Locum tenens — Latin for “to hold the place” — refers to temporary assignments where healthcare professionals fill in for others who are absent or when a facility is short-staffed. These roles can range from a few days to several months and span across every medical specialty and care setting.
1. How Locum Tenens Works
Healthcare facilities contract with locum agencies to quickly fill open positions. These agencies then connect with qualified providers — physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, CRNAs, and more — who are licensed and credentialed to step into the role. Assignments can be local or nationwide, urban or rural.
2. Why Providers Are Embracing Locums
More clinicians than ever are turning to locum tenens for its unique benefits:
- Flexibility: Choose when and where you want to work.
- Higher Income: Locum providers often earn more per shift than permanent staff.
- Travel: Explore new regions and healthcare systems without long-term commitments.
- Less Burnout: Control your schedule and workload more intentionally.
3. Who It’s Right For
Locum tenens is ideal for a wide range of professionals, including:
- New graduates looking to explore different settings before settling down
- Retiring clinicians who still want to practice occasionally
- Providers between permanent roles or seeking a career reset
- Adventurous clinicians looking to travel while working
4. What You’ll Need to Get Started
To begin working locum tenens, you’ll typically need:
- Licensure in the state(s) where you want to work
- Updated CV and references
- Malpractice insurance (often provided by the agency)
- Completed credentialing paperwork for each facility
Agencies help streamline this process and often offer licensing support and travel assistance.
5. The Impact on Healthcare
Locum tenens professionals are vital to maintaining continuity of care. They support underserved communities, reduce provider burnout, and fill staffing gaps during seasonal spikes, vacations, and provider shortages. Many rural and critical-access hospitals rely heavily on locums to remain operational.
Conclusion
Locum tenens offers a rewarding path for healthcare professionals who want more control, variety, and adventure in their careers. It’s more than just a temporary gig — it’s a lifestyle choice that can expand your clinical experience, grow your network, and reignite your passion for medicine.
Thinking about giving locums a try? Odyssey Locums is here to guide you every step of the way.