Locum tenens opportunities have transformed how physicians and advanced practitioners approach their careers. From choosing when and where to work to experiencing new practice settings, locum tenens careers offer flexibility and control that is hard to find in traditional roles.
What is Locum Tenens?
"Locum tenens," meaning "to hold the place" in Latin, describes healthcare providers who step into temporary roles to support patient care at facilities in need. This model originated in the late 1970s when rural communities, struggling to staff their facilities, began relying on temporary physicians and advanced practitioners to meet patient demands. Today, locum tenens has evolved into a widely recognized career path, with over 52,000 physicians taking on locum tenens assignments each year.
The Benefits of Locum Tenens Work for Physicians and Advanced Practitioners
As healthcare facilities face persistent provider shortages and rising burnout among medical professionals, the demand for locum tenens providers continues to grow. For physicians and advanced practitioners, locum tenens work offers a range of benefits—from greater flexibility to supplemental income. Here's a closer look at why many providers are choosing this career path:
Increased Work-Life Balance:
A locum tenens career gives you the flexibility to shape your work around your life, not the other way around. You have the freedom to select the location, practice setting, and schedule that best suits your lifestyle. This control over your professional life allows you to balance personal commitments, family time, and downtime in a way that promotes well-being and reduces burnout.
"Medicus found me a contract in the location I was looking for in addition to the exact duration I wanted. A huge thanks to the Medicus team for being so accommodating!" -Family Medicine Locum
Gain Additional Income:
Locum tenens opportunities often provide higher pay due to the temporary nature of assignments, strong demand, and fewer traditional benefits. Many permanent physicians and advanced practitioners also take on locum tenens assignments to supplement their income. With Medicus, you'll have a dedicated recruiter who negotiates competitive rates, allowing you to focus on delivering quality care.
"My personal recruiter is amazing. She is very prompt, and informative and truly has my best interest when representing me. She's by far the best recruiter I've ever used!" -CRNA Locum
Travel Opportunities While Making A Difference:
A locum tenens career lets you choose your adventure, whether that means working close to home or exploring new locations across the country. From vibrant urban hospitals to peaceful rural clinics, you can select assignments that fit your interests. Locum tenens work also allows you to spend time in places you've always wanted to experience or even visit family and friends in distant areas. Plus, with Medicus' dedicated travel team managing all logistics, you can focus on what matters most—supporting communities in need of quality care.
"I'm always treated as a top priority. Medicus finds the perfect fit for me so I can focus on providing care where it's needed." - Locum Tenens Radiologist
Benefits of Partnering with a Reputable Locum Tenens Agency
Transitioning to a locum tenens career or balancing locum tenens work with a permanent W2 position role can seem overwhelming. However, partnering with a trusted locum tenens agency like Medicus provides you with a team dedicated to your success. Here's how Medicus can support you:
Comprehensive Licensing & Credentialing Team:
Locum tenens work often spans state lines, requiring multiple licenses and credentials across various facilities. While managing these requirements may seem complex, resources like the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) help streamline the process of obtaining multiple state licenses. With Medicus as your partner, our dedicated licensing and credentialing team provides end-to-end support, guiding you through each step and ensuring all documentation is ready for a smooth, timely start.
"The best thing about Medicus, in my opinion, is they have one point of contact throughout the whole process of licensing and credentialing. This really allowed for my experience to be personal, which sets Medicus apart from other locum tenens agencies. Their staff are truly top of their class." - Locum Urologist
Committed Locum Tenens Recruiter:
When you partner with Medicus, you gain the guidance and support of a dedicated recruiter who helps you navigate your locum tenens career. Your recruiter takes the time to understand your personal and professional goals, providing a tailored list of assignments that align with what you're seeking. Acting as your advocate, they negotiate on your behalf and work closely with our in-house licensing and credentialing team to ensure everything is in place for a seamless start to each assignment.
"My recruiter is very reliable and trustworthy. We have worked together for almost two years. She remembers what specifics I want in my contract, and she persistently seeks out and works with hospitals she knows I would be interested in. I can tell that she truly has my best interests in mind. I would recommend Medicus to anyone looking for a locum tenens agency." - Locum Hospitalist
Dedicated Travel Team:
Whether your next locum tenens assignment is 40 miles away or over 1,000, the Medicus travel team is here to streamline the entire process. From booking flights and rental cars to arranging comfortable lodging, our travel experts handle all the logistics, so you don't have to.
"Medicus's travel side is fantastic; it never gives me a hard time, my travel is never a problem, and it is straightforward and stress-free to deal with travel." - Critical Care PA Locum
When you choose Medicus as your locum tenens partner, you join a team that understands your goals and supports your career journey. With every locum tenens assignment, our commitment to your success ensures you can focus on delivering quality care and achieving the work-life balance you value. Plus, our My Medicus Loyalty Program offers exclusive benefits, travel perks, and rewards designed to enhance your experience and recognize your dedication to locum tenens work. Embrace the flexibility, growth, and support that a locum career with Medicus provides
Interested in beginning a locum tenens career with Medicus? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter!
