Learning Locums

What you need to know about working locum tenens.

Locum tenens is Latin for “to hold the place of or substitute for.” As an advanced practitioner working in locums, you have the power to bring care to communities in need while embracing a work-life balance tailored just for you. On this page, you’ll learn how locum tenens works and the advantages it can add to your life.

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Explore Your Options

We understand the reasons for exploring locums tenens options are unique. Whether you are searching for freedom, clinical experience, travel, or work-life balance – we have the right opportunities for you.

The Locum Tenens Licensing Process

Navigate locum tenens licensing. View state licensing turn-time on our licensing map and read answers to frequently asked questions.


The Locum Tenens Credentialing Process

We’re your dedicated guide throughout the credentialing process. Click to learn what you can expect with locum tenens credentialing.

Filing locum taxes

Locum Tenens Taxes

Learn the four simple steps to filing your locum tenens taxes a 1099 independent contractor.





telehealth pay

Cost of Living Calculator

Considering locum tenens travel assignments? Use this cost of living calculator to compare how far your pay will go in other cities and states across the U.S.

What does a locum tenens assignment look like?

A Latin phrase meaning “to hold the place of another,” locum tenens refers to the growing industry of temporary healthcare staffing where health professionals contract with medical facilities and locums companies for an interim period. Working as a locums physician or advanced practitioner includes a wide range of temporary healthcare opportunities, such as filling in for those on leave, helping to start a new service line, or supporting understaffed hospitals during a busy period.

Many types of facilities now use locums staffing, including urgent care centers, community care centers, private practices, and even governmental groups. It is estimated that over 90% of healthcare facilities use locum tenens as part of their workforce management.

Each assignment varies, but most range from a few weeks to a few months. Some assignments can be indefinite or as short as a few days, though these are less common. 

We typically fill roles two to three months in advance, depending upon the time it takes to obtain any necessary privileges. There are occasional positions available that don’t require privileges or have a shorter privileging turnaround

Each facility may have its own individual requirements, but our privileging and verification team can assist you with the process. There are two general requirements:

  • You must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
  • You must have an active medical license in the state of the assignment.

It varies widely by facility, but is primarily affected by three factors:

  • The medical specialty of the locums need.
  • The response time of any state boards that may need to approve licensing.
  • The response time of the physician or advanced practitioner. The best way to speed up this process is to have all your documents ready to go and respond to your recruitment team promptly.

Locums positions are available in virtually all specialties, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, surgery, pediatric medicine, occupational health, and more. You can even find opportunities within telehealth as a locums provider.

Working as a locum tenens professional offers many benefits beyond those of full-time roles, including better work-life balance, greater flexibility, the chance to experience new specialties or new areas of the country, and more. Learn more about the benefits of working locum tenens.

Because locums roles are contracted, they don’t offer the same features as a full-time employee role. They are short-term in nature, and like many contract roles, they do not include employment benefits. Locums also frequently means traveling to other locations. While traveling is typically seen as a benefit, if you don’t want to travel, ask about opportunities in telehealth or in your local area.

A Partnership that Cares

Exclusive locum tenens partnership with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

Headshot of Maggie Youmans

Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

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Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson and Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.