Basics
What is a locum tenens provider?
The term “locum tenens” simply means to hold a place for another. Locum tenens providers work on a temporary basis to support understaffed clinics and hospitals.
What types of medical providers does Wilderness Medical Staffing place?
Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians.
Where are Wilderness Medical Staffing’s locum tenens assignments?
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming.
What types of assignments does Wilderness Medical Staffing offer?
We specialize in staffing positions for rural and remote communities. We frequently have positions for providers with experience in emergency medicine, primary care, and urgent care. On occasion, we have positions in other specialties also. Check out our job board to see our open assignments.
What is Wilderness Medical Staffing’s approach to placing providers?
We believe it is vital to match providers and positions based on fit, experience, skills, and interests. Before you take any assignment, we will answer your questions and share essential details about the job responsibilities, pay, patient volume, staffing mix, location details, and living arrangements.
How does this locums thing work?
Are locum tenens providers employees or independent contractors?
Wilderness Medical Staffing works with medical providers as independent contractors (also called 1099s).
Does Wilderness Medical Staffing offer medical malpractice insurance?
Yes. Wilderness Medical Staffing covers every provider with our ‘A+’ rated medical malpractice insurance while you are on assignment.
Do the locum tenens assignments with Wilderness Medical Staffing come with employee benefits?
As independent contractors, locum tenens providers are not eligible for employee benefits through Wilderness Medical Staffing, including health insurance.
Am I responsible for booking or paying for travel, housing, and on-site transportation?
No. Our dedicated Operations team will coordinate your travel, housing, and ground transportation. Better yet, your expenses (excluding fees associated with pets and family) are covered!
Can I bring my spouse and/or family on the locum tenens assignment with me?
It depends on the assignment. Over the past decade, several of our providers have traveled with a family member and had a wonderful experience. However, for some positions, the housing situation or job responsibilities make it difficult for a family member to accompany. If you plan to travel with family, please let your recruiter know and we will strive to find a position that works for you.
How does it work with pets?
As with family members, we have had many providers elect to take their pets with them on assignment. However, the housing available at some assignments is not pet-friendly. If you plan to travel with pets, please let your recruiter know.
Am I able to take a permanent position through Wilderness Medical Staffing?
No. We are not currently offering placement for permanent positions. We are focusing on locum placements.
How long is the typical locum tenens assignment with Wilderness Medical Staffing?
Our assignments range from a few days to six months or more. You choose how long you want to work and the dates you are available; from there we will match you with a compatible assignment.
Am I obligated to contract with Wilderness Medical Staffing once I apply?
No. Many providers choose to work with Wilderness Medical Staffing because of our industry-leading pay, dedicated support staff, and unique and adventurous positions. However, you are not obligated to contract with us after you apply. In addition, you can work with WMS as little or as much as you want throughout the year. We can be your primary source of income or a side hustle so you can pay off those student loans!
Licensing & Credentialing
Will I need to be licensed in the state where the assignment takes place?
Yes. Most WMS assignments require providers to be licensed in-state. Check out our free licensing guides for more information.
Will Wilderness Medical Staffing pay for my licensing fees?
No. However, we will assist you in getting the licensing process started and answer any questions you have along the way. We created these licensing guides to help you get started! In addition, with our great locum tenens assignments, you will make back the money spent on licensing costs on your first day of work!
Do I need to be board certified to work with WMS?
Yes. If you are a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, for the majority of positions that we staff, you need to be board certified in your field of specialty. You may qualify for some positions if you are board-eligible. Feel free to contact us with questions about eligibility to work with WMS.
Why Locums? Why WMS?
Why work as a locum tenens provider instead of having a permanent position?
In our experience, medical providers choose locum tenens work for several reasons. Locum work offers outstanding flexibility. You are free to choose when and where you want to work. For instance, you might choose to work for six months and travel the remainder of the year. Another advantage of locum positions is the above-average compensation. Finally, providers often tell us that they find our positions to be incredibly fulfilling and impactful — both for the providers and communities they serve.
Why contract with Wilderness Medical Staffing?
Aside from the fact that we offer industry-leading pay, there are many reasons why you should choose to work with Wilderness Medical Staffing. We offer assignments in unique locations where your skills will have a tremendous impact on the community. Additionally, WMS is a grassroots company that has its origins in rural Alaska and Montana and we know our clinic sites and the communities that they serve. We care deeply about finding the right provider for each position.
How do I get started?
I’m ready. What happens next?
To begin the process, contact us and be sure to include a recent copy of your CV. During our initial communications, we will inquire about your experience, desired position type, licensing status, availability, and any travel considerations (e.g. pets, family members). If we have positions matching your skillset, interests, and experience, our team will usher you through our onboarding process. The onboarding process consists of a short application, reference screening, and a background check. Once onboarded, our team will alert you as we get positions that match your desired job type, location, and pay range.
What do I need to bring to my assignment?
This varies but providers often bring a stethoscope, scrubs or a lab coat, and any reference materials they might need. Everything else will be supplied by the clinic or hospital that you will be working at. We will also let you know if there are any special items that need to be brought for a given assignment.
TAKE THE ADVENTURE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED
Medical providers often feel stuck and unfulfilled in their routine job. At Wilderness Medical Staffing, we place medical providers in adventurous locations, where they can help deserving communities and practice meaningful medicine.
TAKE THE ADVENTURE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED
Medical providers often feel stuck and unfulfilled in their routine job. At Wilderness Medical Staffing, we place medical providers in adventurous locations, where they can help deserving communities and practice meaningful medicine.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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