Making a career shift can feel overwhelming, especially in healthcare, where change is often met with uncertainty. But for many physicians and advanced practitioners, transitioning to locum tenens work opens the door to flexibility, variety, and a sense of control that’s hard to find in a permanent role. Whether someone is seeking more freedom, planning a career reset, or just testing the waters outside of traditional practice, locum tenens offers a path worth considering. Here are some key steps to help make that transition smoother, more informed, and financially sound.
Define Your Priorities and Career Goals
Before diving into locum tenens work, providers should ask themselves what they hope to gain from the change. Is the goal to travel, reduce burnout, explore new settings or specialties, or increase income on a flexible schedule? Identifying these priorities will help guide decisions around assignment types, locations, and contract lengths.
For example, a provider seeking to maximize earnings between full-time roles may prefer high-demand rural assignments, while someone pursuing a better work-life balance might favor shorter, lower-intensity contracts close to home.
Understand the Logistics
One of the most common challenges in shifting to locum tenens is managing the administrative details. From licensing and credentialing to travel coordination and insurance, the process can be complex but it doesn't have to be.
MPLT Healthcare simplifies the experience with comprehensive support that includes:
- Licensing and compact licensure guidance, with a credentialing team experienced in Joint Commission and NALTO standards
- Hospital privileging and payor enrollment assistance, ensuring providers are cleared and ready before their start date
- Malpractice and general liability insurance, fully provided for every assignment
- In-house travel and housing coordination, handling all logistics for a smooth onboarding experience
- Specialty-specific matching, connecting providers with roles that align with their training, preferences, and availability
With a dedicated team offering support before, during, and after each assignment, MPLT focuses on making the transition into locum tenens as seamless and efficient as possible.
Clarifying Assignment Expectations
Before accepting a locum tenens position, it is important to understand the clinical environment and daily responsibilities. Providers should receive details on patient volume, shift structures, available support staff, call schedules, and any orientation provided by the facility.
MPLT works with both clients and providers to ensure expectations are clearly defined in advance. This transparency helps reduce mid-assignment issues and allows providers to focus on delivering care from day one. Assignments that are well-matched often result in more seamless coverage and higher provider satisfaction.
Locum Tenens as a Long-Term Career Path
While some view locum tenens as a temporary solution or a bridge between full-time roles, many providers ultimately adopt it as a long-term model. The variety of clinical experiences, flexibility in scheduling, and reduction in administrative duties often appeal to those seeking greater autonomy in their careers.
With the right preparation and a trusted staffing partner, providers can build a stable and rewarding locum tenens career that aligns with their personal and professional goals.
Ready to Continue Your Career In Locum Tenens?
Whether seeking a change of pace or a more flexible way to practice, physicians and advanced practitioners can find lasting value in locum tenens work. MPLT partners with leading facilities across the country to offer rewarding short- and long-term assignments. Contact our team today to learn more about current openings and start the next chapter in a more flexible, fulfilling career.
