Locum tenens assignments offer physicians and advanced practitioners at any career stage a unique blend of work-life balance, diverse clinical experiences, and the ability to make a significant impact on communities in need of healthcare.
However, many questions may come to mind for those looking to transition to a locum tenens career. That's why we've put together answers to the five most common questions new locums ask.
1.) Can I Choose My Locum Tenens Job Location?
Absolutely! One of the many benefits of a locum tenens job is the ability to choose where you practice. Locum tenens jobs are available nationwide, granting you the chance to stay close to home and enjoy the benefits of locum work or travel to places you've always wanted while making an impact. Plus, when you partner with a reputable locum tenens agency like Medicus, we arrange and cover all lodging and travel for you!
2.) Can I Work Locum Tenens on the Side and Keep My Full-Time Position?
Yes! Working locum tenens on the side while maintaining a full-time position can be a great way to diversify and expand your clinical experience and income. Locum jobs allow you to take on additional shifts during your free time without committing to a permanent change in your employment status.
This flexibility can be especially beneficial for physicians and advanced practitioners looking to gain experience in different clinical settings and patient populations or simply wanting to supplement their income. By working with a reputable locum tenens agency like Medicus, we can help you find locum tenens jobs that align with your schedule and preferences.
3.) How Does Locum Tenens Compensation Work?
As a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner, your pay differs from traditional employment. Known as a 1099 contractor, you're paid on an hourly or daily basis, depending on your contract. The rate you are paid depends on factors such as your specialty, location, and duration of the assignment. As a locum with Medicus, our streamlined MedicusIQ App enables you to easily submit timesheets, overtime, and reimbursements all in one place while receiving time payment via direct deposit.
4.) Can I Choose to Work Locum Tenens Full-Time?
Absolutely! While locum tenens jobs are temporary by nature, there are abundant opportunities available nationwide for full-time locum work. A locum tenens career allows physicians and advanced practitioners to explore diverse healthcare settings, work with varied patient populations, and travel to new locations.
Full-time locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners often enjoy greater control over their schedules while avoiding the administrative burdens of traditional roles or private practice overhead. Additionally, competitive compensation and benefits make full-time locum tenens work a flexible and rewarding career option.
5.) How Does Licensing and Credentialing Work?
Just like a standard permanent position, you are required to be licensed in each state that you practice. Thankfully, the IMLC was created and simplifies the licensure process, enabling eligible physicians to obtain multiple state licenses with a single application.
When partnering with Medicus for locum work, our credentialing team does most of the work on your behalf by acting as the liaison between you and the healthcare facilities' medical staff offices. Our licensing and credentialing team works to ensure that the medical staff offices have the necessary documentation and verification, confirming all paperwork is in and has been completed correctly.
Why Partner with a Locum Tenens Agency?
When you partner with a reputable locum tenens agency like Medicus, you gain a team of experienced professionals dedicated to supporting you throughout your locum tenens career. From the initial planning stages to the completion of your assignment, we manage critical logistics such as licensing, credentialing, travel, and lodging.
As your advocate, Medicus ensures your assignments align with your career goals and preferences while addressing any challenges that may arise. Our team provides consistent, reliable support to help you navigate each step of your locum tenens career with confidence and ease.
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
