A locum tenens career opens doors to new experiences, diverse patient populations, and unmatched flexibility for physicians and advanced practitioners. To make the most of these opportunities, understanding the licensing and credentialing process is key. Whether you're securing your first locum tenens position or expanding into new states, this guide will help you stay ahead of the process and keep your locum tenens career moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Locum Tenens Licensing
The nature of locum tenens work often requires physicians and advanced practitioners to hold multiple state licenses. Whether you're an experienced locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner or just starting out, securing these licenses can be time-consuming and complex.
What Are the Licensing Requirements for Locum Tenens Work?
The legal requirements are the same whether you’re working locum tenens or as a W-2 employee. State boards set the standards, and those don’t change based on employment type. However, each state has its own specific rules and processes that you'll need to navigate.
While Licensing Requirements Vary, Most States Typically Require:
- A valid, unrestricted medical license in good standing
- A completed application submitted to the respective state medical board
- Proof of medical education and postgraduate training
- Verification of board certification (if applicable)
- Recent clinical experience and professional references
- Background checks, including fingerprinting, are required in some states
Because each state has different application fees, processing times, and documentation requirements, staying informed is essential to securing licensure efficiently.
To help simplify the process, we've compiled two comprehensive guides with all the details you need in one place:
- Physician Licensure Guide: This resource provides a complete list of U.S. medical boards, contact details, average licensure processing times, and information on states participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). It also highlights where the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) is accepted or required. Click here to access the Physician Licensure Application Fees and Timelines by State guide.
- APRN Licensure Guide: This centralized resource covers state nursing boards, application fees, estimated approval timelines, and other key details specific to APRNs. Click here to access the APRN Licensure Application Fees and Timelines by State guide.
By utilizing these resources, you can streamline your licensing process and avoid unnecessary delays when securing your next locum tenens opportunity.
How Long Does the Locum Tenens Licensing Process Take?
State medical boards have varying processing times for licensure, ranging from a few weeks to several months. While some states offer streamlined processes, others require extensive documentation, background checks, or in-person verification, which can slow things down.
Common Challenges That Can Delay Licensing Include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate application submissions
- Delays in receiving transcripts and verification of education/training
- Extensive background checks and fingerprinting requirements
- Medical board backlogs due to high application volume
To mitigate these challenges, apply as early as possible, ensure all required documentation is submitted correctly, and consider leveraging the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) to expedite approvals in participating states.
What Is The IMLC?
Established in 2017, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) streamlines the licensing process for eligible physicians who want to practice in multiple states. Through a single application, qualified physicians can secure licenses more efficiently across participating states.
For physicians working locum tenens, the IMLC offers a faster and more convenient pathway to licensure, reducing administrative burdens and expediting the approval process.
Want to learn more? Get answers to the five most frequently asked questions about the IMLC here.
Is There an IMLC for APRNs?
Not yet, but it's in progress. The APRN Compact aims to streamline multistate licensure for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, allowing them to practice across state lines with a single license. However, it will only take effect once seven states officially enact the compact.
Where Does the APRN Compact Stand?
- Approved: North Dakota, Delaware, and Utah
- Pending Legislation: Montana, Arizona, Texas, Kentucky, New York, and Maryland
Want updates on the APRN Compact's progress? Click here to learn more.
How Do I Maintain My Licensure & Compliance?
Once you've obtained your licenses, staying compliant is essential to avoiding disruptions in your locum tenens career. Each state has specific renewal requirements, and failing to renew on time could result in delays in beginning your next locum assignment.
Key Factors to Keep in Mind:
- Renewal Deadlines & Tracking: States have different renewal cycles, typically ranging from one to three years. Managing multiple state licenses can be challenging, so use a calendar to set reminders well in advance of renewal deadlines for the states where you want to maintain licensure.
- Continuing Medical Education (CME): Many states require a set number of CME hours for renewal, with specific topics mandated in some cases. Attending medical conferences is a straightforward and valuable way to earn these credits. Conferences not only keep you current with the latest advancements in your specialty but also provide opportunities to network with peers and expand your professional community.
Attending a medical conference soon? Check out our Tips for Attending a Medical Conference to make the most out of your time there.
By staying ahead of renewal deadlines and maintaining documentation, you can avoid unnecessary lapses and ensure continuous eligibility for locum tenens assignments.
Stay ahead of locum tenens licensing. Read our top three tips for simplifying locum tenens licensing here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Locum Tenens Credentialing Process
While licensing allows you to practice in a given state, credentialing is the process that verifies your qualifications before you can work at a healthcare facility. Whether you're new to locum tenens work or have an established locum tenens career, a smooth credentialing process can significantly impact your ability to start working promptly.
What Are the Key Components of the Credentialing Process?
Required Credentialing Documents Include:
- Proof of training, including residency and fellowship
- Verification of prior employment and work history
- Malpractice claims history
- All current medical licenses
- Curriculum vitae
- Fingerprints and background checks
- State medical licenses and DEA certifications
- Board certifications
- Immunization records
Lastly, make sure to gather professional references! These are colleagues, co-workers, and supervisors who can attest to your professionalism and skill set.
How Long Does Credentialing Take?
The credentialing process varies by facility and typically takes between 60 and 90 days; however, it can take up to 120 days in some cases.
Factors That May Impact the Timeline Include:
- State & facility requirements
- Application completeness
- Third-party verifications
- Payer enrollment delays
Want to avoid delays and get credentialed faster? Read our expert tips for managing the credentialing process efficiently.
Given the number of documents and references that need to be checked and verified, the credentialing process can be time-consuming, with some physicians and advanced practitioners not securing work until months after submitting their applications. That's why partnering with the right staffing agency, like Medicus, is vital.
The Benefits of Partnering with a Locum Tenens Agency for Locum Tenens Licensing & Credentialing
Managing multiple state licenses and navigating credentialing requirements can be time-consuming and complex, but it doesn't have to be. When you partner with a locum tenens agency like Medicus, our in-house licensing and credentialing teams ensure you have the personalized support and resources needed to start your next locum tenens assignment without delays.
Comprehensive Licensing Support
The Medicus licensing team guides you through every step of the licensing process, ensuring applications are completed accurately and processed efficiently.
- Application Preparation and Submission: Your dedicated licensing coordinator can pre-populate as much as possible on an application to reduce the administrative burden on you. Submitting applications will always be the provider's responsibility to ensure accuracy.
- State Medical Board Coordination: Our team leverages strong relationships with state medical boards to help expedite approvals and navigate any challenges that may arise.
- Expert Licensing Guidance: Have questions? We're here to provide clarity on requirements and ensure you meet all necessary criteria.
"Medicus made the licensing process incredibly easy. They handled every detail, kept me informed, and helped me secure licenses easily. I never had to follow up because they were always ahead of the process." — Locum Tenens Anesthesiologist
Dedicated Credentialing Support
Our in-house credentialing team takes the lead, handling most of the workload and acting as the liaison between you and the medical staff offices of healthcare facilities. We ensure that all necessary documentation is in place to streamline the credentialing process.
- Assigned Credentialing Specialist: You'll have a dedicated point of contact at Medicus who manages your credentialing from start to finish.
- Comprehensive Checklists: We gather and submit all required documents upfront, including references and background checks, to prevent delays.
- MedicusIQ Portal: A secure, centralized platform where you can upload, store, and manage your credentialing and licensing documents with ease.
"With other locum tenens agencies, I often felt like just another provider in the system. At Medicus, I had a single point of contact who handled everything, kept me updated, and made the process feel personalized. They are truly the best at what they do." - Locum Tenens Urologist
Interested in working locum tenens with Medicus? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.
