Locum Tenens FAQ
Answers about locum tenens licensing, malpractice coverage, travel logistics, compensation, credentialing timelines, and how to get started with AZ Locums.
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AZ Locums has a dedicated in-house licensing division. We handle all paperwork, follow up with state licensing boards, pay all processing fees upfront, and manage the credentialing file for you to accelerate your placement.
We provide our active practitioners with premium, A-rated medical malpractice insurance (claims-made policy). This coverage is 100% pre-funded by us and includes complete tail coverage.
All clinicians submit electronic timesheets weekly. Compensation is calculated at premium competitive hourly rates, and payments are sent directly via direct deposit every single Friday.
Your dedicated travel concierge coordinates and pre-pays all logistics including flights, lodging, and ground transportation.
Absolutely. Many clinical professionals utilize our agency to secure local weekend shifts or holiday coverages to supplement their active earnings.
Locum tenens (Latin for “holding a place”) is a staffing model where physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, CRNAs, and other clinicians fill temporary roles at hospitals and clinics. Assignments can last days to months and offer flexible schedules, travel opportunities, and competitive pay.
Board-certified or licensed physicians (MD/DO), nurse practitioners, physician assistants, CRNAs, and certified anesthesiologist assistants can work locum tenens. Requirements include active state licensure, clean malpractice history, and relevant clinical experience in the requested specialty.
Credentialing typically takes 2–8 weeks depending on your specialty, existing state licenses, and facility privileging requirements. AZ Locums accelerates the process with an in-house licensing team that handles paperwork, board follow-ups, and fee deposits.
Yes. Our licensing division manages state medical board applications, verifications, and renewals across multiple states. We pre-fund licensing fees and track timelines so you can accept assignments in new jurisdictions faster.
Every active assignment includes A-rated claims-made professional liability insurance with tail coverage provided by AZ Locums. Providers do not need to purchase separate malpractice policies for covered assignments.
Locum tenens physician pay varies by specialty, location, and shift type. High-demand specialties such as emergency medicine, hospitalist, and anesthesiology often earn premium hourly rates. Your recruiter provides transparent rate details before you accept any assignment.
Providers submit electronic timesheets weekly. AZ Locums processes payments and sends direct deposits every Friday for approved hours worked during the pay period.
Yes. AZ Locums arranges and pre-pays airfare, furnished housing or corporate apartments, and ground transportation for qualifying assignments. Your travel concierge handles bookings so you can focus on patient care.
Absolutely. You select assignments by specialty, location, schedule, and facility type. Your dedicated recruiter presents opportunities that match your preferences — from academic medical centers to rural community hospitals.
Facilities contact AZ Locums with their coverage needs — specialty, dates, shift type, and credential requirements. We match pre-vetted providers, manage credentialing, and coordinate travel and malpractice so coverage begins as quickly as possible.
Yes. We staff Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, Indian Health Services (IHS) clinics, and Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities. Our federal division manages SAM-registered compliance and rapid provider mobilization.
Most assignments run 8–12 weeks, though some last a few days for urgent coverage and others extend several months. Providers can accept consecutive assignments or take breaks between placements.
Locum tenens clinicians are typically independent contractors compensated via hourly rates and weekly pay. While traditional employee benefits may not apply, assignments include malpractice coverage, travel, and housing — and many providers carry personal health insurance separately.
Search open positions on our jobs board, submit a lead form on the homepage, or register as a candidate. A dedicated recruiter will contact you to discuss your specialty, licenses, schedule preferences, and available assignments.
We place physicians across most specialties, plus nurse practitioners, physician assistants, CRNAs, and certified anesthesiologist assistants. High-demand areas include emergency medicine, hospitalist, anesthesiology, primary care, and surgery.