From New Grads to Seasoned Pros: Choosing Between Locum Tenens and Permanent Placement

As a healthcare professional, choosing between locum tenens and permanent placement roles is a pivotal decision that can shape your career, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, looking for a change, or winding down after decades of service, each option offers unique advantages. But how do you decide which path is best suited for your needs?

Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between locum tenens and permanent placement, focusing on important aspects like flexibility, career growth, financial benefits, and how each fits into your lifestyle. Understanding these factors will help you make a more informed decision that not only supports your career goals but also aligns with your personal plans for the future.

What is Locum Tenens?

Locum tenens positions are temporary assignments that fill staffing gaps in healthcare facilities. The duration of these assignments can vary, from a few weeks to several months, and sometimes longer. Many healthcare providers choose locum tenens roles for the flexibility they offer, allowing them to work in diverse settings, explore different regions, or maintain a lighter workload. Interestingly, 75% of healthcare facilities report using locum tenens providers to address staffing shortages, according to a survey by Staff Care.

These assignments are commonly used when hospitals or clinics need temporary coverage, such as during a permanent provider’s leave or while they search for a full-time hire. In some cases, a locum tenens position can even turn into a permanent job offer, should both the facility and the healthcare professional find it to be a good fit.

What is Permanent Placement?

Permanent placement, on the other hand, refers to long-term employment with a healthcare facility. These roles provide job security, stability, and a predictable routine. Permanent positions often come with benefits such as retirement contributions, health insurance, and paid time off, which makes them ideal for healthcare providers looking for steady, long-term growth in one location. Professionals in permanent roles become integral parts of their facilities, developing strong relationships with colleagues, patients, and the community.

Flexibility: How Much Control Do You Want Over Your Schedule?

One of the most significant differences between locum tenens and permanent placement is the level of flexibility you’ll have in your day-to-day work.

• Locum Tenens: If flexibility is your top priority, locum tenens is an attractive option. These assignments allow you to decide when and where you want to work. This is especially beneficial for a variety of professionals, including:

  • Early-career professionals who want to gain experience across different types of healthcare settings.

  • Providers looking to relocate but who want to test out a new region before making a permanent move.

  • Individuals who enjoy traveling and want to explore different areas while working.

  • Experienced professionals approaching retirement who aren’t ready to stop working completely but would like to scale back their hours.

    
    

Locum tenens allows you to design a career that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re pursuing diverse professional experiences or maintaining a more balanced work-life routine.

• Permanent Placement: In contrast, permanent positions typically offer less flexibility but greater stability. These roles come with set schedules, and your working hours are dictated by the needs of the facility. If you’re looking to settle into a predictable routine with consistent hours and build long-term relationships with patients and coworkers, permanent placement may be a better fit.

  
  

Career Growth: Variety vs. Depth

Career growth is another key factor when choosing between locum tenens and permanent placement. The right option for you will depend on how you envision your career evolving over time.

• Locum Tenens: Locum tenens roles offer a wide range of professional experiences. Working across different clinical settings—rural hospitals, urban clinics, academic medical centers—can expose you to a variety of medical environments, patient populations, and operational styles. This can help you build a versatile skill set early in your career. According to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), many providers use locum tenens assignments to experience new specialties and develop expertise in areas they may not have encountered in a permanent role.

• Permanent Placement: If you’re more interested in long-term career growth within one organization, a permanent role may be better suited to your needs. Permanent placements often come with opportunities for promotion and professional development. You may have the chance to take on leadership roles, specialize in a particular area, or contribute to the strategic direction of the facility. This stability can be particularly appealing if you’re focused on advancing within a specific system or building a legacy within a community.

  
  

Financial Considerations: Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Security

Compensation is a key consideration when comparing locum tenens and permanent positions. The pay structures between the two can vary significantly, depending on your priorities and financial goals.

• Locum Tenens: Providers in locum tenens roles often earn higher hourly rates than those in permanent positions. This is because locum tenens workers typically do not receive the same benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions. Additionally, many locum tenens positions include travel, lodging, and meal stipends, which can further enhance your take-home pay. For healthcare professionals who prefer maximizing short-term income or who want the flexibility to work without the constraints of full-time employment, locum tenens can be financially rewarding.

• Permanent Placement: On the other hand, permanent positions offer financial stability through regular, predictable salaries and comprehensive benefits. While the hourly rates might be lower compared to locum tenens, permanent employees usually receive benefits packages that include health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, and bonuses. For professionals seeking long-term financial security, the benefits associated with permanent employment can be a significant advantage.

  
  

Lifestyle Preferences: What Works for You?

Your lifestyle and personal priorities will also play a major role in determining whether locum tenens or permanent placement is the right fit for you.

• Locum Tenens: For those who enjoy travel and adventure, locum tenens provide the opportunity to explore different parts of the country while working. Many healthcare providers choose locum tenens because it allows them to maintain a more flexible lifestyle, whether that’s working only a few months out of the year or moving between regions as they wish. Some professionals also use locum tenens to work in regions where family members or adult children live, allowing them to stay close to loved ones without permanently relocating. Locum tenens can also be a great option for professionals nearing retirement who want to stay engaged in the field without the commitment of full-time work.

• Permanent Placement: For those who value stability and the opportunity to settle into a community, a permanent role might be a better choice. Permanent placements offer the chance to build long-lasting relationships with patients, become part of a healthcare team, and establish roots in a specific location. If you’re seeking a predictable routine, a permanent role provides the consistency that allows for a better work-life balance over the long term .

  
  

Other Considerations: How Does This Fit Into Your Long-Term Plan?

When weighing your options, it’s important to think about your long-term goals and how each option fits into your broader career plan.

• Locum Tenens: If you’re early in your career, locum tenens can offer the chance to explore different specialties and settings before committing to a specific path. It’s also an excellent way to stay professionally active while maintaining a flexible lifestyle. Many locum tenens providers eventually settle into a permanent role after finding a location or practice they enjoy.

• Permanent Placement: If you’re looking for long-term career stability and want to grow within one organization, a permanent role may be better aligned with your goals. Permanent positions often come with the opportunity to develop professionally, take on leadership roles, and make a meaningful, long-term impact on the community.

  
  

How to Decide: Locum Tenens or Permanent Placement?

Ultimately, choosing between locum tenens and permanent placement depends on your current needs and future goals. Here’s a recap of what each option offers:

• Choose locum tenens if:

  • You want flexibility in your schedule and enjoy variety in your work settings.

  • You’re considering relocating and want to test out a region before committing.

  • You enjoy travel and want the freedom to work in different places across the country.

  • You’re nearing retirement and want to scale back without fully exiting the workforce.

  • You’re early in your career and want to gain diverse experiences across different healthcare settings.

    
    

• Choose permanent placement if:

  • You value stability, both in your schedule and in your financial planning.

  • You want to build long-term relationships with patients and colleagues.

  • You’re seeking long-term career growth within one organization.

  • You’re looking to settle into a community and establish roots.

    
    

No matter which path you choose, PA Consultants is here to guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring that you find a role that aligns with both your personal and professional goals. We recognize that every healthcare professional has unique needs and preferences, and we work closely with both providers and healthcare facilities to ensure the best possible match.

Whether you're seeking the flexibility of locum tenens or the stability of permanent placement, our approach is rooted in our core values of flexibility, transparency, and precision. Our commitment to excellence in care drives us to offer opportunities for growth, whether through the diverse experiences of locum work or the structured advancement of permanent roles.

At PA Consultants, we prioritize a human-centered approach, ensuring that every placement supports not only your career goals but also your lifestyle, fostering an environment where you can truly thrive. Let us help you navigate your next career step with confidence and care.