Physician Assistant

Locum Tenens Physician Assistant Professional Profile

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:

  • Explore new places
  • Work on your specialization
  • Find your ideal work schedule and setting
  • Learn how other facilities practice medicine
  • Earn additional income
  • Build your professional network
  • Try out a new practice
  • Care for patients in underserved communities
  • Return to your field after retirement

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:

  • Hospitals
  • Private practices
  • Urgent care facilities
  • University health centers
  • Community health centers
  • Emergency rooms
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Occupational medicine
  • Veterans Affairs facilities
  • Indian Health Service facilities
  • Rural facilities

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:

  • Increasing population of aging people
  • Shortage of primary care providers
  • Changes in healthcare policy
  • Need within underserved areas
  • Extensive skill set and background of advanced practice providers

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:

  • A++ rated comprehensive professional liability insurance
  • Fast, convenient, electronic direct deposit
  • Access to many nationwide locum positions through our extensive network
  • A wide range of assignments of varying length
  • Experience in staffing since 1987
  • A stellar reputation
  • Staffing awards that include the Diamond Award, Clearly Rated Best of Staffing
  • NCQA-certified CVO to assist with onboarding and risk management
  • Great testimonials and excellent reviews

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