You have probably heard the phrase "locum tenens" before. Maybe a colleague mentioned it. Maybe a recruiter reached out. Or maybe it came up while you were researching flexible physician careers.
If you have ever paused and wondered what it actually means, how it works, or whether it could fit into your career, you're not alone.
Whether you’re early in your career, mid-career and looking for a change, or nearing retirement but not ready to step away from clinical practice, locum tenens can offer a way to practice medicine on your own terms.
A locum tenens physician is a doctor who works temporary clinical assignments to fill staffing gaps at healthcare facilities. The term itself comes from a Latin phrase that means “to hold the place of.”
Health systems, clinics, groups, and other healthcare facilities bring in locum tenens physicians for short or long-term coverage for reasons such as:
Locum tenens jobs are extremely flexible and can range from a few shifts to several months, allowing physicians to work locum jobs either as a full-time career or alongside their permanent role.
Clinically, there’s no difference between what a locum tenens physician does and a permanent physician. The patient care responsibilities are the same.
Duties vary by specialty and setting, but often include:
In short, the difference isn’t what you do. The difference is the temporary nature of the role and the flexibility in choosing when and where you work.
If you’re wondering what to expect before your first locum tenens job, check out What to Prepare for Your First Locum Tenens Job for helpful tips.
You may hear that only a certain type of physician should consider locum tenens jobs. That is a common misconception about locum tenens. Here’s the reality: physicians at every career stage work locum tenens. What differs are the reasons.
Physicians early in their careers may choose locum tenens jobs to:
Have you ever heard of the term “try before you buy”? Locum tenens could be a strategic way to test out practices or locations before pursuing a permanent opportunity.
Locum tenens can be a great option for physicians mid-career for:
Many mid-career physicians maintain a permanent role while picking up locum tenens assignments on the side. Read 4 Perks of Working Permanent and Locum Tenens Positions to learn more about how clinicians successfully combine both.
For physicians nearing retirement, or who have already retired from full-time practice, locum tenens offers a way to:
No matter where you are in your career, the next question is usually practical: how do you get started with locum tenens?
There isn’t a single ‘right’ way to become a locum tenens physician, but for most, the path follows a straightforward sequence of decisions and logistics:
Want a deep dive into these steps and requirements? Check out How to Become a Locum Tenens Physician.
This is a common question for physicians considering locum tenens work. Most locum tenens physicians work as independent contractors, not traditional employees of the healthcare facility where they practice. That means they’re typically classified as 1099 contractors rather than W-2 employees.
That structure can offer flexibility, but it also involves financial and tax considerations worth reviewing with a qualified advisor. If you are transitioning from a permanent role, From W-2 to 1099: Tips for a Smooth, Successful Shift from Permanent to Locum Tenens breaks down practical steps to help you navigate the change.
It is also worth noting that not every locum tenens job is structured the same way. Some locum jobs are set up as W-2 employment, depending on the locum tenens agency and the facility.
The length of locum tenens jobs varies depending on a facility’s needs and your availability. Some opportunities are just a few shifts, while others last several months. In some cases, a locum tenens job may be extended if the facility still needs coverage.
If you’re looking for typical timelines and what influences the duration of locum tenens jobs, How Long Can a Locum Tenens Assignment Last can be a helpful guide.
It’s not difficult to confuse locum tenens with other flexible physician work models.
Take a look at this comparison:
| Key feature | Commitment level | |
| Locum Tenens | Temporary assignments that fill defined coverage needs | Short to long-term |
| Per Diem | As-needed shifts, often at the same facility | Very short-term, shift-based |
| Moonlighting | Extra work outside a primary job, often nights/weekends | Part-time, ongoing
|
Locum tenens stands out for its structured, time-limited assignments and the opportunity to shape your career with more choice in where, when, and how you practice.
Physicians can work locum tenens independently, but many choose to partner with a locum tenens agency, like Medicus, to simplify the process and reduce administrative burden. Locum tenens agencies act as a liaison between clinicians and healthcare facilities, helping align locum tenens job opportunities with your clinical experience, preferences, and schedule.
Beyond identifying assignments, locum tenens agencies often handle time-consuming logistics such as coordinating state licensing, managing credentialing documentation, and clarifying locum tenens job details with the facility. This support can be especially helpful if you are new to locum tenens, taking assignments across multiple states, or balancing locum tenens work alongside other professional commitments.
Locum tenens agencies may also provide guidance on contracts, travel, and housing logistics (when applicable), and payment processes, while offering a consistent point of contact if questions come up before, during, or after an assignment.
Choosing the right locum tenens agency can shape your overall locum tenens experience. At Medicus, support is structured around making the process efficient, transparent, and aligned with your goals.
Personalized job matching
Your recruiter takes the time to understand your clinical background, preferred schedule, geographic interests, and long-term objectives. The goal is not just to fill shifts but to connect you with assignments aligned with your professional and personal priorities.
Dedicated in-house licensing and credentialing teams
Licensing and credentialing can be time-intensive, especially if you are working across multiple states. Medicus manages these processes through dedicated in-house teams who coordinate documentation, track timelines, and help keep assignments on schedule.
In-house travel coordination
When travel and housing are part of the assignment, Medicus handles the logistics through an internal travel team. From airfare to accommodations, arrangements are coordinated to simplify your experience and reduce administrative burden.
MedicusIQ portal and mobile app
Through MedicusIQ, you can track assignment details, onboarding requirements, travel plans, schedules, and documentation in one centralized platform. This provides real-time visibility into the status of your assignment and upcoming commitments.
Ongoing support before, during, and after assignments
From contract review to start date preparation to post-assignment follow-up, your recruiter and support team remain accessible throughout the process. If questions arise, you have a consistent point of contact who understands your history and preferences.
Loyalty and rewards program
For clinicians who work multiple assignments, Medicus offers the My Medicus Loyalty Program, which provides additional rewards and benefits over time and recognizes your continued partnership.
If you’re evaluating potential partners, What to Look For in a Locum Tenens Agency outlines important factors you should consider.
Locum tenens gives physicians a way to keep practicing while adjusting how work fits into life. Locum tenens jobs can be short or long-term, local or travel-based, and structured around the goals you are prioritizing right now. If flexibility, variety, or a career reset is on your mind, locum tenens may be worth a closer look.
If you want to explore what that could look like for you, Medicus can answer questions, walk you through the process, and share opportunities that align with your clinical requirements and availability.
Interested in partnering with Medicus? View our open locum tenens jobs here, or complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.