Locums isn’t just about filling shifts—it’s about building a career on your terms.
For physicians and advanced practitioners, locum tenens offers the ultimate flexibility, freedom, and earning potential. Whether you want more work-life balance, extra income, or the chance to explore different healthcare settings, there’s an assignment length that fits your goals.
At PhysicianWork.com, we help you find the right locums path—part-time, full-time, or recurring gigs that fit your lifestyle. Let’s break down how long locum tenens assignments can last and what might work best for you.
Short-Term Assignments (1 Week – 3 Months)
✅ Perfect for: Trying out new locations, making quick cash, or covering seasonal demand.
Short-term locum tenens gigs are fast, flexible, and low-commitment. Hospitals and clinics need urgent coverage for vacationing staff, unexpected gaps, or seasonal surges. This is a great option if you’re looking for a quick way to boost your income or gain new experience without tying yourself down.
💡 Example: A hospital needs a cardiologist for a 2-week vacation fill-in or an urgent care clinic needs weekend coverage for 3 months.
Mid-Term Assignments (3 – 6 Months)
✅ Perfect for: Getting a deeper experience at a facility without long-term obligations.
Mid-term locums lets you settle in without getting stuck. You’ll have time to learn the ropes, build relationships, and create a steady workflow—without committing to a full-time contract. These assignments often help facilities transition between full-time hires while keeping patient care running smoothly.
💡 Example: A health system is waiting for a new neurologist to start in six months and needs interim coverage.
Long-Term Assignments (6 Months – 1+ Year)
✅ Perfect for: Stability without a permanent contract.
Want consistent work, steady income, and deeper connections with staff and patients? Long-term locums lets you have it all—without being locked in. Facilities rely on long-term locums to cover extended vacancies, new program launches, or high-demand specialties.
💡 Example: A rural hospital needs an internal medicine physician for a full year while they recruit a permanent hire.
Assignment Extensions & Recurring Roles
Just because a contract ends doesn’t mean your work does.
🔄 Extensions: If a facility loves you, they may offer to extend your contract.
📅 Recurring Roles: Some facilities bring locums back on a regular schedule, like one week per month for six months. This keeps your income steady while maintaining flexibility.
💡 Example: A surgeon covers 2 weeks every quarter at a hospital where they’ve built strong relationships.
Is Locum Tenens Right for You?
Locums is a great fit for all career stages. Here’s how to know if it’s time to jump in:
🚩 Burnout is real – Need a change of pace? Locums lets you regain control over your schedule.
💰 You want more income – Whether it’s student loans, saving for a big purchase, or just padding your bank account, locums can be extremely lucrative.
✈️ You love variety – New settings, new teams, and opportunities across the country keep things exciting.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Locum tenens work is as flexible as you need it to be—whether it’s a one-week gig, a year-long role, or a recurring schedule that works for you.
PhysicianWork.com helps you find the best locum tenens jobs fast.