Locum tenens continues to gain traction as physicians and advanced practice providers look for new ways to balance professional fulfillment with personal priorities. Flexibility, diverse clinical experiences, and greater control over schedules are no longer just “perks” — they’re shaping how clinicians define sustainable careers.
Yet for some, the pathway on how to become a locum tenens physician remains unclear. With the right guidance and a structured approach, clinicians can transition smoothly from considering locum work to confidently practicing in their first locum tenens assignment.
How to Become a Locum Tenens Physician?
Since locum tenens originated in the late 1970s, it has become a cornerstone of the healthcare system. Today, approximately 82% of healthcare facilities rely on locum tenens clinicians annually to ensure continuous access to patient care amid physician shortages, rising patient demand, and other gaps in clinical coverage.
For physicians, this demand translates into new opportunities to shape their careers with greater flexibility and control. The question remains: how do you become a locum tenens physician? While the idea of working locum tenens may seem complex, the path is often more straightforward than expected. When you partner with a locum tenens agency like Medicus, you can navigate the locum tenens process with clarity and move confidently into your first locum tenens job.
Four Steps to Becoming a Locum Tenens Physician:
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Locum Tenens Career Goals
Becoming a locum tenens physician often starts with a simple question: What would working locum tenens look like for me? Before you get started, it is essential to ask yourself a few key questions, such as:
- Do I want to make locum tenens my full-time career, or am I looking to work locum tenens jobs to supplement my income?
- Do I want to work locum tenens jobs close to home, or am I open to traveling? If I do want to travel, what locations and regions am I interested in?
- What kind of schedule, clinical settings, and call responsibilities align with my goals?
Pro Tip: Write down your goals and dealbreakers. This list will make your first recruiter conversation more focused and productive.
Step 2: Find a Dependable Locum Tenens Agency
Partnering with the right locum tenens agency can make all the difference in your experience. At Medicus, we go beyond connecting you with opportunities—we provide full support at every step. From licensing and credentialing to travel coordination and payroll, our team ensures the process is seamless so you can stay focused on practicing medicine. With a strong reputation and long-standing relationships across healthcare systems nationwide, Medicus gives you access to the assignments with top healthcare employers while providing the guidance and advocacy you need along the way.
At Medicus, that means we:
- Provide a Dedicated Recruiter: Your recruiter will connect you with locum tenens job opportunities that align with your clinical expertise, availability, and lifestyle preferences.
- Navigate Licensing & Credentialing: Our in-house licensing and credentialing teams are here to help you manage the paperwork and guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you’re ready to begin your locum tenens job without unnecessary delays.
- Manage Travel and Lodging: From flights to rental cars and lodging, our in-house travel team coordinates the logistics so that you can focus on patient care.
- Offer Ongoing Support: We provide malpractice coverage, additional benefits, and 24/7 support to ensure you have everything you need for a successful locum tenens career.
Pro Tip: With dozens of locum tenens agencies available, it is important to research and find one that aligns best with you. Not sure where to start? Explore our guide on seven things to look for in a locum tenens agency.
Step 3: Gather all Your Necessary Documents
Since locum tenens jobs involve working in various healthcare facilities and often different states, licensing and credentialing are ongoing processes. Having everything in order early gives you faster access to locum tenens jobs without unnecessary delay.
Key Documents Include:
- Your CV
- State licenses
- Board certifications
- DEA registration
- Immunization records and other credentials
Pro Tip: If you are open to traveling, begin identifying the states you want to work in and start the licensing process now. Having those licenses ready will help you get to work in locum tenens jobs without delay.
Step 4: Secure Your Locum Tenens Job
With your career goals defined, a locum tenens agency partnership established, and documents ready, the final step is to secure your first locum tenens job. At this stage, your dedicated recruiter will present locum tenens job opportunities that match your preferences, guide you through the interview and onboarding process, and help finalize assignment details.
Once everything is in place, you’ll begin your first locum tenens job and officially step into practice as a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner.
Your Path to a Fulfilling Locum Tenens Career
Becoming a locum tenens physician is ultimately about finding the right fit for your career and lifestyle. With clear goals, strong agency support, and preparation, the process can be both smooth and rewarding. Whether you’re seeking more flexibility, new clinical experiences, earning supplemental income, or the ability to shape your schedule on your terms, locum tenens offers a pathway to a fulfilling career in medicine. With Medicus as your partner, you’ll have the resources, guidance, and opportunities to take the next step with confidence.
Interested in working locum tenens with Medicus? Click here to view our open locum tenens jobs, or complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.
Common FAQs
Do Locum Tenens Need to be Credentialed?
Yes. All locum tenens clinicians are required to complete credentialing at each facility where they practice. This is not just a formality—it is mandated by federal and state regulations. Credentialing verifies your training, licenses, and experience before you are granted privileges to practice at a facility.
How Long are Locum Tenens Contracts?
Contract lengths vary depending on the locum tenens assignment. Some locum tenens jobs last a few weeks, while others extend several months. It often depends on the facility’s needs and the provider’s availability.
Do Locum Tenens Agencies Offer Loyalty Programs?
Not all agencies provide loyalty programs. If this is important to you, be sure to ask up front. At Medicus, we offer the MyMedicus Loyalty Program, which gives our providers access to exclusive rewards, travel perks, and personalized benefits as part of their locum tenens career.
