WHAT IS LOCUM TENENS?
Answers, Insights, and Everything You Need to Know About Locum Tenens Work
What if you could design a career that fits your lifestyle while making a lasting impact on healthcare? Locum tenens allows physicians and advanced practitioners to take on temporary assignments in a variety of healthcare settings, providing essential coverage where it is needed most. Whether you are looking to gain diverse clinical experience, supplement your income, or find more work-life balance, a locum tenens career lets you build your professional life around your personal one, not the other way around.
Locum Tenens Definition
Locum Tenens (lo·cum te·nens): A physician or advanced practitioner who temporarily fills a position. This position can be vacant for several reasons, including unexpected provider turnover, increased demand for patient care, physician shortages in a certain area, or maybe even vacation coverage. A locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner steps in to ensure continuity of care for the community and supports the permanent staff, helping avoid burnout and improve operational efficiency.
Locum Tenens Meaning & Origin
"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.
Locum Tenens Impact
Every year, locum tenens clinicians provide care for nearly 7.5 million patients, helping healthcare organizations bridge staffing gaps and maintain access to care. With over 90% of facilities relying on locum tenens annually, these physicians and advanced practitioners do more than fill in gaps in coverage; they keep hospitals and clinics running, prevent staff burnout, and ensure patients receive the care they need. As workforce shortages continue, locum tenens remain a vital part of healthcare, stepping in wherever they’re needed most.
Why Do Healthcare Facilities Use Locum Tenens?
Healthcare organizations rely on locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners to maintain seamless patient care amid staffing gaps, seasonal surges, and workforce transitions. With ongoing physician shortages and rising patient demand, locum tenens play a critical role in keeping healthcare facilities operational and ensuring patients have access to care.
An estimated 90% of healthcare facilities utilize locum tenens annually. With the demand for healthcare services anticipated to outpace the supply of providers, locum tenens will continue to be in demand and a vital solution for maintaining high-quality patient care.
Learn more about provider talent scarcity and the factors increasing demands for care here.Is Locum Tenens Specialty Specific?
No, clinical staffing gaps occur across all specialties due to physician shortages, increases in patient volumes, and scheduled time off nationwide. This means locum tenens coverage is needed and offered for all medical specialties.
These are a few of the medical specialties we see with the highest locum tenens physician and advanced practitioner demand:
Why Do Physicians and Advanced Practitioners Work Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens assignments offer physicians and advanced practitioners flexibility, autonomy, and financial benefits that traditional practice often cannot. Whether you are looking for more control over your schedule, opportunities to travel, or a way to enhance your earnings, locum tenens jobs can align with your career and lifestyle goals.
Benefits of Working Locum Tenens:
Achieve Work-Life Balance
Locum tenens offers the ability to determine when, where, and how often you work. Whether choosing short-term assignments or long-term engagements, you can select opportunities that align with your personal and professional goals. This flexibility allows time for family, travel, and personal interests while maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.
Support Community Care
Provider shortages continue to challenge healthcare facilities nationwide. As a locum tenens, you help bridge these gaps by ensuring patients receive continuous care, whether in urban hospitals, rural clinics, or underserved communities.
Explore Travel Opportunities
Locum tenens work provides the chance to experience different regions and healthcare settings across the United States. Assignments range from urban hospitals to rural clinics, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and clinical environments. Whether staying close to home or exploring new locations, locum tenens jobs offer the flexibility to work in settings that align with your professional and personal interests.
Diversify Clinical Skillsets
Locum tenens assignments expose you to a variety of cases, patient demographics, and treatment approaches. By working in different healthcare settings, you can enhance your adaptability, strengthen your clinical decision-making, and broaden your experience across multiple healthcare settings.
Expand Practice Settings
Locum tenens assignments provide access to a wide range of healthcare environments, from large academic medical centers to small private practices. As a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner, you can use this knowledge to explore different practice settings and discover the work environments that best fit your practice preferences.
Earn Competitive Compensation
Due to their temporary and high-demand nature, locum tenens assignments often provide competitive pay rates. Many physicians and advanced practitioners use locum tenens opportunities to supplement their income, pay off loans, or achieve greater financial security while maintaining career flexibility.
Interested in Locum Tenens with Medicus
Hear From Physicians Who Made the Switch to Locum Tenens
Physicians across specialties are finding more career fulfillment, work-life balance, and income in locum tenens careers. Hear directly from those who made the switch:
Finding Work-Life Balance as a Locum Tenens Anesthesiologist:
“I get to do things that make me happy when I want to. I no longer have to defer life satisfaction in favor of career satisfaction. I have them BOTH!”
Dr. Dawson
Expanding Personal & Professional Growth as a Locum Tenens CRNA:
“Locum tenens has forced me to go beyond my comfort zone, leading to tremendous growth.”
Rebekah, CRNA
Embracing New Experiences as a Locum Tenens Hospitalist:
“Being able to adapt and appreciate each destination and culture is what keeps me intellectually curious. Whether it's a small community hospital in a rural area with fewer resources or a larger hospital in an urban area with a higher census and more complexity, each destination brings its own set of challenges that is exciting and refreshing.”
Dr. Hall
Enhancing Career Satisfaction as a Locum Tenens Radiologist:
“Interestingly, I have experienced as much and often more satisfaction doing locum work than I have with any of my other practices.”
Dr. Knight
Partnering with a Dependable Agency as a Locum Tenens CRNA
“Medicus does everything other locum agencies do, but they make me feel like more than just a number. Other locum agencies reach out to me all the time, but I don't even consider them because I love working with Medicus.”
Michael, CRNA
Considering locum tenens? Here are five key insights to help maximize your experience.
Common Myths & Misconceptions About Working Locum Tenens
Myth #1:
Locum Tenens is Only for Semi-Retired Doctors.
flip to learn moreFalse. Locum tenens is a career path for all stages of practice, not just those nearing retirement.
- Early-career? Gain valuable clinical experience and explore different specialties.
- Mid-career? Expand your skill set, work in diverse settings, and increase earnings.
- Semi-retired? Continue practicing on a flexible schedule without administrative burdens.
Locum work is adaptable, making it a viable, fulfilling option at any career stage.
Myth #2:
Locum Tenens Doesn't Provide Stability or Reliable Income.
flip to learn moreNot true. With ongoing physician shortages and increasing demand for providers, locum tenens offers consistent job opportunities and competitive compensation.
- Long-term assignments provide stability for those who prefer consistency.
- Short-term contracts offer higher hourly rates and flexible scheduling.
With high demand nationwide, locum tenens can be a stable, financially rewarding career choice.
Myth #3:
Locum Tenens is Only for Those Who Want to Travel.
flip to learn moreIncorrect. While many providers use locum work to explore new places, you can also find assignments close to home.
- Prefer to stay local? Work in your own community without committing to a permanent role.
- Looking to explore? Take assignments in rural or urban areas across the country.
Locum tenens gives you control over where and how you work, whether near home or on the road.
How to Get Your Locum Tenens Career Started
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Determine what you want out of your locum career. Will you work full or part-time? Do you want to travel or stay close to home? What clinical settings are you comfortable in? Knowing your preferences makes finding the right assignment simpler.
Step 2: Partner with a Reputable Locum Tenens Agency
While independent locum work is an option, partnering with an agency streamlines the process. Locum tenens agencies like Medicus connect you with tailored opportunities, negotiate on your behalf, and handle the logistical details so you can focus on patient care. To ensure you're working with a reputable agency, check for a NALTO membership. Medicus stands as a reputable locum tenens agency and has earned numerous industry accolades, including recognition as one of the largest locum tenens agencies by SIA. Explore our awards list here.
Step 3: Find an Assignment
Partner with a dedicated recruiter to explore locum jobs that align with your expertise and preferences. When you partner with Medicus as a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner, you have a dedicated team ensuring your success. Our comprehensive assistance includes licensing, credentialing, travel arrangements, and more, providing a seamless experience throughout your journey with us.
Step 4: Complete Licensing & Credentialing
Each locum assignment requires proper state licensing and hospital privileges. Some agencies, like Medicus, provide full licensing and credentialing support, helping you navigate requirements and complete paperwork efficiently. Medicus' in-house licensing and credentialing team handles the details by prepopulating applications, gathering documentation, and contacting references so you can focus on your next opportunity. If working independently, research state medical board guidelines in advance to prevent delays.
Step 5: Start Your First Assignment
With contracts signed, licensing and credentialing in place, and travel arranged if necessary, you're ready to begin expanding access to care! If you choose to partner with a locum tenens agency like Medicus, you gain access to the MedicusIQ portal, a personalized platform that keeps everything organized. From managing your schedule and travel to submitting timesheets and expenses, MedicusIQ ensures you have everything you need in one place.
The Perks of Partnering With a Locum Tenens Agency
Working with a locum tenens agency removes the stress of job searching, paperwork, and negotiations, so you can focus on what matters most: patient care.
Hassle-Free Job Matching
Agencies connect you with the opportunities you're looking for, so you don't have to deal with the job hunt.
Licensing & Credentialing Assistance
Avoid the paperwork; locum agencies assist with state medical licensing, credentialing, and compliance to get you working faster.
Malpractice Insurance Coverage
Most agencies will provide comprehensive malpractice insurance, eliminating the need for personal policies.
Dedicated Recruiter Support
When partnering with an agency, your healthcare recruiter will assist with scheduling and logistics, and advocate on your behalf to ensure a smooth locum assignment from start to finish.
The Benefits of Working with Medicus
There are many benefits to working locums, but partnering with a trusted locum tenens agency helps you maximize every opportunity. At Medicus, we focus on your career goals, providing the support and resources to help you make the most out of every locum tenens assignment.
Nationwide Reach
Gain access to exclusive locum assignments with healthcare employers across the U.S.
Tailored Locum Job Matching
Choose from locum tenens jobs that align with your career goals and lifestyle preferences.
Personalized Support
From the start of your locum tenens assignment to the end, we manage the logistics so you can focus on delivering patient care.
Flexible Scheduling
Practice when and where you want, with short-term and long-term locum tenens opportunities available.
Dedicated In-House Team for Licensing, Credentialing, & Travel
Our dedicated in-house teams handle licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements, making every locum tenens assignment seamless. As a bonus, Medicus covers all travel and lodging expenses.

Personalized MedicusIQ Portal
Access your upcoming locum assignments, travel arrangements, schedule, timesheets, and saved job searches. Submit your expenses. Upload and track expiring documents and so much more. The MedicusIQ portal is there to ensure you have a seamless locum assignment each and every time.
Exclusive Transition Projects
You have the opportunity to work on exclusive Medicus Transition Program projects, where you are a part of a team of locums going into facilities to bridge large gaps in care and rebuild programs, making a significant impact on communities around the country.
Loyalty Rewards & Benefits
When you partner with Medicus for your locum tenens career, you gain access to unique benefits and rewards through the MyMedicus Loyalty Program.
Locum Tenens Testimonials
What Physicians & Advanced Practitioner are Saying about Medicus
"The Medicus Transition Program helped us preserve the program and continue patient care with minimal to no diversion. By partnering with Medicus, we had the opportunity to work with a team that was 100% devoted to us. They streamlined communication and efficiency, allowing my recruitment team to focus on recruiting permanent providers, while Medicus focused on providers for temporary coverage."
Chief Operating Officer
“My recruiter is always professional, with prompt and respectful communication during all of my interactions as a physician. I have recommended numerous colleagues to join Medicus as a locum tenens physician due to the performance and professionalism displayed by everyone I work with. I have worked with many locum companies over the years, but my Medicus team ensures that I will continue to work with Medicus due to the outstanding service that they have provided.”
Anesthesiology Locum Tenens Physician
“The Medicus Transition Program was able to provide a one-stop shop for us, which took the burden of coordinating shifts off of us. Additionally, they were able to understand our intent for why we needed the program and helped us be successful in achieving our internal goals. This is our second time using the Medicus team to help us with program transitions. They are a great team and very customer-focused.”
Administrative Director, Specialty Physician Services
“Supportive staff, good communication, and I love the simplicity and accuracy of the timesheet processing and payments. In addition, they are trustworthy, reliable, and easily reachable.”
Radiology Locum Tenens Physician
“My recruiter is an excellent communicator who frequently checks in and makes things run seamlessly. He seems to genuinely care how I'm doing at my site and is always looking for feedback on the work I'm doing.”
Emergency Medicine Locum Tenens Physician
“I highly recommend Medicus because of their timely communication, open and honest approach, and ability to meet our staffing needs in a reasonable timeframe. Their success in finding providers in a tight radiologist market was a pleasant surprise and a testament to their capabilities.”
AVP Clinical Services
“Best locum tenens agency I have worked with! Alexander, my recruiter, has been excellent at communication and even arranged for schedule changes with family emergencies. I have always felt valued and cared for with Medicus.”
Locum Tenens CRNA
“The staff is extremely friendly and well organized. I feel supported, and I’ve enjoyed all of my assignments. My recruiter even met up with me at AUA in San Antonio this year. She was very understanding of my personal needs with a new baby. Her well wishes for the birth of my child were so sweet. She has always been available any time I have questions and is always willing to work with me. She is wonderful.”
Urology Locum Tenens Physician
“I recommend Medicus to other healthcare organizations because they were highly accountable, instilled confidence in us, and became an extension of our team. As a result, Medicus created an easy and comfortable process in the face of a complex and anxiety-inducing staffing situation.”
Director of Business Operations
“Jake is very helpful and is always looking out on my behalf. The Medicus team was extremely helpful in getting me credentialed and set up. The travel team is very efficient and reliable. Communication is top notch. I've referred several friends. The app was a good addition.”
Anesthesiology Locum Tenens Physician
“They know what they are doing and go to bat for you. They are also transparent and honest, which is not easily found in this business. Love these guys!”
Surgery Locum Tenens Physician
“Medicus does an excellent job responding to VA needs. They provide qualified candidates and follow up with onboarding and scheduling in a timely manner. I never have to worry about performance or positions getting filled when working with this contractor.”
Contracting Officer at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Locum Tenens Lifestyle
Can You Work Full-Time and Locum Tenens?
Yes! Locum tenens enables physicians and advanced practitioners to work assignments that fit their schedules, using it to supplement their incomes or gain experience in different clinical settings. Explore additional benefits of balancing locums and full-time work here.
What Does the Licensing Process Look Like for Locums?
Medical licensure fees and requirements vary by state. However, when you partner with Medicus, we have an in-house licensing team to help you navigate the process. You can view both our APRN and physician licensure guides, which include the fees, requirements, and timelines for licensure in each state. Additionally, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) simplifies the licensing process, enabling physicians to practice in multiple states with a single application.
Is Malpractice Coverage Offered When Working Locum Tenens?
Yes, most locum tenens agencies, like Medicus, cover malpractice insurance as part of the contract. Always verify coverage details before starting an assignment.
How Long Do Locum Tenens Assignments Last?
Locum opportunities range from a few days to several months but ultimately depend on your scheduling preferences. Some physicians and advanced practitioners work locum tenens full-time, while others take short-term assignments.
What is the Difference Between Locum Tenens and Per Diem?
Locum tenens and per diem work both offer flexibility, but they differ in structure and commitment. Locum tenens assignments typically last for weeks or months and often require travel to different healthcare facilities to fill staffing gaps. These roles provide continuity of care and usually include travel assistance, housing, and malpractice coverage. In contrast, per diem work is scheduled on a day-to-day basis at a single facility or within a specific health system, offering more immediate scheduling flexibility without long-term commitments.
What Does the Term Moonlighting Mean?
Moonlighting refers to clinicians taking on extra work outside their primary job, usually to earn additional income or gain experience. This can include picking up shifts at a local hospital, working per diem, or even taking locum tenens assignments on the side. Moonlighting allows clinicians to supplement their income while maintaining a primary position.
Common Locum Tenens Terms
If you are working as a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner, you’ll come across industry-specific words and phrases that are helpful to know. Here are some key terms to know:
Assignment: The period of time during which a locum is contracted to work at a healthcare facility.
Moonlighting: Working extra shifts outside of a full-time position.
Independent Contractor or 1099 Contractor: Locum tenens are considered independent contractors or 1099 contractors, meaning you are neither an employee of the agency nor the facility you're working at.
National Association of Locum Tenens Organization (NALTO): NALTO is a professional association that sets industry standards for locum tenens staffing agencies. When working locum tenens, choosing a NALTO-member agency ensures a commitment to ethical business practices, transparent contracts, fair pay, and proper credentialing. NALTO helps protect both clinicians and healthcare facilities by upholding these standards. Medicus is a proud NALTO member.
Pay Rate: The hourly, daily, or shift-based rate at which you are paid for your work.
Additional Resources Locum Tenens

Locum Tenens Lifestyle
Unlocking Career Independence: Embrace the Freedom of a Locum Tenens Career

Locum Tenens Lifestyle
Debunking the Myths: Unveiling the Reality of a Fulfilling Locum Tenens Career

Unlocking Career Independence: Embrace the Freedom of a Locum Tenens Career
