Locum tenens in the United States
When we say “domestic,” we’re talking about the United States. Put simply, domestic locum tenens assignments are opportunities for physicians to practice medicine on a temporary basis throughout the United States.
Whether you are fresh out of residency, transitioning between permanent roles, supplementing income, or simply seeking greater flexibility, Global Medical Staffing exists to simplify every part of the process. From discussing if locums is right for you to completing your first assignment, we are there to walk you through every step of the process and handle all of the logistics.
And make no mistake, locums comes with a lot of logistics. Licensing. Credentialing. Travel. Housing. Contracts. Malpractice. We don’t recommend going at it alone. Understanding locum tenens medical licensing requirements, timelines, and documentation is just one example of why having experienced guidance matters.
Domestic locum tenens basics
Assignments may range from short-term coverage needs to ongoing placements. Really, it’s whatever the facility needs, or whatever you’re willing to commit to. These opportunities exist in just about every situation you can imagine, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health centers, you name it.
When it comes to locums, you’re in the driver’s seat. Physicians can select assignments based on their availability, preferred locations, and scope of practice. Some work locum tenens as a full-time career, while others practice it on the side of their full-time roles. It’s also an excellent opportunity for those who don’t want to fully retire quite yet.
Why do physicians choose domestic locum tenens?
Income flexibility
Locum tenens assignments can provide competitive compensation and allow physicians to supplement income, knock out debt faster, or fill time between jobs.Schedule control
This is a big one. Physicians can accept assignments that match their availability, whether that means a few weeks at a time or longer-term commitments.Get paid to travel
Locum tenens allows physicians to experience different parts of the country without committing to permanent relocation, often with coordinated locum tenens housing arrangements that make temporary stays easy.Experience new facilities
Working in new facilities gives physicians a chance to be exposed to different patient populations—many of which are in high need—as well as new clinical systems, broadening experience, and giving a fresh perspective.
So what does Global Medical Staffing do for me?
As you can imagine, locums comes with a lot of logistics which take a lot of know-how. Going at it alone would be almost impossible. Global Medical Staffing exists to walk you through and handle every step of the process.
We believe you should focus on the adventure and providing care, while we focus on getting you there. That’s the foundation of our locum tenens recruiter support and process.
Dedicated Global Medical Staffing recruiter.
It all starts with your recruiter. Your go-to person who will be there from the beginning to the end, who will walk you through the whole process, A-Z. They will be your primary point of contact, find you jobs, help you land the job, guide you through the licensing, and that’s just the beginning.Licensing support
Medical licensing requirements vary by state. We’ll help guide you through the licensing process, including understanding state requirements, preparing documentation, and coordinating timelines so you can begin your assignment as smoothly as possible. Physicians who hold a license in an IMLC-member state have a quicker and more streamlined pathway to licensure in other member states.Credentialing coordination
Global Medical Staffing assists with gathering documentation, verifying qualifications, meeting hospital privileging requirements, and providing clear timelines. We’ve been doing this for years, and we know how to get it done quickly. This helps streamline what can otherwise be a time-consuming process.Malpractice coverage
Malpractice insurance is provided for every assignment you take with Global Medical Staffing. We will walk you through the provisions of your coverage so you understand exactly how you’re protected and what your policy includes.Travel and housing logistics.
When assignments require travel, Global Medical Staffing coordinates flights, rental cars, mileage reimbursement, and housing accommodations. This reduces a lot of logistical complexity.
To get start exploring locum tenens opportunities with Global Medical Staffing, create an account on the MyGlobal web portal.
How does locum tenens pay work?
Locums typically pays more
Domestic locum tenens assignments generally pay more, on average, than most traditional, full-time, permanent roles in the United States. These positions are in high demand, making them both lucrative and an excellent opportunity to help patients in need.Factors that influence pay
Compensation for domestic locum tenens assignments is typically structured around an agreed-upon hourly or daily rate. Of course, this is affected by factors such as specialty, assignment location, patient volume, schedule, and call responsibilities. Before accepting an assignment, your recruiter will clearly outline the rate and expected workload so you understand exactly what to expect.How and when you get paid
Physicians working with us are paid weekly via direct deposit after submitting their timesheets through the MyGlobal portal. Because locum tenens physicians typically work as independent contractors, they manage their own tax withholdings.Additional compensation
In addition to base pay, many assignments include complimentary travel and housing, and malpractice coverage is provided for work performed during the assignment, in addition to tail coverage. These benefits can really add up.
How to choose the right assignment?
As you can imagine, each locum tenens opportunity is completely different. When evaluating assignments, physicians should consider:
Type of facility and practice setting
Expected patient load and acuity
On-call responsibilities
Schedule and shift structures
Location, location, location
Assignment duration
Onsite or telehealth options
Don’t worry. You pick the where, we’ll handle the how. Your recruiter will search for jobs based on what works for you, and you will be presented with options to choose from. You’ll always be in charge of deciding if you want to apply.
Domestic vs international locums
DOMESTIC LOCUMS
Licensing requirements:
State medical board licensing
Credentialing Timeline:
Weeks to months, typically faster than international
Travel logistics:
Travel and housing support for domestic locum tenens
Experience:
Practice in different U.S. communities and facilities
Locations:
All 50 states
INTERNATIONAL LOCUMS
Licensing requirements:
International locum tenens licensing and visas processes
Credentialing Timeline:
Longer lead times due to foreign requirements
Travel logistics:
Travel and housing support international locum tenens
Experience:
Practice in all-new healthcare systems and cultures
Locations:
New Zealand, Australia, the Carribean, Canada, the Pacific Islands & more
Ready to start a new adventure?
So are we. Get in touch with a Global Medical Staffing recruiter to start exploring what’s out there, or simply explore the idea of domestic locums and if it’s right for you.
International locum tenens
Want to take locum tenens even further? We don’t call ourselves Global Medical Staffing for nothing. We are the largest international locums staffing agency in the U.S., and we have opportunities around the globe.
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