What does “Locum Tenens” mean?
The term "locum tenens" comes from Latin, meaning “to hold the place.” In healthcare, it refers to clinicians—such as physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs)—who temporarily fill in for permanent staff at hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. These providers typically work as independent contractors through healthcare staffing agencies, ensuring continuity of care during staffing gaps or transitions.
Locum tenens providers play a vital role in today’s medical landscape. As the U.S. faces a projected shortage of over 100,000 doctors by 2030, these temporary healthcare professionals help bridge critical coverage gaps. With fewer students entering medical school and provider burnout on the rise, locum tenens work is more important than ever in maintaining access to quality care across the country.
Whether you're seeking greater work-life balance, a higher income alongside a full-time job, or the chance to explore new roles and locations, locum tenens offers flexible, rewarding opportunities. It’s an ideal option for clinicians at any stage of their career who want to stay engaged in medicine—on their own terms.
Who works Locum Tenens jobs?
Each year, more than 50,000 clinicians take on locum tenens assignments, and over 90% of U.S. healthcare facilities rely on locum providers to maintain continuous patient care. Healthcare professionals across all specialties—from emergency medicine to primary care—are turning to locum tenens for flexibility, experience, and career growth.
At Alumni Healthcare Staffing, we proudly partner with a wide range of medical professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Locum tenens contracts benefit clinicians at every stage of their career—whether you’re a recent graduate, mid-career provider, or nearing retirement.
Locum tenens offers unique opportunities to gain experience, explore new locations, and enjoy more control over your schedule—all while making a real impact in healthcare communities nationwide. Find your next locums assignment here.
Why work Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens is an ideal choice for medical professionals seeking to expand their clinical skills, earn higher wages, or enjoy greater flexibility and less job burnout. Others enjoy locum tenens for the opportunity to work in different practice settings near or far from your home. At Alumni, we put our relationship with you as our top priority. Here are some of the other advantages you can enjoy when working locum tenens with us:
Supplemental Income:
Attractive compensation, no extra costs, and free malpractice insurance make locum tenens financially appealing. Even those with permanent roles often boost their earnings by taking short-term locum contracts during weekends or holidays.
Flexible Schedule:
Locum Tenens clinicians enjoy a work life balance. They have autonomy over their schedule, deciding when, where, and how frequently they prefer to work. This flexibility allows them the opportunity to explore outside interests and hobbies.
Expand your Skillset:
Locums frequently encounter diverse practice settings that enhance their professional skills. Treating a wide range of patients helps them stay current, and collaborating with different colleagues provides a fresh outlook on medicine.
Travel:
Alumni Staffing offers locum tenens assignments in all 50 United States and D.C. Clinicians can use their locums assignment as a way to explore new places of the country.
Locums Impact in Healthcare
Locum tenens professionals play a vital role in bridging healthcare gaps, especially in underserved and rural areas facing persistent staffing shortages. By taking on temporary medical assignments, these providers help ensure consistent access to care in communities that might otherwise go without timely or specialized treatment.
As the demand for healthcare continues to rise—and with a projected physician shortage looming—locum tenens clinicians offer fast, flexible solutions. Their ability to relocate and quickly integrate into new environments makes them invaluable for maintaining essential medical services without sacrificing the quality of care.
These providers contribute across a wide range of medical specialties, supporting both primary and specialty care delivery. By working alongside permanent teams, locum tenens professionals bring fresh expertise, promote collaborative learning, and often enhance patient outcomes through their diverse clinical experiences.
How does it work
1. Connect: Connect with Recruiter and communicate your needs and preferences to find the ideal match for your desired pay, location, and schedule.
2. Explore Jobs: Explore jobs that match your qualifications, needs, and unique criteria.
3. Credentialing: Alumni Staffing’s credentialing team will assist with licensing and hospital privileging.
4. Travel: Alumni take care of arranging all your transportation, rental cars, and accommodations.
5. Insurance: Alumni Staffing maintains high-quality, comprehensive medical malpractice insurance coverage for all the locum tenens
6. Go to Work: We are committed to supporting you through every step of the process, and we remain available to assist you with any questions, concerns, or challenges that may arise.
7. Submit Timesheets: Use our online portal to submit your timesheets.
8. Get Paid: Expect weekly compensation for your work. After completing your current assignment, we will contact you with new opportunities or the option to extend your current one.
Whether you're an experienced locum tenens provider or just getting started, Alumni Staffing has the expertise to help you find the locum tenens assignment that is right for you. Give us a call at (908) 842-8235 to speak with a consultant or check out our list of current openings.
