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How to Get Started in Locum Tenens

Locum tenens gives providers the chance to take on short-term assignments in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings that need extra support. It’s a way to stay active in medicine while choosing when, where, and how you work, without being tied to a long-term contract. For many, it also means the chance to earn more, especially in high-demand specialties or instances where coverage is urgent. 

Providers turn to locums for all kinds of reasons. Some are just getting started and want to see what’s out there before settling into a permanent role. Others are between jobs, looking for better balance, or easing into retirement without stepping away from patient care completely. Whatever the reason, locums work offers a rare mix of flexibility and professional growth with a financial upside.

If you’re thinking about starting a career in locum tenens, this guide walks through what to expect, from getting licensed and credentialed to finding the right agency and picking assignments that work for you.

Choosing the Right Locum Tenens Agency


Choosing the right locum tenens agency isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about who you trust to handle your career. A good firm will help you land a contract. A great one will guide you and help you make confident, informed decisions every step of the way.

As a physician, you should expect more than a database of open shifts. The agency you choose should walk you through licensing, credentialing, travel, and contract logistics, plus they will continue to be available even while you're on-site. You should know exactly who to call if something changes, and trust that someone will pick up.

When evaluating firms, consider:

  • Specialty expertise: Do they frequently place physicians in your field?
  • Support: What does your relationship with the firm look and feel like?
  • Reputation: Ask colleagues or read testimonials.
  • Transparency: Are contracts clear about pay, cancellation policies, and expectations?

At CI Health Group, our locum tenens division pairs every provider with a dedicated representative who serves as your dedicated point of contact. From credentialing and travel to lodging and reimbursement, we handle the logistics so you can stay focused on patient care. And if something unexpected comes up mid-assignment, we’re available 24/7 to help. 


“Anyone can present you with a job, the difference is having a contact you can count on. The right firm is one where your relationship feels like a partnership, not a transaction.”  - Lee Roberts, Director of Locum Tenens, CI Health Group
 

What to Look for in a Locum Assignment


The right assignment should align with how you want to practice clinically, logistically, and financially. Start with the clinical setup. Ask about patient volume, call expectations, and whether you’ll have support on-site. Understanding the EMR system and whether orientation is provided can help you prepare for the first day. The more clarity you have up front, the better you can decide if the environment is a good fit.

From there, look closely at the contract terms. How are you being paid, hourly, daily, or by shift? Will compensation be issued weekly or biweekly? Make sure you know how travel and housing are handled, and whether expenses are paid directly, reimbursed, or offered as a stipend. It’s also smart to confirm cancellation policies, especially if a shift gets dropped or plans change on either end.

Licenses and Credentialing 


Before starting a locums assignment, you’ll need a state active medical license and DEA registration in the state the job is in. Licensing timelines vary by state, and in some cases, can take several months. If you’re eligible for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), the process can be faster and more streamlined. Read our IMLC guide to walk through the process of obtaining your compact. DEA registration may also need to be updated or issued for that state, which typically takes a few weeks. Most facilities require credentialing, which involves submitting your CV, license, malpractice history, and references. Some firms help manage these steps, but delays can occur when paperwork is incomplete, or responses are slow. Staying organized and meeting the deadlines requested helps keep everything on track. Starting early gives you the best chance of avoiding delays before your first day.

The Average Locum Tenens Timeline


Knowing the typical length of each step can help you move through the process efficiently:

  • Choosing an Agency: 1–2 weeks
  • Searching for Assignments: 1 week-6+ months, or ongoing planning for providers who are dedicated to locum tenens for the long term
  • State Licensing: 3–6 months depending on the state, or 3–6 weeks with IMLC
  • DEA Registration: 4–8 weeks
  • Credentialing: 6–13 weeks
  • Finalizing Contracts and Travel: 2–4 weeks before start date

Locum Tenens Can Be a Game-Changer for Your Career


For physicians looking for more control over how and where they practice, locum tenens offers a path that’s both flexible and rewarding. Once you’ve gone through the initial steps and your first few assignments, the process becomes more familiar and far easier to navigate.

It can also open the door to opportunities you might not have considered in permanent roles, whether that’s working in underserved areas, traveling more often, trying out new practice settings, or gradually stepping into retirement. With the right preparation and the right agency behind you, locum tenens can offer more than a temporary solution. It can offer long-term freedom and professional satisfaction on your terms.