What Is Locum Tenens
Locum tenens is a Latin term meaning “to hold the place of” or “to substitute for.” The concept dates
back to the early 1970s, when a federal grant was awarded to the University of Utah to staff rural health
clinics in underserved areas of the western United States. The program was so effective that demand
grew, and locum tenens staffing quickly became a valuable solution for healthcare facilities nationwide.
Today, thousands of professionals—including physicians, CRNAs, PAs, NPs, psychiatrists, psychologists,
and social workers—take locum tenens assignments through staffing agencies
Is Locum Tenens Right for You?
Whether you’re just out of residency, mid-career, or semi-retired, locum tenens can offer the flexibility and freedom you’re looking for. You can choose how often you work, where you go, and what types of roles you take on.
Most locum tenens agencies cover travel costs, lodging, and malpractice insurance. They also provide support teams for credentialing and logistics to make your transition to each new assignment seamless
Benefits include:
- Test drive different roles before committing to a permanent position.
- Earn supplemental income to help pay off student loans or boost your savings.
- Maintain a flexible schedule—you decide when and where you work.
- Combine work with travel, even bringing your family along.
- Network with peers and expand your professional connections.
- Explore new locations across the country or even internationally.
- Help underserved communities gain better access to healthcare.
- Gain clinical experience without the stress of managing a private practice.
- Improve work-life balance on your terms.
Why Use a Locum Tenens Agency?
Established firms like RecruitWell handle the administrative burden, allowing you to focus on providing excellent patient care. Their services often include:
- Contract negotiation with hospitals and practices
- Malpractice insurance coverage
- Licensing assistance for new states
- Credentialing with healthcare facilities
- Travel and housing arrangements
- Weekly direct deposit payments
Choosing the Right Locum Tenens Agency
There are over 100 locum tenens companies in the U.S., but not all offer the same level of service. Reputable agencies often belong to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO®), which holds members to high industry standards.
Ask these questions when evaluating an agency:
- How long has the agency been in business?
- Do they have strong relationships with both clients and providers?
- What types of assignments and locations do they offer?
- Is malpractice insurance included?
Working With an Agency
Here are a few tips for managing your locum tenens career:
- Build relationships with one or two trusted agencies.
- Be clear with your recruiter about your preferences.
- Keep paperwork and licenses up to date.
- Maintain at least five active state licenses, if possible.
- Keep references current and readily available.
- Track which agencies present you for each opportunity.
- Hold on to your malpractice Certificate of Insurance (COI).
Creating a Standout CV
Your curriculum vitae (CV) is key to landing assignments. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Put the most essential info on the first page.
- List all locum and permanent roles, including month/year.
- Keep your license and certification info current.
- Highlight areas of specialization.
- Place research, publications, and posters at the end.
- Always double-check for spelling and formatting errors.
Getting Started as a 1099 Independent Contractor
As a locum tenens provider, you’ll likely be working as a 1099 independent contractor. That means you’re responsible for your own taxes and benefits.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Meet with an accountant before accepting assignments.
- Consider forming an LLC for tax advantages.
- Budget for quarterly tax payments.
- Secure your own health, disability, and life insurance.
- Plan ahead for unpaid time off (vacation, sick days).
- Stay organized—use apps, spreadsheets, or even a simple shoebox
