Locum tenens is not only for doctors. Healthcare facilities also need physician assistants and other advanced practice providers to fill locum tenens assignments. If you’d like to discover a different part of the country, try out a new work environment or just pick up some additional part-time hours where you live, locum tenens might be for you!
When you take on a locum tenens assignment, you can:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a physician assistant was $108,610. The locum tenens physician assistant hourly rate reflects this range and is around $55-$75 per hour depending on specialization, geographic area, urgency, qualifications and experience. For physician assistants who specialize in psychiatric, hospitalist, emergency or surgical services, reimbursement averages even higher.
To expand your skillset and increase your earning potential, consider pursuing a PA specialization. There are 25 organizations for PA specialties according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Physician assistant specialties include dermatology, critical care, pathology, general surgery, pediatrics, radiology, among others.
In addition to the vast array of specializations, locum tenens physician assistants jobs exist in diverse settings including:
The BLS predicts demand for physician assistants will increase by 37% from 2016-2026. This is significantly higher than demand across the rest of professions (expected to grow by 7%) and even across healthcare professions (expected to grow by 15%). A few of the factors which lead to this growth are:
To find the best locum tenens company, look for one that features diverse positions in a variety of locations. The company should offer competitive compensation, paid travel, housing and medical liability insurance. Its recruiters must be enthusiastic, informed, connected and eager to match you with your ideal locum tenens assignment. Partner with a company that has rave reviews, multiple healthcare staffing awards and an established and respected presence within the industry.
At Cross Country Locums, we are proud to offer:
