Take these 7 actionable steps to become a locum tenens provider. It’s easier than you might think!

<p>Want to know what you need to do to become a locum tenens physician or advanced practice provider? Stick around to discover the 7 simple steps you can take.</p><h3>Becoming a locum tenens provider is easier than you might think.</h3><p>The process of becoming a locum tenens provider may seem time-consuming, complex, and even overwhelming to you. That may have stopped you from embarking on this unique journey until now. However, becoming a locum tenens provider is simpler than you may have envisioned!</p><h3>You’re a pro at this. You’ve done it before.</h3><p>As a practicing clinician, you’re no stranger to navigating processes to achieve your goals. Depending on your role, you’ve completed your undergraduate education, med school, nursing program, residency, and/or fellowship. You’ve passed your exams, licensing, credentialling, vetting, and more. While becoming a locum tenens may simply seem like dealing with more red tape, the truth is you already have what you need. It’s only a matter of getting organized and connecting with the right people!</p><h3>An expert locum tenens recruiter can help!</h3><p>If you work with a locum tenens agency, you won’t have to fly solo. The <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/navigating-your-locums-journey-how-to-connect-with-a-locum-tenens-recruiter?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">right recruiter</a> can walk you through the entire locum tenens process and can:</p><ul><li>Save you the effort and time it takes to find opportunities on your own</li><li>Tap into a selection of assignments that match your skills, availability, and preferences</li><li>Match you with facilities and set up interviews for you</li><li>Offer feedback and guidance on your CV, resume, application, and interviews</li><li>Assist you with licensure and credentialing</li><li>Negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive competitive compensation</li><li>Arrange your travel and lodging</li><li>Help with onboarding and ensure you’re prepared for your first day</li><li>Resolve any issues that may arise during your assignment</li><li>Get you lined up for a new opportunity before the current one even ends</li><li>Become a long-term advocate and friend to help you build your career</li></ul><h2>7 Steps to Becoming a Locum Tenens Provider</h2><p>Working with a recruiter makes the entire process of becoming a locum tenens provider much easier. Therefore, we’ll focus on the steps involved in becoming a locums through that route. You can certainly tackle the process on your own, connecting with hospitals and health systems that hire locum tenens directly rather than through an agency. But you may choose to go that route once you are a more experienced locums, as it can be complicated.</p><h3>Locum tenens agencies focus on ensuring you and the facility are satisfied by streamlining processes and troubleshooting challenges – which can make your life much easier. Here are simple steps you can take to become a locum tenens provider through an agency. 1. Create your locum tenens dream job list.</h3><p>Consider your wants and needs in a locum tenens assignment. Do you want to work close to home or travel the country? What kind of facility do you want to practice in – large hospital, rural health system, outpatient center, government agency, academic institution, community clinic? Do you want to work in general medicine or a specialty or subspecialty? What is your ideal work schedule? Do you want to work days, nights, weekends? Are you interested in a short stint or a longer assignment? Do you want to move around, find a <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/recurring-locum-tenens-jobs-a-win-win-for-all" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recurring locums assignment</a>, or seek a locum to permanent position?</p><h3>2. Find the best locum tenens agency for you.</h3><p>Next, think about what you prefer in a recruiter and agency. Every provider is different, so you’ll want to find the company that’s <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/looking-for-the-best-locum-tenens-recruiter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best for you</a>. Ask around amongst colleagues to learn about various agencies' reputations. Spend time researching different agencies online. You can also call a recruiter directly and tell them that you are interested in developing a long-term relationship with an agency and have a few questions. Consider asking what types of positions the agency specializes in, whether they offer locums only or locums to permanent work, and how many opportunities they have on average for providers in your role.</p><h3>3. Gather your information and complete your application.</h3><p>Now, it’s time to get organized. Doing this once and keeping all your files in one place will simplify locums work in the future. The process will get smoother as time goes on, especially if you work with the same agency. Pull together information including your undergraduate degree, med school diploma, residency and fellowship documentation, certifications, training, clinical experience, professional memberships, citizenship, work history, CV, and references. Be prepared to provide information about your preferences regarding location, type of travel, lodging, hours, and whether you plan to bring family or pets along. When you’re ready, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/apply-now" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apply online</a>!</p><h3>4. Interview and accept your assignment.</h3><p>Once you’ve <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-life-made-easy-getting-placed-on-a-locum-assignment?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">applied with the agency</a>, your recruiter will present opportunities that align with your qualifications. This is the time to clarify details about the job description, hours, facility, travel, accommodations, and location. If you’re interested in an assignment, the recruiter will present you as a candidate to the facility. If you’re accepted, you’ll be scheduled to <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-tenens-interview-tips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">interview</a> along with other applicants. Just as with a permanent position, you should research the facility and be ready to convey why you’d like to work there and why you’d be a good fit.</p><h3>5. Review, negotiate, and sign your contract.</h3><p>If the facility accepts you for the assignment, your recruiter will provide information on hours, assignment length, clinical expectations, and compensation. You can review the information and give feedback to the recruiter. The recruiter will negotiate any changes to the contract on your behalf and, once all parties agree, facilitate the signing of the contract.</p><h3>6. Complete the credentialing process.</h3><p>At this point, your recruiter will guide you through the <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-life-made-easy-credentialing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">licensing and credentialing process.</a> Each facility has its own system. Again, if you get prepared once up front for this process, it will make life easier down the road for each new assignment. Much of this information will have been uploaded during your application process, but be ready with electronic or paper versions of items, including any name change records, background checks, immunization records, health screenings, diplomas, board certification, life support certification, DEA registration, hospital privileges, and malpractice claims history.</p><h3>7. Get on board!</h3><p>It’s time to <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/locum-life-made-easy-going-to-work" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">begin your assignment!</a> Your recruiter will arrange your travel and lodging, give you an itinerary, and help with any issues during your stay. They’ll also arrange for your orientation and onboarding with the facility. They will send you information about the facility’s key contacts, policies and procedures, and your assignment expectations. The recruiter will also set you up for direct deposit and provide details on malpractice insurance, etc. You can plan to arrive early to settle in and scout out your route for your first day. When you arrive for your new locum tenens adventure, someone at the facility will welcome you and show you the ropes.</p><h2>Ready to Take the Next Step?</h2><p>It’s easy when you work with a recruiter. All you have to do is start the process. If you're a young clinician, the locum tenens lifestyle can fulfill your sense of wanderlust, desire for freedom, and need for adventure. If you're building your practice, it can help you expand your network and provide exposure to novel treatments and innovative care. If you’re a seasoned provider, embarking on a locum tenens assignment can reinvigorate your career. If you’re a retiree, it can allow you to practice part time. Working as a locum tenens can help you pay off college loans, build a home, save for retirement, work for yourself, travel the country, and so much more.</p><p>If you’re ready to take the next step, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/locums/hotjobs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">connect with a recruiter now</a>.</p>

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