to a rural or underserved area?

• Duration: Assignments can last from a few days to several months. Decide how much time you’re willing to commit.

• Specialty fit: Make sure the assignment matches your clinical skills and comfort level.

• Schedule: Look for assignments that fit your availability, especially if you’re balancing locums work with a permanent role.

• Facility type: Do you prefer working in a hospital, clinic, or outpatient center? Each facility type comes with unique workflows and demands.

What do these locum tenens terms mean?

If the thought of working locum tenens has piqued your interest, there are a few locum tenens definitions you may want clarified before getting started:

• Locum tenens provider. A locum tenens provider is a physician or advanced practice provider who fills in for another clinician while he or she is unavailable. When locum tenens providers sign on with reputable staffing companies, such as Weatherby Healthcare, they operate as independent contractors, not employees. The staffing agency typically covers the cost of travel, housing, licensing, and credentialing.

• Assignment. Locum tenens jobs are often referred to as assignments. Once you agree to an assignment, you will sign a contract for the agreed-upon assignment length. If the facility still has a staffing need at the end of the contract, you may be offered an assignment extension.

• Match. Finding the right match between a provider and a facility is the most essential part of the process. The best staffing firms will offer you a dedicated consultant who is committed to fully understanding your preferences, priorities, and dislikes, thereby ensuring you are offered only mutually acceptable matches.

• Present. When you find a good match, your consultant will present you for the position. That is a vital step in securing an assignment. Once your consultant has presented you for a position, you are protected by an exclusive three-way relationship between you, your consultant, and the facility.

• Moonlighting / shift work / traveling docs. These are just some of the nicknames people may use to refer to locum tenens providers.

How to get started

This video offers a visual introduction to getting started in the locum tenens world. To take the next step, reach out to a reliable locum tenens staffing agency that will listen to your needs and priorities. You may want to ask for recommendations from colleagues.

Good firms offer comprehensive malpractice insurance from a highly rated carrier, credentialing and licensing services, and transportation to your assignments, as well as housing once you arrive.

Which one came out on top? Best locum tenens agencies compared

The best firms will set you up with your own consultant who is an expert in your specialty. He or she will be your dedicated, single point of contact and offer 24/7 support. Welcome to the wonderful world of locum tenens!

Weatherby Healthcare has the expertise to help you find the locum tenens assignments that are right for you. Give us a call at 954.343.3050 to speak with a consultant or view today’s locum tenens job opportunities.