LOCUM TENENS MEANING

What is locum tenens, exactly? To go by the literal locum tenens definition, translated from Latin, it means "to hold the place of, to substitute for."

Locum tenens providers work at healthcare facilities on a temporary basis to fill gaps in care or occupy vacant positions until a full-time provider can be found. In practice, locum tenens means providing care to millions of patients throughout the United States in light of growing physician shortages.

The need for locum tenens physicians in the U.S. is expected to increase, with the Association of American Medical Colleges predicting a staggering shortage of over 100,000 doctors by 2030. Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners are vital to ensuring coverage now and in the future, when there are fewer students applying to medical school.

Locum tenens provider and man in suit shaking hands

BENEFITS OF WORKING LOCUM TENENS

As well as ensuring more balanced coverage for patients, locums provide a wealth of benefits for providers, including supplementing income, flexible work schedules, and providing a more dynamic work environment to prevent burnout.
See Why Locum Tenens
locum tenens Man sitting at airport with suitcase

WHAT IT MEANS TO WORK LOCUM TENENS

Working locum tenens means providing temporary medical staffing. To fill these positions, locum tenens agencies serve as the bridge—connecting providers and facilities, handling licensing and credentialing, and ensuring a perfect fit for every position.
See How It Works
locum tenens consultant

DOES LOCUM TENENS SOUND LIKE
A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

Connect with one of our specialty-specific consultants today.
Take the first step on your locum tenens journey by getting in touch with our team, so we can tell you more about the locum tenens lifestyle.
Connect with a Consultant

WHAT
IS NALTO?

The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), founded in 2001, sets industry standards and ethical guidelines for locum tenens agencies.

Hayes Locums is a member of NALTO. We follow its guidelines by honoring all contractual agreements and ensuring that providers are treated ethically and fairly.
NALTO member

LOCUM
TENENS
HISTORY

The history of locum tenens reaches back to the 1970s, when rural health clinics in medically underserved areas of the U.S. required assistance with physician staffing.

The University of Utah received a federal grant to provide medical staffing services to these clinics, and the program was such a resounding success that the practice has continued and been adopted by facilities all over the country.

Today, 85% of healthcare facilities rely on locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners to meet patient needs. There are tens of thousands of locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners traveling all over the U.S. to supplement their income, experience new practice settings, and meet the needs of facilities and patients.
Two locum tenens providers in scrubs standing in hallway

FAQ

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LOCUM TENENS

See More FAQs
  • How do I apply for open locums jobs with Hayes Locums?

    You can apply directly on the Hayes Locums website by clicking on “Search Jobs” in the main navigation. Your application will go directly to one of our specialized locums consultants and he or she will assist you with the completion of your full application.

  • How will I be compensated for my locum tenens assignment?

    Locum tenens providers work on a contract for a specified number of hours per week or per month for a pre-negotiated amount of pay per hour or per day. Twice a month, locum tenens providers will record their hours and reimbursable expenses on an electronic timesheet, which is submitted to our accounting department. 

  • How do I complete credentialing for a locum tenens assignment?

    We have separate internal and external credentialing teams, and a representative will be assigned to you to help you navigate the process. We take the administrative burden off of you by guiding you through the process and taking on as much work as we can, so we can get you credentialed for your locum tenens assignment as soon as possible. For more information on how the process works, see our guides on both internal and external credentialing.

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