Explore locum tenens emergency medicine jobs

Locum tenens—a Latin phrase meaning “to hold the place of”—is temporary physician work where doctors fill short-term staffing needs at hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Assignments can range from a few days to several months and offer flexibility in schedule, location, and work setting.

Locum tenens emergency medicine physicians work in emergency departments to provide care during staffing gaps or high-demand periods. They treat acute illnesses and injuries, manage a wide range of emergency cases, and support hospital teams in delivering continuous emergency care.

Yes. Emergency medicine locum tenens jobs offer part-time and flexible scheduling, including per diem shifts, block schedules, or occasional coverage needs. These roles let physicians choose when and where they work while filling important staffing gaps in emergency departments.

Emergency medicine physicians work locum tenens for greater flexibility, competitive pay, and improved work-life balance. Locums roles allow physicians to choose when and where they work, reduce administrative burden, and focus more on clinical care while still practicing in a variety of settings and supporting staffing needs nationwide.

Locum tenens emergency medicine physicians work in hospitals and emergency departments nationwide, including community hospitals, rural facilities, and large health systems, filling staffing gaps and coverage needs.

Locum tenens ER physicians typically earn $250 – $300 per hour. Emergency medicine is currently in high demand, which helps support strong and competitive compensation levels across assignments.

Licensing for emergency medicine locums work typically involves holding an active medical license in the state where you’ll be practicing. If you don’t already have a license in that state, you’ll need to apply for one, and timelines can vary by state. Many locum tenens agencies help streamline this process by guiding physicians through applications, documentation, and state-specific requirements, and in some cases, may help expedite licensure depending on the assignment and facility needs.

Starting a locum tenens assignment is a structured process designed to match physicians with the right opportunity and ensure all credentialing and logistics are completed before you begin.

1. Choose your agency and recruiter: Look for an agency with a broad range of opportunities and a recruiter you trust to understand your goals, advocate for your interests, and build a long-term working relationship.

2. Share your background and preferences: Your consultant learns about your clinical experience, scheduling needs, preferred locations, and career goals to help identify the right opportunities.

3. Review job opportunities: You’ll discuss assignments that align with your experience, interests, and availability.

4. Complete your application: Submit your CV, references, licenses, and other required documentation.

5. Sign the agency agreement: Review and complete the agreement outlining the working relationship with the staffing agency.

6. Confirm your interest in a job: Once you identify a role you’d like to pursue, your consultant begins the formal submission process.

7. Complete the job presentation: Your consultant presents your qualifications to the facility and coordinates any follow-up discussions or interviews.

8. Accept your assignment: After the facility extends an offer and details are finalized, you officially accept the assignment.

9. Complete credentialing, licensing, and privileging: The agency and facility work with you to verify qualifications, secure any needed state licenses, and finalize hospital privileges.

10. Travel and housing coordination: Travel arrangements and accommodations are organized for your assignment.

11. Start assignment: Once onboarding is complete, you begin your locum tenens assignment with ongoing support throughout your placement.