Let us be your personal locums guide.
Why does locum tenens matter?
Locum tenens, Latin for “to hold the place,” refers to clinicians who temporarily fill coverage gaps in hospitals, clinics, telehealth platforms, and government facilities. Assignments range from a few shifts to multi-month contracts.
Short-term locum tenens assignments are typically defined as those lasting a week to around three months. These assignments are great for exploring different locations and earning extra income without committing to a long-term position. This flexibility allows you to explore different environments and facility types, making it ideal for those looking to diversify their experience.Â
Mid-term locums assignments, which typically last from three to six months, offer a balance between short-term flexibility and long-term commitment. They offer you a unique chance to immerse yourself in the facility, where you can gain valuable experience and see a new region without the obligations of a long-term or permanent position.Â
Long-term locums assignments, lasting around six months to a year or more, are great for clinicians looking for stability and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. This type of locums work allows you to build deeper relationships with staff and patients and offers a more consistent schedule. At a long-term assignment, you can establish a steady workflow while immersing yourself in your new community.
Demand is driven by increased patient volumes and complexity due to aging populations and chronic disease prevalence, uneven geographic distribution of care, especially in rural areas, and a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. A large portion of the physician workforce is nearing the traditional retirement age of 65.
It is expected that more than a third of currently active physicians will retire within the next decade.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Locum tenens is now a strategic fixture in workforce planning, helping facilities scale services, test new lines, and maintain continuity of care during transitions. Now that you know what locum tenens is and why it’s in demand, let’s explore whether this path aligns with your personal and professional goals.Â
Is locum tenens right for me?
Working in a locum tenens role offers a unique opportunity for physicians and advanced practitioners to explore different clinical settings, gain experience, and make a meaningful contribution for communities in need of care.Â
Flexibility.
With locums work, you can maintain better control over your schedule, choosing when and where you work. This can mean asking for specific scheduling accommodations or even taking more time between assignments to recharge, travel, or figure out your next move. Locums also allows you to work in a variety of different settings and areas. If you’ve ever wanted to see what it would be like to live in a different city, locums is a great way to try it before committing to a permanent move.Â
High earning potential.
Due to the temporary nature of locums, pay is often higher than permanent positions. This is great if you’re trying to save money for a large purchase, want to pay down school debt, or make more money without having to moonlight. You’ll likely save on expenses too since many assignments offer free housing, travel reimbursement, and include malpractice insurance.Â
Sharpen your skills.
With a new place of employment comes new systems, patient populations, and EMRs. This not only keeps you sharp but makes you more marketable to future employers. The confidence you build and the problem-solving skills you get in different environments is also valuable.
Get help to those who need it.
Locums work allows you to work all over, and that includes rural and underserved communities. Locums can be a great opportunity to serve a vulnerable patient population or area without having to make radical changes in your life. You won’t have to leave your job, as opposed to volunteering, and your contract can allow you to do it for varying lengths of time.Â
The kind of clinician you want to be.
For those early in their career, locum tenens presents a unique opportunity to work in medicine before deciding on a career path or practice area. Still thinking about that fellowship? Locums work will allow you to work and leave on your schedule without a resume gap or having to explain why you left a job as an attending. Some clinicians even decide that the locums life is just fine for them and make an entire career out of it.Â
What are common misconceptions?
While the benefits are compelling, some myths still surround locum tenens work. Let’s clear up the most common misunderstandings.Â
Myth
Locums is only for retirees.
Fact
Locum tenens attracts clinicians across all career stages. While some seasoned professionals use locums to transition into retirement, new graduates increasingly embrace it as a strategic entry point into practice. For early-career clinicians, locums offers flexibility to explore different settings, gain diverse experience, and avoid long-term commitments before choosing a permanent role. Mid-career professionals often leverage locums to balance family priorities, pursue specialized training, or supplement income without sacrificing autonomy.
Myth
It's unstable or risky.
Fact
The locum tenens market is robust and expanding, driven by persistent provider shortages and rising demand for coverage in hospitals, clinics, and telehealth. Reputable agencies mitigate risk by offering structured contracts, credentialing support, malpractice coverage, and continuity planning. Many clinicians report that locums provides more predictability than traditional employment because assignments are clearly defined, compensation is transparent, and scheduling is negotiated upfront.
Myth
You can't build a career on locums.
Fact
Thousands of clinicians have built sustainable, long-term careers in locum tenens. This model offers unique advantages:Â
Variety: Exposure to multiple practice environments sharpens clinical skills and broadens professional networks.Â
Autonomy:Â Clinicians control when, where, and how they work, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction.Â
Financial Benefits: Competitive pay rates, tax-deductible travel expenses, and the ability to optimize workload can result in higher annual earnings compared to traditional employment.Â
For many, locums is not a stopgap. It’s a deliberate career choice aligned with lifestyle and professional goals.Â
Myth
Locum work lacks professional development.
Fact
Locum tenens fosters growth through real-world diversity. Clinicians adapt to varied workflows, technologies, and patient populations, building resilience and leadership skills. Exposure to different organizational cultures enhances cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving. These experiences translate into competencies highly valued in permanent roles, including adaptability, cultural competence, and systems thinking.
With a clearer understanding of what locum tenens is and what locum tenens isn’t, let’s talk about compensation and what you can realistically expect to earn.Â
What will I earn as a locums clinician?
Locum tenens compensation varies by specialty, region, and urgency. Rates are typically higher than permanent roles due to the temporary nature and flexibility required.Â
Most assignments are paid by the hour, especially when the role involves direct patient care. But the structure isn’t one-size-fits-all. Â
You might see a separate hourly rate for clinical hours and a lower rate for on-call time, or a flat daily rate that blends both. Some contracts switch to a higher clinical rate if you’re called in for more than a set number of hours. Each contract is tailored to the assignment, and it’s important to understand how your time is valued. Â
Locum tenens agencies may offer travel, lodging, and some may provide bonuses for urgent or extended assignments. Negotiation levers include location, shift type, duration, and specialty demand.Â
Because most locum tenens roles are structured as independent contracts, it’s important to understand how your financial setup will differ from traditional employment.Â
What does it mean to be a 1099 contractor?
Most locum clinicians work as independent contractors receiving Form 1099. You will be responsible for paying federal, state, and self-employment taxes. Unlike traditional employees, these taxes are not automatically deducted from your income throughout the year. It is suggested to set aside a percentage of your income to cover these taxes by the filing deadline in April. Â
We strongly recommend working with a CPA familiar with 1099 physician taxes, especially if you work in multiple states. A tax expert can help you manage income, deductions, and quarterly payments, while also guiding you through non-resident state taxes, state income tax obligations, and other multi-state tax tips that may apply to your assignments.Â
This section provides general information related to locum tenens. It is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult with a professional tax advisor or accountant to receive advice specific to your circumstances. Â
How can I prepare for my first assignment?
Taking a moment to prepare before your next locums role can transform your experience from good to great. Work with your consultant to ensure all necessary licenses and credentials are up to date and accessible. Familiarize yourself with the specifics of your assignment, such as the location, the facility, and the expectations laid out for you in the job description. Â
A thorough plan not only ensures peace of mind but allows you to fully experience the opportunity. Our dedicated travel team will provide you with a digital itinerary so you can stay on track throughout your journey. However, we also recommend you keep a physical copy just in case you lose access to the digital version. Here are a few key items to have written down:
- Recruiter’s contact information  Â
- Hospital administrator’s contact information  Â
- Flight information  Â
- Rental car confirmation  Â
- Lodging confirmation  Â
- Important addresses
On your first day, take the initiative to meet everyone in your new workplace including peers, supervisors, and other medical colleagues. Taking the time to greet your new colleagues, whether it’s a smile, a handshake, or simply learning a few names, sets the tone for collaboration. In many settings, your presence isn’t just appreciated; it’s needed. Small actions can help shift team dynamics, strengthen morale, and remind you that you are making a difference.Â
Treat every assignment like a partnership. The facility depends on you to step in and support care delivery, and you rely on them to provide a clear structure. When both sides approach the work with mutual respect, strong communication, and shared goals, the assignment becomes more than filling a role. It becomes a meaningful part of your long-term career story.Â
What are challenges of working locums?
Even with careful planning, locum tenens work comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s look at how to navigate them effectively.Â
Budgeting for success.
Because you will be working as an independent contractor, you will need to manage your finances, plan for retirement, and provide your own benefits. A careful budget will help you navigate income variability. You have the advantage of writing off most of your travel and work-related expenses. Keeping detailed records of your expenses is crucial for maximizing deductions and reducing taxable income. Examples of deductible expenses may include:Â
- Housing, travel, and meals not covered by your agency.Â
- Continuing education and licenses.Â
- Scrubs and white coats.Â
- Work-related equipment.Â
Organizing your receipts and maintaining a record of your expenses will make filing taxes a much smoother process. There are various apps and tools available to help track and categorize your expenses. Â
Investing in your future.
Planning for retirement is especially vital. Depending on your situation, you may want to open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a Roth IRA, or a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP). Each of these accounts has its advantages to help you build your financial future. Consulting a financial advisor will help you learn about the tax advantages of these accounts and build a secure financial future.Â
Adapting to new environments.
To fully integrate into each new environment, you need to balance two things: the confidence to lead and the curiosity to learn. You bring clinical expertise and experience to the table, but each assignment is also a fresh opportunity to grow.Â
Show up with humility, professionalism, and a clear intention to contribute. Ask thoughtful questions. Observe how the team works before stepping in. Your ability to adapt quickly doesn’t mean knowing everything, it means being willing to understand and align with what is already in motion. This mindset earns respect fast and helps smooth transitions for the entire team.Â
How do I decide on a locums agency?
Selecting the right locums agency can significantly impact your career and personal life. A reliable agency goes beyond offering diverse job opportunities; it provides consistent support, transparent communication, and a genuine understanding of your needs. The right agency will listen to your preferences and prioritize your well-being, ensuring you feel valued and respected. Choosing a reputable locums agency partner that aligns with your career goals and values can enhance your locum tenens experience, helping you achieve a fulfilling, balanced lifestyle.Â
Key values in a locums agency.
When evaluating locums agencies, honesty and integrity should be your guiding principles. Partnering with an agency that values transparency means you’ll receive clear, upfront information about contracts, job expectations, and compensation. Look for agencies with positive testimonials from other clinicians and a track record of ethical practices. A trustworthy agency will communicate openly, addressing questions or concerns directly and promptly. This level of transparency ensures that you enter every assignment with a complete understanding, avoiding any surprises that could disrupt your experience.Â
Responsiveness and support from your agency.
A leading locum tenens agency values clinicians by actively listening and incorporating their feedback. Responsiveness in communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring a positive experience. Look for agencies that maintain consistent contact, provide timely updates on job opportunities, and address any questions or concerns you have. An approachable and supportive team can make a significant difference, helping at every stage of your assignment. Â
The role of NALTO®.
Choosing a locum tenens staffing company affiliated with The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations  (NALTO) ensures you are partnering with an agency committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional excellence.Â
Established in 2001, NALTO enforces specific industry standards and guidelines, ensuring that agencies uphold a strict code of ethics. This commitment to upholding rigorous standards helps protect clinicians from potential pitfalls, such as unclear contracts or unrealistic job expectations. When you choose a NALTO-affiliated agency, you are assured of a partnership grounded in integrity, with clear communication and dependable support.
How does the application and credentialing process work?
Unlike permanent positions, where a single application may suffice for one hospital system or facility, locum tenens assignments often require multiple facility-specific applications with varying processes. Ask the locums agency you’re working with what kind of support they offer for this and if they have someone who can act as a single point of contact, streamlining requests and avoiding repetitive paperwork. Â
Essential documentation.
Before starting your credentialing, you should gather all your essential documents such as: Â
- Updated CV  Â
- Medical school and postgraduate training certificates Â
- State medical license(s) Â
- Driver’s license or passport Â
- Malpractice insurance Certificates of Insurance (COIs) Â
- DEA registration Â
- Board certification(s) Â
Having these organized in a digital folder or cloud drive will significantly speed up onboarding.
Keep the process moving.
Timelines vary by specialty and facility, but plan on 30-60 days for your credentialing process. There are ways to expedite the process if a facility needs you urgently, but provider responsiveness is key. Be ready to promptly answer calls and emails to keep the process moving.Â
Here’s what you can do to accelerate your credentialing: Â
- Engage actively. Answer texts, calls, and emails promptly. Your agency point of contact works hard to keep things moving. Â
- Give references a heads-up. Let peers know we’ll be reaching out for verification. Â
- Stay honest and transparent. Disclose any past legal, licensing, or malpractice issues. They’ll come up in background checks and trying to hide them only delays things. Â
- Keep documents updated. Maintain a digital folder and keep licenses renewed.
Take the next step with Jackson and Coker.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and explore exciting new opportunities? We will help you find a role that aligns with what you are looking for, no matter what length of assignment you want. Your journey towards a more flexible and rewarding career starts here! Â
