How locum tenens works for PAs

Working as a locum tenens physician assistant can mean many different things—schedule flexibility, new ways of practicing, and increased income—all while earning a competitive paycheck. But getting started can feel daunting.

To find out what locums can mean for your career and how to get started, check out this guide to working locum tenens as a PA.

Improve work-life balance

Flexibility is one word that probably comes to mind for many PAs who work locum tenens due to their ability to choose how often, where, and when they work.

“I got to set my own schedule and time off,” shares Lauren Whitely, PA-C, of her experience working locums. “Prior to agreeing to an assignment, if I already had three, four, or five weeks of vacation planned out over the course of a few months, I would just give them those dates, and they would accommodate me.”

Improved work-life balance is another reason Whitely recommends working locums. “I never had anyone look at my schedule and say, ‘Well, we can't have you come on because you're asking for too much time off.’ So that's the number one benefit that I would say from locums is just the work-life balance, especially in a subspecialty that requires a lot of work like cardiac surgery,” she explains.

Hear directly from the providers: How locum tenens works for surgical PAs

Sharpen your clinical skills

While on assignment, PAs also get the chance to accelerate their career by working with other professionals and gaining new skills.

Diem Dang, PA-C, says that her exposure to different techniques and surgeons has given her broader and more competitive skill sets than the average PA who has stayed in one place for years. “Because I’ve been able to travel and work with so many different surgeons, my skill level is a lot better than that of the average PA who’s been at one job or at the same position or same place for a long time,” she says.

Whitely gained additional experience while working locums as well. “I felt like I was just a full-time employee that had the opportunity to go to other hospitals and learn more ways to perform heart surgery,” she says.

Earn a competitive income

For many PAs, earning a competitive salary is also a big reason they choose locum tenens.

“We actually get paid for our time,” says Dang, who is considering early retirement. “Because locums has afforded me a lot and given me a bigger income, it allows me to invest and save. I don’t want to do the typical thing and work until I’m 65. Working in locum tenens, I don’t have to.”

In addition to a competitive hourly rate, PAs who work locums with Weatherby are considered W-2 employees and receive a full benefits package, including health care coverage as well as other perks like retirement contributions and life insurance.

Learn about all the perks: The benefits package PAs get when working with Weatherby

Travel to new places

For many PAs who work locums, the thrill of travel is a big motivator. When not working, PAs are free to explore the places where they’re on assignment, whether in a well-known metropolitan city or a rural town.  For Dang, it doesn’t matter where she’s sent on assignment. “It's a new place, you get to experience new things, meet new people, make new friends,” she says.

Working with a locum tenens agency

An important part of a successful locums experience is choosing the right agency to work with. Weatherby Healthcare specializes in placing PAs in a variety of assignments, and its consultants will get to know you, your career and personal goals, location ideals, and lifestyle preferences in order to find the right match.

Step by step: How to find your first assignment

After you’ve shared your preferences with your consultant, they’ll present you with a lineup of assignment opportunities. Your consultant can help you weigh these against each other to help you choose what will work best for you.

Once you’ve decided, Weatherby will help you manage the paperwork for licensing and credentialing as well as coordinate, book, and pay for flights, rental cars, and housing. Depending on the length of your assignment, it may be a hotel room or a long-term rental, but either way, it will typically be conveniently located near your assignment.

Stacy Hicks, PA-C, appreciates his relationship with his consultant. “She has been excellent. She always reaches out to me and makes sure everything is going well. If I need anything, I text her and she always takes care of it immediately.”

Grow your career with locum tenens

If you’re looking to explore new places, new ways of practicing, or just want to have more control over your schedule, locum tenens may be the right option for you. Working with an agency is the easiest way to book assignments without additional hassle, and Weatherby Healthcare is ready to help you get started.

Are you a PA who’s interested in learning more about locum tenens as a career alternative? Give us a call at 954.343.3050 or view today’s locum tenens job opportunities for PAs.