How to choose a locum tenens agency

Andrew Wilner, MD, FACP, FAAN, shares tips on choosing the right locum tenens agency and agent to help you accomplish your career goals.

Locum tenens physicians take on temporary assignments at hospitals or clinics. They fill in for physicians on maternity or sick leave, vacation, or recently retired. Expanding clinics or hospitals may hire locums while they search for staff employees. Assignments typically last weeks or months and end when employed physicians fill the need. Locum tenens positions may be full or part time.

Many physicians rely on locum tenens to achieve work/life balance. I've worked locums on and off since 1982 in both clinics and hospitals, academic and community settings, part time and full time. Breaks between assignments allowed me to lead medical missions in the jungles of the Philippines, develop my nonclinical career as a medical journalist, and earn my PADI divemaster certificate.

Licensing and credentialing for locum tenens

Administrative hurdles constitute one of the most frustrating obstacles for locum tenens work. Physicians must have the appropriate state medical license, which can require months to obtain. In addition, each hospital conducts a lengthy credentialing process. Physicians must also possess Drug Enforcement Administration registration linked to each state where they prescribe controlled substances.

Get your state license faster: Learn about the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact

Finding a locum tenens job

Before jumping through these administrative hoops, the prospective locum tenens physician must find a job! Locum physicians locate assignments via word of mouth, job boards, and locum tenens agencies. No formal register of locum tenens positions exists.

Locum agencies can identify job opportunities and assist locum tenens physicians with contracts, credentialing, housing, licensing, payment, and transportation. If personal emergencies or conflicts arise during an assignment, a locum tenens staffing agent can intervene.

Selecting a locum tenens agency

About 80% of locum tenens physicians utilize staffing agencies. Choosing a locum tenens agency can be a daunting task. In my book, "The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens," I devote an entire chapter to the pros and cons of working with an agency. I've worked locums successfully both with and without an agency.

Most staffing agencies offer positions in a variety of medical specialties. Two of the largest are CompHealth and AMN. A few boutique agencies focus on specific subspecialties. One agency, Global Medical Staffing, offers both U.S. and international opportunities. Depending on your interests, a niche agency might be worth a try.

The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) provides a roster of member agencies on its website, nalto.org. If you have searched "locum tenens" online, you may already be receiving emails and phone calls from one of these agencies!

Can’t decide? Find out how the top locum tenens agencies compare

Choosing a staffing agency recruiter

All staffing agencies have the same goal — matching physicians with job opportunities. In my book, I make the analogy of staffing agencies as real estate agencies. Like in real estate, your agent's character, competence, and experience are much more important than whether they work with Century 21, ReMax, or another company.

Expert advice from an experienced recruiter

To begin, find a compatible agent. Here's advice from a senior staffing agent at a large staffing agency:

“I would choose a recruiter (or two). Talk to multiple people, but you don't have to send your CV to everyone. In five to ten minutes, you should have a good idea of whether or not you can trust this person. Trust is important. Once a doctor is on assignment, anything that goes wrong should become MY problem. My responsibility is to ensure they are paid correctly and understand timesheets. They get my cell phone in case there's a problem with lodging, flights, etc. I play many roles but view myself as more of a partner. I want to understand what motivates and drives them so that I can find the right assignment for the individual. This business has a high turnover, and knowing how long someone's been in the industry can also be very telling. Will they be there tomorrow or gone?”

When to use a staffing agency

If you are considering your first locum assignment, you may benefit from working with a staffing agency. A caring, competent, and experienced locum tenens recruiter can help you achieve a satisfying experience and well-earned paycheck. If you are already established as a locum physician, an agent can help you find the most desirable assignments. Agents can also assist in salary negotiations.

Like real estate agents, agencies charge the sellers (hospitals or clinics), not the buyers (physicians). You can even use more than one agency at a time. However, each agency has its own credentialing requirements, and every relationship consumes time and energy. Over the years, two agencies have successfully met my needs.

Work for yourself: A physician’s guide to working as an independent contractor

Getting the help you need to find a locum tenens job

Staffing agencies provide many helpful services for locum tenens physicians. For both neophyte and experienced locum docs, agencies serve as sources of new opportunities, third-party salary negotiators, and support when problems on the job occur.

If you are venturing into locum tenens for the first time, pick up the phone and discuss your goals with a few staffing agents. You'll know when you find the right one!

Interested in learning more about locum tenens? Give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view locum tenens job opportunities.