What are the benefits of working locum tenens? Being a locum tenens professional for many can mean freedom – to travel, to have a flexible schedule, to gain a wider skill set, to make extra income, to live in different parts of the country or try different practice settings, and to avoid administrative duties.

As a locum tenens physician or advanced practitioner, you’ll fill a position at a facility when the permanent doctor or nurse is on leave or until a new one is hired. You might also provide extra coverage during peak seasons or work shorter assignments to cover for vacations. Assignments can range from a few days to many months, but every assignment you take is completely up to you.

Here are some reasons to choose locum tenens work:

• You’re just starting your career and want to decide where you want to live and what kind of practice you’d like to pursue.
• You’re retiring from your permanent practice but still want to practice medicine to earn extra income and keep your skills current.
• You enjoy traveling the world and need the flexibility of choosing when you want to work.
• You like the idea of helping patients in underserved areas where healthcare providers are greatly needed.  
• You want an opportunity to earn extra income by picking up coverage in addition to your full-time practice.
• You love helping patients – but hate the paperwork and administrative responsibilities. 
• You love change, and the idea of working a new city every few weeks or few months is exciting for you.
• You want to try out a job in a new practice or locations by taking on a locums-to-permanent position.