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Learn how to streamline your locum tenens taxes with our detailed guide to independent contractor duties.
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A Guide to Locum Tenens Licensing and Credentialing 
Whether you’re an experienced physician seeking more flexibility, a recent graduate dipping your toes into locums work for the first time, or a practitioner ready to explore another state, the credentialing and licensing process can feel like uncharted territory.   In this guide, we’ll walk through the core components of the application and credentialing journey with practical advice, key items, and what kind of support you should look for from a locums company.   Multiple facilities, multiple applications, one contact. 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. You’ll want to ask the locums company 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.   What documents should you have ready? Before starting your credentialing, you should gather all your essential documents such as:  Updated CV   Medical school and postgraduate training certificates  State medical license(s)  Driver’s license or passport  Malpractice insurance Certificates of Insurance (COIs)  DEA registration  Board certification(s)  Having these organized in a digital folder or cloud drive will significantly speed up onboarding.   What slows things down? Some common documentation mistakes include:  Skimming yes/no attestation questions and answering incorrectly  Submitting outdated CVs or licenses  Forgetting to disclose past malpractice cases or disciplinary actions  Be thorough, be honest, and double-check before you submit. These steps help prevent delays later in the process.  Why renew licenses? The most efficient way to keep your career moving is to keep your licenses active, especially in states where you may want to return for future assignments. Reinstating a lapsed license can be more expensive and time-consuming than a simple renewal.  If you’re practicing in compact license states, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) can streamline multistate licensure, provided you meet criteria such as board certification and a clean record.  How long does credentialing take? 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. Your role in making it smoother. Here’s what you can do to accelerate your credentialing:  Engage actively. Answer texts, calls, and emails promptly. Your agency point of contact works hard to keep things moving.  Give references a heads-up. Let peers know we’ll be reaching out for verification.  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.  Keep documents updated. Maintain a digital folder and keep licenses renewed.  Partner with Jackson and Coker Locum Tenens When you choose locum tenens with Jackson and Coker, your recruiting consultant will take the time to get to know your interests to match you with healthcare organizations that align with your professional ambitions and personal priorities. We offer customized opportunities based on medical specialty and work preferences, including options for telehealth and government positions. We’re not just here to file paperwork, we’re here to make your life easier:  We pre-fill applications.   We chase down references, verifications, and school transcripts.   We coordinate background checks and license lookups.   We work with your schedule and preferred method of communication — email, call, text, you name it.   We offer 24/7 on-call support during travel or emergencies.   Our team is your partner from first conversation to final placement—and beyond.  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! 
advanced-practitioner-writing-on-board
The Benefits of Adding a Locums Nurse Practitioner to Your Staff
Learn how integrating nurse practitioners in your staff can save costs and bring versatility to your team.
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Choosing Your Next Locum Tenens Travel Destination
Where will locum tenens travel take you? Take our quiz to learn your ideal destination when searching for your next travel locum assignment.
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My Experience as a Locum Tenens Physician
Dr. Danielle McCarthur shares her journey from private practice to a flexible locum tenens career.
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Your Exclusive Guide to Physician Job Search Tips
Polishing your physician CV, what to ask your recruiter, and more.
Physician wraps bandage around patient's wrist.
Signs You Should Consider a Career Transition to Locums
What is locum tenens work and is it right for you? Here are signs you may be ready for a physician career transition to locums.
Post Residency Career
What Comes After Residency?
Many physicians leave their first position out of residency within two years. What comes next? Learn how locum tenens can be a solution.
Female physician using tablet and laptop
Locum Tenens 101: Quick Start Guide
What drives physicians and advanced practitioners to embrace locum tenens? Discover the benefits and learn how you can get started today.
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Strategic Locum Staffing Supports Your Goals
Unlock efficiency in healthcare staffing: faster provider onboarding, improved care delivery, and minimized workforce challenges.
Hospital administrator at desk with paperwork
Selecting the Right Locum Tenens Partner
Discover tips for choosing a locum tenens staffing company that partners with your healthcare facility and prioritizes your staffing needs.
Doctor high fives patient
Benefits of Working Locum Tenens
Curious about locums but unsure of the benefits for physicians and advanced practitioners? Discover what locum tenens work can offer you.
Staff schedule on bulletin board
Stop the Coverage Scramble with Proactive Locums Management
Discover how the locum tenens staffing model can transform your reactive hospital staffing scramble into a proactive strategy.
Group of three physicians performing surgery
Locum Tenens for Late-Career Clinicians
Discover how locum tenens fits seamlessly into your physician retirement plan for a fulfilling, flexible career transition.
Load More
Physician speaking on cell phone
A Guide to Locum Tenens Licensing and Credentialing 
Whether you’re an experienced physician seeking more flexibility, a recent graduate dipping your toes into locums work for the first time, or a practitioner ready to explore another state, the credentialing and licensing process can feel like uncharted territory.   In this guide, we’ll walk through the core components of the application and credentialing journey with practical advice, key items, and what kind of support you should look for from a locums company.   Multiple facilities, multiple applications, one contact. 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. You’ll want to ask the locums company 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.   What documents should you have ready? Before starting your credentialing, you should gather all your essential documents such as:  Updated CV   Medical school and postgraduate training certificates  State medical license(s)  Driver’s license or passport  Malpractice insurance Certificates of Insurance (COIs)  DEA registration  Board certification(s)  Having these organized in a digital folder or cloud drive will significantly speed up onboarding.   What slows things down? Some common documentation mistakes include:  Skimming yes/no attestation questions and answering incorrectly  Submitting outdated CVs or licenses  Forgetting to disclose past malpractice cases or disciplinary actions  Be thorough, be honest, and double-check before you submit. These steps help prevent delays later in the process.  Why renew licenses? The most efficient way to keep your career moving is to keep your licenses active, especially in states where you may want to return for future assignments. Reinstating a lapsed license can be more expensive and time-consuming than a simple renewal.  If you’re practicing in compact license states, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) can streamline multistate licensure, provided you meet criteria such as board certification and a clean record.  How long does credentialing take? 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. Your role in making it smoother. Here’s what you can do to accelerate your credentialing:  Engage actively. Answer texts, calls, and emails promptly. Your agency point of contact works hard to keep things moving.  Give references a heads-up. Let peers know we’ll be reaching out for verification.  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.  Keep documents updated. Maintain a digital folder and keep licenses renewed.  Partner with Jackson and Coker Locum Tenens When you choose locum tenens with Jackson and Coker, your recruiting consultant will take the time to get to know your interests to match you with healthcare organizations that align with your professional ambitions and personal priorities. We offer customized opportunities based on medical specialty and work preferences, including options for telehealth and government positions. We’re not just here to file paperwork, we’re here to make your life easier:  We pre-fill applications.   We chase down references, verifications, and school transcripts.   We coordinate background checks and license lookups.   We work with your schedule and preferred method of communication — email, call, text, you name it.   We offer 24/7 on-call support during travel or emergencies.   Our team is your partner from first conversation to final placement—and beyond.  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! 
advanced-practitioner-writing-on-board
The Benefits of Adding a Locums Nurse Practitioner to Your Staff
Learn how integrating nurse practitioners in your staff can save costs and bring versatility to your team.
Traveling Doctor
Choosing Your Next Locum Tenens Travel Destination
Where will locum tenens travel take you? Take our quiz to learn your ideal destination when searching for your next travel locum assignment.
DrMcCarthur-1
My Experience as a Locum Tenens Physician
Dr. Danielle McCarthur shares her journey from private practice to a flexible locum tenens career.
000000815_DoctorAtDesk_RGB_low
Your Exclusive Guide to Physician Job Search Tips
Polishing your physician CV, what to ask your recruiter, and more.
Physician wraps bandage around patient's wrist.
Signs You Should Consider a Career Transition to Locums
What is locum tenens work and is it right for you? Here are signs you may be ready for a physician career transition to locums.
Post Residency Career
What Comes After Residency?
Many physicians leave their first position out of residency within two years. What comes next? Learn how locum tenens can be a solution.
Female physician using tablet and laptop
Locum Tenens 101: Quick Start Guide
What drives physicians and advanced practitioners to embrace locum tenens? Discover the benefits and learn how you can get started today.
000000798_DrLookingatScans
Strategic Locum Staffing Supports Your Goals
Unlock efficiency in healthcare staffing: faster provider onboarding, improved care delivery, and minimized workforce challenges.
Hospital administrator at desk with paperwork
Selecting the Right Locum Tenens Partner
Discover tips for choosing a locum tenens staffing company that partners with your healthcare facility and prioritizes your staffing needs.
Doctor high fives patient
Benefits of Working Locum Tenens
Curious about locums but unsure of the benefits for physicians and advanced practitioners? Discover what locum tenens work can offer you.
Staff schedule on bulletin board
Stop the Coverage Scramble with Proactive Locums Management
Discover how the locum tenens staffing model can transform your reactive hospital staffing scramble into a proactive strategy.
Group of three physicians performing surgery
Locum Tenens for Late-Career Clinicians
Discover how locum tenens fits seamlessly into your physician retirement plan for a fulfilling, flexible career transition.
Load More

Connect With Us

Need licensing support? Ask our experts.

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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 photo 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.

Headshot photo of Anne Anderson

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. Her passion for innovation has also led her to be named to Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2024 Global Power 150 Women in Staffing list. SIA recognizes Anne for easing the administrative burdens of healthcare workers through the implementation of state-of-the-art credentialing technology within the customer care team at Jackson and Coker.

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.