Locum tenens work offers physicians greater control over their schedule and location without sacrificing their medical career. By following a clear plan, you can transition into locum tenens practice smoothly. Let’s break down the steps to become a locum tenens physician and answer common questions along the way.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Locum Tenens Physician
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a locum tenens physician. This section walks you through the practical milestones – from meeting qualifications to finding the right agency and getting credentialed. Follow these steps to launch your locum tenens career successfully:
Step 1: Fulfill Your Medical Qualifications and Training
To work as a locum tenens physician, you must meet the same qualifications required for any independent medical practice. That includes:
- Medical Degree (MD or DO): You must graduate from an accredited medical school. Locum roles are available across nearly all specialties, so your training should align with your field.
- Residency (and Fellowship if Needed): Completion of a residency program is required, with fellowship training optional depending on your specialty. Many locum positions accept newly trained physicians who are fully licensed and board eligible.
- Board Certification or Eligibility: While not always required, most hospitals and clinics prefer board-certified or board-eligible doctors. Being certified increases your options and marketability.
- Active Medical License: You must hold a valid, unrestricted license in the state where you plan to work. If you’re considering assignments in multiple states, look into applying through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) to simplify the process.
Step 2: Plan Your Locum Tenens Career
Before starting applications, clearly outline your goals and preferences for locum tenens work. This planning ensures assignments match your needs and increases satisfaction in your locums career. Consider these key points:
Full-Time vs. Part-Time:
Decide whether you’ll pursue locums as your primary career or as supplemental work. Some physicians choose full-time locums, moving from one assignment to the next year-round, while others prefer occasional assignments for extra income or to fill employment gaps. Clarifying this early helps staffing agencies find roles matching your availability.
Preferred Locations:
Determine your geographic flexibility. Decide if you’re open to assignments nationwide or prefer specific regions or states. List any states of interest and ensure you have or can acquire required licenses. It’s helpful to identify the type of communities you prefer—rural, urban, or suburban—as locum positions are available in a variety of settings.
Assignment Length and Schedule:
Establish your preferred assignment duration. Options range from short-term (a weekend or week-long coverage) to longer-term assignments (several months). Also, decide on your ideal schedule, such as block scheduling (7-on/7-off), weekdays only, or nights. Clearly defining these preferences helps recruiters match you with suitable roles.
Practice Environment and Scope:
Reflect on the type of practice environments you prefer. Consider if you’re comfortable working alone in small clinics or rural hospitals with limited resources, or if you prefer larger hospitals with robust support teams. Additionally, outline the scope of your specialty work—for instance, your comfort level managing ICU patients or handling specific surgical caseloads. This clarity helps ensure assignments align with your clinical expertise and comfort.
Step 3: Prepare Your CV, References, and Credentials
Before contacting locum tenens agencies, ensure your professional documents are organized and current. Doing this upfront helps you respond quickly when opportunities arise. Key preparation includes:
Update Your Physician CV:
Your CV should clearly outline your education, training, work history, and relevant skills, including procedures and EMR systems. List any prior locum or moonlighting experience, and address any employment gaps, as hospitals review these closely. A clean, updated CV helps you stand out to prospective employers.
Gather Essential Documents:
Compile digital copies of your medical license, board certification, DEA certificate, ACLS/BLS certifications, diplomas, immunization records, NPI number, and malpractice history (if applicable). Maintaining an organized file—such as a secure online folder—simplifies credentialing and licensing applications.
Arrange Professional References:
Identify 2-3 colleagues or supervisors who can speak to your clinical skills and work ethic. Obtain their updated contact details and inform them you’ll be pursuing locum work, so they anticipate reference checks.
Prepare Health & Immunization Records:
Have records of necessary immunizations (e.g., hepatitis B, MMR, varicella), recent TB tests, or other health screenings readily available. Ensuring these are current prevents delays during hospital credentialing.
Step 4: Partner with a Locum Tenens Agency
While you can find locum tenens jobs independently, working with a trusted agency makes the process faster, smoother, and more organized. Agencies help match you with the right opportunities, handle logistics, and support you throughout each assignment.
As your agency partner, Wapiti Medical Staffing offers:
- Specialty and Regional Expertise: We focus on placing physicians and advanced practice providers in rural and underserved communities, especially across the Midwest. If you’re looking for meaningful work in these areas—or prefer a certain type of facility or schedule—we’ll connect you with assignments that align with your goals.
- End-to-End Support: We simplify every step, including:
- State license application support
- Credentialing assistance
- Malpractice coverage
- Travel and housing coordination
- 24/7 recruiter access during assignments
With Wapiti handling the details, you can focus on what matters most—caring for patients.
- A Collaborative Relationship: Once partnered with Wapiti, you’ll work directly with a dedicated recruiter. They’ll get to know your preferences and present positions that fit your schedule, specialty, and comfort level. You’ll also submit your CV, credentials, and references (from Step 3), so we’re ready to act quickly when the right opportunity comes up.
We don’t require exclusivity, and we understand that you may explore multiple options—but when you work with Wapiti, you’ll know you’re supported every step of the way.
Step 5: Explore Locum Tenens Opportunities and Interviews
With your documents ready and your agency partner in place, it’s time to review job opportunities and prepare for interviews.
- Review Job Matches
Your recruiter will begin sending assignments that fit your specialty, licenses, location preferences, and availability. Each listing typically includes:- Facility type and location
- Start date and assignment length
- Schedule and shift details
- Patient volume and any specific requirements
- Compensation and travel arrangements
Look over each opportunity carefully and ask questions before agreeing to be submitted.
- Participate in Facility Interviews
If the facility is interested, they may request a short phone or video interview. These are usually informal conversations with a medical director or lead physician. Be prepared to:- Discuss your clinical background and experience
- Ask about the orientation process, support staff, and workflow
- Show enthusiasm and flexibility, as those qualities are highly valued
- Evaluate and Select Assignments
You may receive several options. Weigh factors such as:- Location and practice environment
- Schedule and duration
- Pay and travel logistics
- Overall fit with your goals and comfort level
If needed, your recruiter can help negotiate minor details like scheduling or accommodations.
- Be Proactive in the Search
You don’t have to wait for opportunities—check job boards or your agency’s portal to explore listings. If something stands out, bring it to your recruiter’s attention so they can provide more info.
Once you accept an offer, the onboarding process begins, and you’ll move one step closer to your first locum assignment.
Step 6: Complete Credentialing and Licensing Requirements
Once you accept a locum tenens assignment, there are a few final steps to complete before starting. Even as a licensed physician, each facility will require its own verification process.
1. Hospital Credentialing & Privileging
- You’ll complete a credentialing application and submit your documents (licenses, certifications, references, etc.).
- The hospital will verify your education, training, work history, and malpractice background.
- Privileges are granted based on your specialty and procedures you’re approved to perform.
- Your agency will guide the process and may pre-fill forms to speed things up.
Tip: Respond quickly to requests—delays often happen when forms or signatures are slow to arrive. Credentialing can take several weeks, so start early.
2. State Medical License (If Needed)
- You must be licensed in the state where the assignment is located.
- If you don’t already hold that license, apply as soon as possible—some states take months to process.
- Many agencies, including Wapiti Medical, assist with licensure and may expedite the process where possible.
- Some states offer temporary or expedited licenses for locum work.
3. Background Checks & Health Compliance
- Expect to complete a background check, drug screening, and identity verification.
- You may also need to provide immunization records, proof of flu or COVID vaccination, or a health attestation.
- Your agency will typically coordinate these steps with the facility.
Pro Tip: Save digital copies of everything—licenses, work history, certifications, and assignment details. Many credentialing forms require repeat information, and keeping organized will save time on future assignments.
With a good agency by your side and solid preparation, credentialing becomes smoother with each assignment.
Step 7: Review and Sign Your Locum Tenens Contract
Before starting work, you’ll need to sign a contract outlining the terms of your assignment. Review it carefully to ensure everything matches your expectations.
Key Items to Confirm:
- Dates & Duration
- Check start/end dates or recurring schedule details.
- Confirm any pre-agreed time off is documented.
- Scope of Work
- Ensure hours, call duties, procedures, and patient volume match what was discussed.
- Compensation & Covered Expenses
- Confirm pay rate and how extra shifts are handled.
- Clarify what’s included—travel, lodging, meals, malpractice coverage, etc.
- Cancellation Policy
- Understand notice requirements for early termination and any related penalties.
- Licensing & Credentialing Clauses
- Contracts may be contingent on obtaining a license or privileges. This is standard.
If anything seems unclear or incorrect, talk to your recruiter before signing. Once finalized, keep a copy of the signed contract for your records.
Step 8: Prepare for Your First Assignment and Start Working
With everything in place, it’s time to transition into your role smoothly and professionally.
1. Final Logistics
- Confirm your travel, housing, and arrival plans with your agency.
- Plan to arrive early enough to rest and settle in before your first shift.
2. Orientation
- Participate in facility onboarding—get your badge, EMR access, and system walkthrough.
- Ask questions and take notes so you can adapt quickly to their processes.
3. Meet Your Team
- Introduce yourself to staff and fellow providers.
- Be courteous, professional, and open to feedback—it builds trust fast.
4. Provide Excellent Care
- Follow facility protocols and stay flexible.
- Expect a learning curve, especially with EMRs and workflows.
- Ask for help when needed and stay focused on patient care.
5. Stay in Touch with Your Agency
- Report any issues promptly—schedule shifts, job scope changes, etc.
- Submit timesheets on time.
- If you enjoy the assignment, let your recruiter know—many facilities offer extensions.
After your first assignment, you’ll have gained experience and insight into what works best for you. Many physicians find they’re ready and excited to take on the next one.
Why Choose to Become a Locum Tenens Physician?
What draws physicians to locum tenens work? While everyone’s motivation is different, a few key benefits consistently stand out:
- Flexible Scheduling and Better Balance
With locum tenens, you control your schedule. Work as much or as little as you want, take extended breaks, and plan your career around your life—not the other way around. It’s a great fit for those who value time for family, travel, or personal interests. - Variety and Adventure
Locums gives you the chance to experience new places and practice settings. Whether you’re working in a busy urban hospital or a rural clinic, the variety keeps your work fresh and helps you grow professionally. It’s ideal for those who enjoy change and exploration. - Stronger Earning Potential
Locum positions typically offer higher hourly pay than permanent roles, making it easier to meet financial goals like paying off loans or saving for the future. Even part-time locum work can be a valuable income boost. - Less Politics, More Medicine
Locum tenens lets you focus on patient care without getting tangled in hospital bureaucracy, committee meetings, or office politics. When your shift ends, so does your responsibility—giving you more mental clarity and less stress. - Career Exploration Without Commitment
Trying out different locations and practice types through locums can help you figure out what environment suits you best—without locking into a long-term contract. It’s especially useful for early-career physicians or those considering a career change. - Stay Active on Your Terms
For semi-retired doctors or those between roles, locums provides a way to stay clinically sharp. It also allows new physicians to gain diverse experience and make a real impact in underserved areas.
Each physician’s reason for choosing locum tenens is personal, but the flexibility, earning potential, and freedom it provides are hard to beat. As Wapiti Medical notes, many doctors find it to be a career path focused on what matters most: caring for patients.
What Types of Doctors Can Work as Locum Tenens?
Nearly every medical specialty has opportunities in the locum tenens market. Hospitals and clinics rely on locum physicians to fill staffing gaps across a wide range of departments. Here are some common examples:
- Primary Care
Family medicine and internal medicine doctors are always in high demand, especially in rural or underserved areas. Pediatricians and OB/GYNs also frequently take locum assignments to cover provider leave or seasonal patient surges. - Hospital-Based Specialties
Hospitalists, emergency medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and critical care doctors are often needed. These roles tend to involve shift-based coverage, making them ideal for short-term locum work. - Specialists and Surgeons
Specialties like orthopedics, general surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, and urology also see demand. While opportunities may be more selective, physicians in high-need areas such as psychiatry and cardiology often find abundant locum assignments. Sub-specialists—like neurologists or pediatric specialists—can also find placements, particularly if they’re open to travel. - Advanced Practice Providers
Though this guide focuses on physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs also work locum tenens. You may encounter them as part of team-based care during your assignments.
Can New Physicians Work as Locum Tenens?
Yes—newly trained physicians can absolutely work locum tenens. Many start right after residency or fellowship. You don’t need decades of experience; what matters most is being licensed, board-eligible or board-certified, and ready to practice independently.
During Training
While rare, some residents or fellows take on locum shifts in their final months if their program allows moonlighting and they’re licensed. However, many hospitals and staffing agencies prefer to wait until training is complete.
Right After Residency
Going into locums immediately after training is common. It’s a way to gain real-world experience, explore different practice settings, and earn a competitive income. Some assignments may prefer candidates with a year or two of experience, but many welcome new grads—especially in high-demand specialties.
Fast Learning and Exposure
Locum work can accelerate your growth as a clinician. By rotating through different hospitals and systems, you’ll see a wide variety of patients, practice models, and workflows—helping you become more confident and adaptable early in your career.
Support and Fit
If you’re just starting out, look for a staffing agency that understands your level of experience and will help place you in well-supported environments. A good agency will also guide you through credentialing, licensing, and orientation.
Licensing Tips
Getting your state license and DEA registration in place right after training is key. If you’re planning to work in multiple states, start the application process early since timelines can vary.
In short, experience isn’t a barrier to becoming a locum tenens doctor. For many, it’s a smart first step—offering flexibility, growth, and insight into different career paths. With preparation and support, new physicians can thrive in the locum world.