Getting licensed to work locum tenens in Montana requires a state-issued license for each profession, and Montana has several requirements that providers frequently encounter for the first time here. Timelines are generally four to five weeks for a complete application depending on the profession, but Montana does not issue temporary licenses for any of the four professions WMS places. That makes starting the process early especially important, as clinicians cannot begin work until the permanent license is granted. Montana also requires all 1099 independent contractors to hold an active Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) before starting any assignment, a requirement that is unique to this state and applies regardless of profession.
This page provides a licensing overview for each profession WMS places in Montana, along with links to the detailed guides for each. If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Montana, use the profession-specific guide for step-by-step instructions, checklists, and frequently asked questions.
The table below summarizes the key licensing details for each profession. Follow the links in each section below for complete guidance.
| Profession | Issuing Board | Timeline | Temp License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Montana Board of Nursing | 4-5 weeks | No |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | Montana Board of Medical Examiners | 4-5 weeks | No |
| Physician (MD/DO) | Montana Board of Medical Examiners | ~30 days | No |
| CRNA | Montana Board of Nursing | ~4 weeks (after RN) | No |
Nurse practitioners working locum tenens in Montana must hold a Montana APRN license issued by the Montana Board of Nursing. If you hold a compact RN multistate privilege, a separate Montana RN license is not required. The APRN application, fingerprint-based background check, and prescriptive authority endorsement are each submitted separately, and the total process typically takes four to five weeks from receipt of a complete application. Fingerprinting is the most common source of delay and should be completed as early as possible. Montana does not issue temporary NP licenses, so no work can begin until the permanent license posts. Montana is a full practice authority state, meaning NPs practice and prescribe independently without a required physician collaboration agreement.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Montana NP Licensing Guide.
Physician assistants practicing in Montana must hold a Montana PA license issued by the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. A complete application typically takes four to five weeks to process. One step unique to Montana is a required interview with a Board member, typically 15 to 20 minutes, covering Montana’s laws and regulations governing PA practice. Montana does not issue temporary PA licenses. As of February 2024, PAs with 8,000 or more hours of clinical experience prior to October 1, 2023, are exempt from the supervision agreement requirement. Most providers WMS places meet that threshold. For those who do not, WMS coordinates the supervision agreement with the facility after the first assignment is confirmed.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Montana PA Licensing Guide.
Physicians practicing in Montana must hold a Montana medical license issued by the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. A routine, complete application typically processes in approximately 30 days. Montana accepts the FSMB Uniform Application, which can reduce administrative burden for physicians applying in multiple states simultaneously. Montana does not issue temporary physician licenses. Two Montana-specific steps apply beyond the standard application: physicians must register with the Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR) before prescribing in the state, and DEA registration must reflect a Montana address prior to the first assignment.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Montana Physician Licensing Guide.
CRNAs practicing in Montana must hold a Montana APRN license with CRNA designation, issued by the Montana Board of Nursing. The licensing path mirrors the NP process: a Montana RN license is required first, though a compact RN multistate privilege is accepted in lieu of a Montana RN license. Once the RN license is in place, a properly completed CRNA application typically takes approximately four weeks to process. Fingerprinting for a federal background check is required and is the most common source of delay. Montana does not issue temporary CRNA licenses, so the full timeline applies before work can begin. Prescriptive authority is applied for as part of the CRNA application.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Montana CRNA Licensing Guide.
Several requirements apply to all providers working as independent contractors in Montana, regardless of profession.
Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC). All providers working as 1099 independent contractors in Montana must hold an active ICEC before beginning any assignment. The ICEC functions as Montana’s business license for independent contractors and exempts the state from providing worker’s compensation benefits. Providers can be fined up to $1,000 for working without a valid ICEC. This requirement does not exist in most other states and is one of the most commonly missed steps for providers new to Montana. WMS will walk you through the process as part of onboarding.
A sample ICEC application is available for download: Montana ICEC Application (PDF).
DEA Registration. Providers who prescribe controlled substances must have DEA registration reflecting a Montana address before beginning work. Providers can either transfer an existing DEA license to Montana or obtain an additional registration for locum work. Transfers can take up to five business days, so planning ahead is important.
Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR). Physicians authorized to prescribe or dispense in Montana must register with the Montana MPDR before beginning work. This is a Montana-specific requirement separate from DEA registration. WMS will walk physicians through this step as part of the credentialing process.
Supervision Agreement (PAs with fewer than 8,000 hours). PAs who do not meet the experience exemption threshold require a supervision agreement with a physician at each assignment location. WMS coordinates this with the facility after the first assignment is confirmed. No action is needed from the provider before licensing is complete.
The following resources may be useful as you prepare for your Montana locum tenens assignment:
Browse current and upcoming locum tenens opportunities across Montana below.
06273S – If you're a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant looking for work at a Critical Access Hospital in rural Montana, this assignment may be a great fit! This is a solo-provider position, primarily covering the ER […]
06263M – We have an exciting Permanent role for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Northern Montana! Here, you'll be serving patients in a rural environment alongside a dedicated and collaborative team of […]
06262M – We're recruiting for a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to fill this permanent role in Northeast Montana! Here, you'll join a dedicated team of professionals, and provide primary care at a well-established, […]
06049S – Step into a dynamic Locum Tenens role that combines clinical excellence with the spirit of exploration in Northeast Montana. We’re seeking a dedicated Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) for a Locum Tenens […]
06296M – This is a great CRNA opportunity located in Eastern Montana! The need is for Locum coverage right now, but a permanent option is available for the right fit. In this MT location, you'll find a a close-knit community, and […]
06292M – If you're a CRNA in Montana and looking for for a new permanent position, don't let this opportunity pass you by! This assignment is located in a small town in Eastern Montana. Here, you'll find a a close-knit […]
06259M – We're recruiting for a Radiologist to join a critical access hospital in Northeast Montana! You'll join a dedicated team of professionals, managing a diverse caseload, while serving a community that relies on your […]
If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Alaska and have questions about the licensing process, our team is here to help. We work with providers through every step of credentialing, from initial application through your first shift.
If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Alaska and have questions about the licensing process, our team is here to help. We work with providers through every step of credentialing, from initial application through your first shift.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
