Locum tenens can offer physicians and advanced practitioners greater flexibility, variety, and control over where and how they work. At the same time, stepping into locum tenens jobs often raises practical questions about what the work looks like, how logistics are handled, and how it fits alongside an existing career.
Whether you are early in your career, between permanent roles, or simply exploring new options, understanding the basics can help you decide if locum tenens is right for you. Below, we answer five common questions clinicians ask when exploring locum tenens.
1.) How Do I Find a Locum Tenens Job?
Finding the right locum tenens job begins with determining what you’re looking for. This includes your ideal location, schedule, clinical setting, and assignment length. Once you’ve identified your preferences, you can begin searching healthcare job boards for locum tenens jobs that match your criteria; however, many physicians and advanced practitioners find that partnering with a locum tenens agency can save time and simplify the process.
2.) How Does Locum Tenens Pay Work?
Unlike employed clinicians who receive a set salary and a W-2, locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners are paid as independent contractors. Instead of a salary, pay is usually set as an hourly or daily rate based on the locum tenens job. Rates vary by specialty, location, shift type, and contract length. In most cases, payment is processed after you submit your time sheet or logged hours, and the facility approves your time. When you partner with a locum tenens agency, your payment process is often streamlined through an online portal. For example, if you partner with Medicus, you gain access to our MedicusIQ Portal, where you can submit timesheets and reimbursements and receive a weekly direct deposit.
3.) Can I Work Locum Tenens Alongside My Full-Time Job?
Yes, as long as your employer's policies allow you to. Since locum tenens jobs are flexible by design, you can choose shifts or short-term assignments that fit around your existing schedule. Working locum tenens jobs in tandem with your full-time position can be a great way to explore different practice settings, maintain clinical variety, and supplement your income. Plus, if you’ve been interested in working locum tenens jobs, but aren’t sure if it's for you, working a few shifts on the side can be a great way to try locum tenens work without making a permanent change to your employment status.
4.) How Does Licensing Work for Locum Tenens?
Licensing for locum tenens follows the same legal requirements as any other clinical role. State boards set the standards, and those requirements do not change based on employment type. What often differs is the scope. Locum tenens jobs can involve working in multiple states, which means multiple state licenses and navigating different application processes, documentation requirements, fees, and timelines.
For eligible physicians, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) can help streamline the process of obtaining licenses in participating states through a single pathway. Support can also make a meaningful difference. When you partner with a locum tenens agency like Medicus, our in-house licensing team can assist with applications, coordinate with state medical boards, and provide guidance on requirements to help you stay on track.
5.) What Should I Prepare for My First Locum Tenens Assignment?
Once your first locum tenens assignment is confirmed, a little preparation can help everything feel more manageable before day one. Most clinicians focus on a few key areas: ensuring licensing and credentialing are complete, confirming travel and housing details, and reviewing the schedule and contract to ensure expectations are clear. It also helps to plan for the practical side of arriving in a new community, from knowing where to go on your first day to getting familiar with the facility’s key policies and workflows.
The Benefits of Partnering with a Locum Tenens Agency
Partnering with a locum tenens agency is optional, but many physicians and advanced practitioners appreciate having a dedicated support team as they navigate assignments, timelines, and logistics. The experience can vary widely from one agency to the next, which is why the locum tenens agency you choose matters.
With Medicus, you have a team by your side throughout your locum tenens career. We take the time to understand what you are looking for, advocate for your preferences, and stay connected before, during, and after each locum tenens assignment. Our approach is grounded in clear communication, transparency, and steady support you can count on.
With Medicus, You Can Expect:
- Job Matching Aligned with Your Goals: We present you with locum tenens jobs that fit your preferences and priorities, not just what’s available.
- Travel & Lodging Coordination: Our in-house travel team handles all of your travel arrangements, including flights, hotel accommodations, and rental cars, with all transportation and lodging covered by Medicus.
- Licensing & Credentialing Support: Our in-house licensing and credentialing teams help manage documentation, timelines, and communication with medical staff offices to help keep requirements complete and on track.
- Technology that Simplifies the Process: You have access to the MedicusIQ Portal, where you can view assignment details, submit timesheets and reimbursements, manage schedules, and more, all in one place.
Interested in learning more about working locum tenens? Complete the short form below to view our complete Locum Tenens 101 Guide.
View the Complete Locum Tenens 101 Guide
View the Complete Locum Tenens 101 Guide
