What is locum tenens?

What is locum tenens?

Your path to life, by design.

lo·cum te·nens
/lōkəm ˈtenenz/
noun
Locum tenens is Latin for "to hold the place of, to substitute for." In practice, it means something more: your healthcare career, on your terms. 

Your life, by design

Locum tenens work isn't one-size-fits-all. It's built around you: your goals, your lifestyle, your definition of success.

Why clinicians choose locum tenens

In a survey of more than 500 clinicians, here's what mattered most:

  • Flexible schedule (48%) — Work when you want. Rest when you need it. No pressure to commit beyond what you sign up for.
  • Travel opportunities (38%) — See new places. Build your experience across regions. Explore while you practice.
  • Earn extra income (35%) — Supplement your primary role. Pay off debt faster. Fund the life you're building.
  • Clinical variety (34%) — Expand your skills. Take on different specialties. Challenge yourself in new settings.

The best part? You take the time to decide. Locum tenens doesn't lock you into anything. You explore assignments one at a time until you find what aligns with your goals — your geography, your income needs, your clinical interests, your lifestyle.

Explore assignments that allow you to take full control of your schedule, giving you the ability to unwind and recharge.

Get access to medical malpractice insurance, comprehensive licensing and credentialing support, paid housing and travel — so you can focus on patient care, not logistics.

Gain experience by practicing across diverse settings while filling gaps in underserved areas. You'll help facilities maintain essential services while earning excellent compensation.

3 simple steps to find your ideal assignment

1

Share your specialty and preferences

Let us know your specialty, experience, and where you want to work.

2

We match you with locum opportunities

Our team connects you with roles that fit your schedule and goals.

3

Review and accept assignments

You choose the opportunities, you shape the schedule.

 

Sign up and find the perfect job for you

We’ve spent decades supporting clinicians like you. Ready to explore what’s possible? Connect with a specialized recruiter to browse your locums options and focus on what truly matters — delivering high-quality patient care.

We have experienced teams to help guide your pursuit of patient care

188 Specialty-trained recruiters
148 Client account executives
78 Customer care and travel coordinators
148 Client account executives
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Why locum tenens work?

Locum tenens is the only work that vascular surgeon Dr. Miechia Esco will practice. See why.

An award-winning company

LocumTenens.com, part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies, is among the largest healthcare staffing companies in the nation, according to Staffing Industry Analysts. Over the years, the company and its leadership has been recognized for its commitment to excellent customer service and building a service-focused culture.

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