In brief:
- New Advanced Practice Providers such as Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants can use Locum Tenens to find their specialty
- Working locum tenens post-graduation is a smart way to explore different specialties without committing to a permanent position
- Locum tenens offers progressive responsibility that helps NPs and PAs develop confidence in patient care, decision-making, and professional autonomy
- Locum tenens work is a powerful way to expand your professional network.
- Flexibility provided by locum tenens work is a major advantage not often provided by full-time roles.
Transitioning from graduation to the workforce can be both exciting and overwhelming for advanced practice providers including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). As a newly certified advanced practitioner, you may find yourself wondering which specialty aligns best with your skills and interests or how to gain hands-on experience in different healthcare settings. Locum tenens work presents a unique opportunity to explore various practice areas, build clinical confidence, and establish a strong professional foundation—all while enjoying the flexibility and competitive pay.
The locum tenens industry has grown into a $9.4 billion industry that continues to treat the aging population due to the rise of chronic illness, according to Locum Tenens Staffing Market Report. From it’s inception in 1979, Locum tenens has become a great addition to permanent staffing and is a core part of most healthcare organizations strategies. Not only does locum tenens work help new graduates discover their specialty, gain confidence, and grow their professional network, but it also allows the healthcare organizations to fill staffing gaps. It’s a win-win for both providers and employers.
If you’re a recent advanced practice provider graduate considering locum tenens, this article will provide you with the 4 main benefits and key steps to successfully launching your career in temporary medical staffing.
1. Recent Advanced Practitioner Graduates Can Gain Experience Across Multiple Specialties
One of the greatest advantages of working locum tenens post-graduation is the ability to explore different specialties without committing to a permanent position. According to a 2024 Survey of Locum Tenen Physicians and Advanced Practitioners, 81% of Practitioners Physicians and APPs started working locum tenens either right out of training or while in mid-career. ManyNew advanced practice providers are unsure which area of medicine they want to focus on, and locum work provides the chance to test out different fields. Whether it’s emergency medicine, urgent care, primary care, or specialty practice, taking on temporary assignments allows you to gain hands-on experience before making a long-term career decision.
Beyond exposure to various specialties, locum tenens work also helps new advanced practice providers develop a well-rounded skill set. Adapting to different clinical settings, patient populations, and medical teams enhances both clinical and interpersonal abilities, making you a more versatile and competitive provider in the job market.
2. Locum Assignments Build Clinical Confidence and Independence
Starting your first job as an advanced practitioner can be daunting. While classroom learning and clinical rotations provide a strong foundation, real-world experience is where true growth happens. Locum tenens work offers progressive responsibility that helps NPs and PAs develop confidence in patient care, decision-making, and professional autonomy.
Because locum assignments often place providers in high-demand settings, you’ll be required to adapt quickly, learn new electronic medical records (EMRs), and collaborate with different healthcare teams. This real-world exposure is invaluable in refining your clinical judgment, efficiency, and problem-solving skills. Many advanced practitioners find that after a few locum tenens assignments, they feel more self-assured in their abilities and better prepared for long-term roles.
3. New Advanced Practice Providers will Expand Professional Networks and Career Opportunities
Locum tenens work is a powerful way to expand your professional network. Working at multiple facilities allows you to connect with physicians, administrators, and fellow advanced practitioners who can offer career guidance and potential job opportunities in the future. Many locum providers receive permanent job offers from healthcare organizations where they’ve worked temporarily.
Additionally, staffing agencies that specialize in locum tenens placements can introduce you to high-demand opportunities in desirable locations. Whether you’re looking for urban hospital settings, rural clinics, or travel-based assignments, working with a reputable locum tenens agency can streamline your job search and provide access to exclusive positions.
4. Locum Tenens Provide Work-Life Balance and Financial Perks
Another major advantage of locum tenens work is the flexibility it provides. As a new advanced practice provider, you may not be ready to settle into a full-time role immediately. In fact, 56% of locum providers that were surveyed in the provider ranked having a better schedule as most important to when influencing the decision to work as a locum tenen. Locum assignments allows advanced practice providers to choose their schedule, whether you prefer short-term contracts, part-time work, or extended assignments in different locations.
From a financial standpoint, locum tenens can be highly lucrative, often offering higher pay rates than permanent positions—especially for new grads looking to pay off student loans quickly. Some assignments also provide housing, travel stipends, and malpractice coverage, making it an attractive option for those eager to maximize earnings while gaining valuable experience.
Interested in Locum Tenens Opportunities?
If you’re an advanced practice provider looking to gain experience, explore specialties, and build a strong foundation in healthcare, our team can help you find the right locum tenens assignments. Get in touch today to start your journey!
FAQs
Why should New Advanced Practitioner Providers including Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant graduates consider locum tenens jobs?
- Locum tenens jobs offer new NP and PA graduates the opportunity to strengthen clinical skills, explore multiple specialties, and earn competitive pay immediately after graduation. This flexible career path helps providers decide on a long-term specialty while gaining control over their schedules and work-life balance.
What is locum tenens work for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants?
- Locum tenens work allows Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistannts to take temporary assignments to fill staffing gaps in clinics or hospitals. This work is an ideal way for recent graduates to gain experience, build confidence, and explore different specialties before committing to a full-time role.
What are the financial and lifestyle benefits of working locum tenens?
- Locum tenens work tends to pay more than permanent roles and may include travel stipends, housing, and malpractice coverage. Providers who choose these roles enjoy flexible schedules, choose where they want to work, and gain valuable experience.
How can choosing locum tenens work expand career opportunities for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants?
- By choosing a locum tenen role, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants can build meaningful connections with healthcare leaders and teams. It’s common for locum providers to receive permanent job offers from healthcare organizations where they’ve worked temporarily.
How does locum tenens work build clinical confidence and independence?
- Locum tenen assignments allow new advanced practice providers to gain real-world experience through decision making, adaptability and independence skills.
