Why choose locum tenens?
Locum tenens fills critical staffing gaps while also helping to remedy burnout. Find out what locums is, why it’s essential and its unique benefits.
Is locum tenens right for you?
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What is locum tenens?
True to its latin roots meaning “to hold the place,” locum tenens providers step in when and where care is needed. From interim roles covering vacations or leave to support for overburdened teams and beyond, locum tenens is essential to ensuring uninterrupted quality care and provider well-being.
Benefits of locum tenens work
How does locum tenens compare to a permanent role or per diem job opportunities? Explore top locum tenens benefits.
Premium compensation
Locum tenens jobs often pay significantly higher than perm and per diem, especially in high-demand specialties and locations.
Freedom and flexibility
You choose when, where and how often you work, with more time, and autonomy to focus on your interests and loved ones.
Exceptional support
At All Star, we arrange your licensing, credentialing, travel, and housing at no cost to you, with ongoing support.
Covered malpractice and licensing
We cover malpractice, tail coverage, and state licenses so you're fully protected without worry.
Travel to new locations and settings
Explore dynamic facilities, and get paid to work in your favorite cities or areas where you have friends or family.
Career development and flexibility
Build your CV, expand your network, and master your clinical skills in diverse care environments.
Better work-life balance
Avoid burnout with more control over your schedule, workplace, and career.
Less admin and politics
Skip the internal politics, meetings, and admin that drain your energy. Locums lets you focus on patient care.
Try before you commit
Locum tenens lets you test out different facilities, teams, and locations before making any long-term career decisions.
Locum tenens vs. per diem
Locum tenens and per diem both offer flexibility and supplemental income, but they’re unique in their own way. Here’s how they compare.
All Star locum tenens
- Typically higher compensation
- Assignments span single shifts, weeks or months
- Paid travel opportunities, booked for you
- Paid housing arranged for you
- Expert credentialing and licensing support
- Malpractice included with tail coverage
- Predictable scheduling for a set duration
- Structured commitments on a temporary basis
- 24/7/365 support from our dedicated team
Per diem
- Often lower pay rate compared to locums
- Single shifts or short blocks
- Usually local only
- Housing is your own responsibility
- Licensing help is rare
- Malpractice may or may not be included
- Often varies week to week
- Extremely flexible, ad hoc
- Limited support based on the facility
Locum tenens employment as a 1099 contractor
When you work locum tenens, you’re considered a 1099 independent contractor rather than a W-2 employee. This is a common workforce arrangement used by millions of healthcare professionals in the U.S.
As a 1099, you’re responsible for your own taxes, health insurance and retirement planning — but there are also unique benefits. We recommend working with an accountant to take full advantage of tax deductions and savings. We can also help you connect with resources and expertise to ensure a seamless transition.
Locum tenens FAQ
Locum tenens offers higher earning potential, greater schedule flexibility and the opportunity to travel or moonlight while working. You get paid well, avoid administrative burdens and have your choice of assignments. We handle your licensing, credentialing, travel, housing and malpractice coverage at no cost to you.
Permanent roles often come with long-term commitments, limited flexibility and a tendency for burnout. With locum tenens, you can plan your work around your life, rather than the other way around. Locum tenens is ideal for better work-life balance and more control over your career.
Both offer flexibility, but locum tenens assignments typically provide higher pay, with paid travel and housing, extra support and more consistent scheduling. Per diem shifts are often local and ad hoc, with fewer benefits and support services.
No. All Star Healthcare Solutions covers your malpractice and tail coverage, so you’re protected without added stress or expense.
As a 1099 independent contractor, you’re responsible for your own taxes, health insurance and retirement savings. Many providers partner with a healthcare-savvy accountant to maximize tax deductions, earnings and streamline planning. We’re happy to help you connect with trusted experts to make the transition easy.
Elevate your career with All Star
Explore locum tenens and permanent job opportunities that match your goals and lifestyle. With a trusted staffing leader, you’ll gain more freedom, choice and control.