Locum Story: Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

14 June 2024

This job of Locum Tenens was initiated as a makeshift policy to meet temporary doctor and staffing shortages.

Slowly, career opportunities emerged as one of the medical professional’s top career choices. In this article, we bring into the discussion table the demand for locums and the expectations of new job seekers in the next few years.

Locum Tenens: How Common Is It?

Locum tenens is, without doubt, a fast-growing segment in the healthcare industry. However, many of the largest facilities and practices in the USA have leveraged the efficacy of locum job placement. They incorporate these positions into their staffing models.

Although the concept of the modern locum tenens dates back to the early 1970s, since there is no turning back, the sector is managing a dream run of growth.

About 7% of physicians in the US have associated themselves with the locum tenens position within the last year.

Moreover, almost 85% of facilities are integrating temporary service providers. In the last decade, the number of locum tenens doctors has sharply increased. The rate of increase is massive( 90%). Hence, you can understand how common it is the concept of employment in the US medical sector.

The Future of Locum Tenens

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the move towards gig work and contracting has grossly affected the entire healthcare industry. Moreover, spending on locum tenens increased drastically by 28% in the year 2021.

Almost 60% of healthcare funds go towards inducting self-employed practitioners. The Association of American Medical Colleges conjectures that the shortfall of healthcare professionals will approach 140,000 by 2033.

The situation brings with it waves of concerns for the vulnerable aging population and also the medical workforce. The locum tenens positions address the shortfall, as well as providing patients with healthcare requirements.

Why Are Locum Tenens Jobs in Demand?

Recent data exposes some of the most concerning and surprising trends among physicians. They include those who are looking for contract-based positions.

Furthermore, the reports also bring to the forefront the reasons behind healthcare professionals’ preference towards short-term placements.

According to a survey, 60% of the respondents opine that they are looking for new positions. Moreover, nearly 25% of physicians under the age group of 40 opine that they are avoiding long-term or permanent positions due to burnout.

Moreover, after the pandemic, the healthcare sector faced an enduring staffing shortage. Consequently, stakeholders feel pressure from within.

Under such serious circumstances, the locum tenens has emerged as a viable alternative for physicians and other healthcare professionals who want to be engaged in the workforce but on their terms.

Work-life balance

Locum tenens offers a degree of flexibility not found in full-time healthcare positions. Temporary placements allow physicians to experience a range of environments and demographics while setting schedules that work for them.

Everyone knows that the present world of professionalism is grappling with issues like work-life balance and increasing stress. Organizational management, especially in the medical field, is looking to work on coping with immense pressure. Locus tenens provides an advantage. Professionals who aim to attain work-life balance are looking for locums job placement.

Better pay

Competitive pay is another driver of locum tenens growth. Moreover, the temporary healthcare positions may culminate in the form of 50% more payment compared to the comparable full-time placements.

As a result, it allows the healthcare profession to earn more money while working with flexibility. Temporary employees are responsible for health insurance and retirement planning, which can erode some of those profits.

These are a few reasons attributed to the increasing popularity of locum tenens positions in the healthcare industry. With a more equitable work-life balance, better pay, and, most importantly, less stress, it brings multiple benefits. Hence, it becomes easy to say why so many doctors are entering the locum tenens position.

A Hassle-Free Career

One key benefit of the locum tenens job is a hassle-free career. When professionals have this job, there are zero teaching and administrative responsibilities. Furthermore, there are zero coding and billing hassles or, say, staff management issues.

Experts say that the care providers who embrace this approach reap the benefits. Here, the professionals get much better flexibility from the hospitals. As a result, the job becomes much more stressful and hassle-free.

Freedom To Travel

The locum tenens are best known for their freedom of travel. This recruitment approach allows doctors to engage in multiple healthcare bodies, and that too in different places.

If you can visit multiple places and seek new career opportunities, you have flexibility and freedom. This is, without question, one of the prime benefits that healthcare professionals get.

Pre Retirement planning

One of the benefits linked to locum tenens is pre-retirement planning. Some doctors have retired from their full-time jobs but still want to engage in practice.

This approach to service best suits these professionals. These professionals are looking to finish their medical careers with locum work.

Many seasoned medical professionals have retired from full-time engagements. They suggest that they have made the right decision by engaging in part-time jobs at different care units. They say that the flexibility of the work structure provides them with the edge.

Read More: Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025

Managing the Debts

Another core benefit of locum tenens is working with new doctors. The respectable earnings from the job help one manage debt while studying in medical school.

Even the National Association of Tenens Organization(NALTO) says that an individual can get two ways to manage their student loans.

They think that the students are using different ways to pay back their along with the flexibility that they are getting from the hospitals. Working in the locum tenens allows them to provide coverage for weekends or months. The opportunities are quite enticing.

Change Will Keep Coming—Are You Ready For It?

Locum Tenens has grown into a nationwide, multibillion-dollar industry used by nearly 90% of America’s healthcare facilities. In every state, thousands of providers accept temporary placements every year, ensuring that people in underserved communities get the medical care they need.

Though locum tenens has a short history compared to that of other industries, it offers a reliable, sustainable staffing solution in areas lacking access to healthcare.

With locum tenens, we can build a healthier, safer society. If you’re considering a career change, accepting a temporary position may be just the push you need.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Seasonal Unemployment – Definition, & Examples [Complete Details]

Seasonal unemployment could be a big issue because work is only available for a few months a year. However, such a situation is only temporary, and employment reverts to normal thereafter. Many workers are adapted to seasonal unemployment as they work heavily when the demand is high and save up much of their earnings. Then, they utilize those savings in the off season. Moreover, there are many opportunities and benefits in seasonal unemployment. One of the best parts is that it is clearly predictable. What Is Seasonal Unemployment? Seasonal employees are also known as temporary employees, and they qualify for unemployment benefits at the end of their job specifications. This can also offer exciting opportunities to work in special settings and perform job duties that relate to a particular time of the year. Seasonally unemployed individuals can simply look for employment opportunities or part-time jobs as they know well that their job is temporary and they need money for their daily livelihood. On the other hand, unemployment falls during Christmas because extra jobs are available. Thus, this could be the month where workers can earn maximum profit and utilize the same when they have no jobs. Seasonal Unemployment Benefits Seasonal unemployment only occurs when the season ends, which is usually predictable, as discussed above. However, to make your efforts easy, we have listed some of the top seasonal unemployment benefits that you must know in 2021. This can be the best period for you where you can actually build your skill sets that can be utilized for other career paths. For example internship, fixed-term hires, etc. There are many who are happy with seasonal unemployment because they have many other important things to do apart from their job life. This is better than complete unemployment as the labor force would earn wages for at least a part of the year. Earning very high when the workers are temporarily employed can be a great source of income even better than those who are employed for the whole year. This unemployment is common and predictable. You can take all the necessary steps beforehand. Seasonal Unemployment Limitations Yes, there are some limitations of seasonal unemployment that we have discussed below! One major disadvantage of seasonal unemployment is that it is the same as other unemployment. The workers or the employees here face personal hardships during the time they are unemployed. Even some employees might not find jobs that last the whole year. Another limitation of seasonal unemployment is that there is lost production. This means that the producer is not able to produce goods when there is seasonal unemployment. Seasonal Unemployment Examples Some of the top examples of seasonal unemployment are Holiday, Theme Park, Agriculture. Agriculture: Some farmer’s markets end during the last week of August. AS the farm only yields crops that grow in the summer seasons. Holiday: Seasonal unemployment occurs when the holiday performance of any show ends. There are many individuals behind the performance and they earn a good sum of money. Theme Park: Theme park is also another kind of seasonal unemployment that many of you are aware of. Besides, tourist destinations can also be an example of this type of employment. What Is The Difference Between Disguised Unemployment And Seasonal Unemployment? Disguised Unemployment Seasonal Unemployment In this, marginal labor productivity is null. The individuals appear to be employed but are not employed. In this, individuals cannot secure jobs during certain months of the year. The job needs the service of 5 individuals, but eight individuals are involved. There are many productivity phases when weaving, threshing, sewing, and harvesting are done. Located in rural areas. Located in both rural and urban areas. Found mainly in agriculture. Found mainly in the agro-based sector. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Seasonal Unemployment Refers To Ans: Seasonal unemployment refers to the time period when the demand for labor or workforce is lower than normal under certain conditions. 3. The Problem Of Unemployment Comes Under Discussion Ans: The problem of unemployment comes under poverty. Unemployment causes a decrease in production and less consumption of goods and services by the people. 4. Where Is Seasonal Employment Found? Ans: Seasonal Unemployment is mainly found in rural areas because their major occupation is agriculture. The Final Thoughts Seasonal Unemployment is popular across the world, and you must know about the same. For those who earn very low wages, seasonal unemployment can be a major problem for them in the long run. It can become very difficult for them to manage everything at the same time. Besides, let me know your doubts in the comment section below if you come across any! Read Also: 6 Affordable Online Courses You Should Take How Does Creativity Help In Entrepreneurship? Top 7 Reasons the Medical Field Will Always Be In Demand

how long does it take to become a physician assistant

How To Become A Physician Assistant In 7 Years Or Less

The title "physician assistant" may evoke images of someone whose job it is to run professional errands for doctors to someone with little knowledge of the health sector. Physician assistants (PAs), however, are highly skilled individuals who are authorized to diagnose, track, and provide medication to patients. Though the responsibilities of PAs and doctors frequently overlap, the degree of autonomy that each enjoys at work varies. Although PAs normally require a doctor's supervision to treat patients, doctors are legally permitted to practice independently. There are other options for pursuing an advanced career in healthcare besides attending medical school or nursing school, as evidenced by the growing demand for PAs. This article covers the steps involved in becoming a physician assistant, as well as typical specializations, salary ranges, and employment prospects for this field. How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant? Are you interested in becoming a physician assistant? Do you know how to become a pa? Are you wondering how long does it take to become a pa? Did you just google "What bachelor degree do I need for physician assistant?" This article will explain everything to you in detail. Who Is A Physician Assistant? Physician assistants, or PAs for short, are certified medical professionals who assist doctors in delivering care. They provide care as well as keep an eye on the health of patients alongside doctors. While some states permit physician assistants to operate autonomously, the majority mandate that they remain under the direct supervision of physicians. PAs perform physical examinations, write prescriptions for medication, and administer tests. Additional duties for PAs are as follows: Obtaining the medical histories of patients Placing as well as evaluating diagnostic test orders Assisting with medical operations Directing patients to appropriate experts Creating therapy programs Offering patients preventive care advice Track the advancement of your patients. Carrying out clinical research Physician assistants are employed in a variety of locations, including surgery rooms, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices. In addition to working in medical settings, PAs are employed by military institutions, sports teams, and educational institutions. The majority of PAs have full-time jobs with flexible schedules that sometimes include weekends and holidays. Similar to physicians, they might have to work long shifts on short notice and be on call. PAs should be physically fit and have strong interpersonal skills because spending hours interacting with patients and coworkers can get tiresome. How To Become A Physician Assistant? Here are the steps to take before you can become a physician assistant. Get Your Bachelor's Degree Getting a bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the prerequisite for working as a physician assistant. Applications from a variety of backgrounds are usually accepted into PA programs, but a science-focused major is advised as it will enable you to apply undergraduate credits toward your PA requirements. Acquire Patient Care Or Healthcare Experience (PCE) (HCE) Prior to applying to graduate school, prospective physician associates (PAs) are advised by the American Academy of Physician Associates to obtain experience in healthcare or patient care. HCE describes employment, whether paid or unpaid, in which you may still interact with patients but are not directly in charge of their care. PCE, on the other hand, necessitates direct patient treatment. At least 1,000 HCE or PCE hours are needed for most PA programs, and these hours are normally obtained after working in the health industry for about a year. A medical technician, paramedic, surgical assistant, dental assistant, hospice worker, physical therapy assistant, and phlebotomist are among the positions that satisfy the need for clinical experience. Enroll In A PA Program With Accreditation You can acquire the advanced knowledge required to pass the national certification exam and start working as a physician assistant by enrolling in a PA graduate program. Clinical anatomy, clinical therapeutics, histology, as well as medical principles are among the subjects covered in a PA program. Additionally, you might participate in clinical rotations or clerkships, which entail observing certified PAs. For those who cannot attend in person, several colleges offer online PA programs. Concentrations are a common feature of these PA programs, enabling students to customize their degrees to meet their professional objectives. Moreover, geriatrics, family medicine, women's health, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general internal medicine are among the common specialties of PAs. Through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), students can submit their admissions applications. PA applicants must submit HCE and PCE records, college transcripts, recommendation letters, resumes, and personal statements to CASPA. Before applying, make sure the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has approved the program of your choice. Obtain Certification Graduates from ARC-PA-accredited programs are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is responsible for administering the exam. The PANCE is a five-hour multiple-choice test designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge of medicine and surgery. To obtain a PA license in any state in the United States, one must pass the PANCE. States may have different requirements for other particular licenses. How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant? Usually, it takes at least seven years to finish all of the steps above. You will need four years to complete your undergraduate studies, followed by a year to obtain experience in healthcare and two years to finish a PA program. If you need more time to study for and pass the PANCE, or if you want to gain experience when moving from undergrad and grad school, then the path to becoming a PA may take longer. Salary Of A Physician Assistant As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for physician assistants was $126,010. The industry, degree of experience, and place of residence all affect an individual's compensation. Certain regions of the United States, such as Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Montana, have the highest concentrations of physician assistant jobs, putting them in great demand. According to BLS projections, employment for these professionals will grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, which is nearly six times the projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs and three times the projected job growth rate for other health practitioners nationwide. Specializations Similar to nurses and clinicians, physician assistants can choose to specialize in different areas of healthcare based on their areas of interest as well as strengths. Moreover, the types of patients PAs work with, as well as the range of salaries they can earn, depend largely on their specializations. The majority of PA programs provide elective courses and some mandate that students finish supervised clinical practice across several specializations. Before starting graduate school, we advise you to select your PA specialization so that you can enroll in a program that offers comprehensive instruction in your field of interest. Here are some typical specializations for PA professionals and students. Emergency Practice In this specialization, PA aspirants learn how to assess, stabilize, and treat patients with life-threatening conditions. Students specializing in emergency medicine also gain skills for collaborating with urgent care teams and for presenting cases to physicians. Pregnancy And Gynecology PA students who choose this concentration will graduate with a thorough understanding of childbirth, midwifery, and the female reproductive system as a whole. They get training in giving women prenatal and postpartum care as well as family planning counseling. Pediatrics By providing ambulatory care for infants and children, pediatric PAs assist pediatricians. Students specializing in the pediatrician field gain the ability to assess typical pediatric issues, provide prophylactic care, and explain treatment regimens to patients' guardians. Surgery PA students can assess and oversee surgical patients through the surgery specialization. They gain knowledge on how to care for surgical patients both before and after surgery. Mental Wellness The treatment and support of patients dealing with mental health issues is the main focus of this specialization. Students in this specialty gain knowledge on how to perform mental assessments, track patients' progress, as well as recommend individuals to behavioral health professionals. Certifications Furthering your experience, profile, as well as career certifications helps you gain credibility. Here are a few you can check out. PA-C The primary certification for PAs is the Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) credential, for which you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Three hundred multiple-choice questions, given in five blocks of sixty questions each, make up the five-hour PANCE exam. Between sessions, candidates can take 45-minute breaks. Those who wish to take the PANCE must complete a program approved by the ARC-PA before taking it. Potential PAs have 180 days from the date of graduation to apply for the exam; however, they can only take the test beginning seven days later. After submitting an application and paying a $550 fee, NCCPA will email you an acknowledgment along with more details. Additional Qualifications NCCPA provides optional credentials for ten PA specialties in addition to the PA-C: Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery Dermatology Emergency medicine Hospital medicine Nephrology Orthopedic surgery Pediatrics Palliative medicine and hospice care Psychiatry Obstetrics and Gynecology These qualifications are known as certificates of additional qualifications, or CAQs. They give PAs credit for their specialized knowledge. Professional Organizations While it's not necessary, becoming a member of a professional organization can help PAs become more credible and open up more career development opportunities. The two professional associations that were established to aid physician assistants are highlighted below. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the preeminent national organization for PA professionals. It was established in 1968. It encompasses more than 168,000 PAs in each of the 50 US states. The AAPA gives its members the tools they need to grow professionally and enhance patient care. Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is the national organization for PA education. It helps academic programs attract and hold onto talented faculty members and PA students. Additionally, it offers a range of study resources for PA certifications. Wrapping Up Additional motivations to become a physician assistant include demand, high pay, work-life balance, autonomy, and job security. If you have the desire and passion to become a PA, then the amount of time it takes is unimportant. Your clinical experience and self-assurance will enable you to lead health care forward and improve patient health and well-being with the Physician Assistant Studies Program. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask how long does it take to become a physician assistant, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Learn More About: The Future Of Healthcare: Adapting To An Aging Society Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most In Demand 2020–2025 Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs

Remote Working In 2022: 5 Must-Have Tools—You Need To Know

In recent days, remote working is a common thing all over the world. Thanks to the technology and the pandemic for that. Although sometimes it is pretty hard to manage all the work with the co-workers while staying at home. And without using some remote working tools, it is next to impossible. We need some best technology for working remotely. We require tools that will help us in communicating, video conferencing, or online chatting. So, let's check out the top 5 useful apps that you must use to get the benefit of working remotely. Remote Work In 2022: 5 Must-Have Tools: From online chatting to project management or record streaming video—in recent days, some tools are necessary to work from home. 1. Tools for communication Online chatting tools are now an integral part of many companies and the people working remotely. These apps help communicate with the entire team by sending a simple message. They are a good replacement for in-house emails. »Slack—is one of the most-used apps that has started to gain popularity among remote workers. The simple setup and useful features make it a must-have app in the corporate sector. Features include direct messaging, document sharing, screen sharing, and voice calls. »Workplace—is another collaborative software tool by Facebook. And one of the most expensive and competitive apps in the chatting industry. Features include instant messaging, instant translation, online group work, and video conferencing. It can also integrate with the apps like Zoom and Google drive. »Google Hangouts—Yes, this one is also on the list. The best thing about this app is its superb network connectivity—you don't need to worry about if you are in a cafe or at home. It is the best tool for making videos or sending voice calls via desktop or mobile with other google users. 2. Remote working tools for video conferencing A face-to-face conversation is a must when you have to work from home. And undoubtedly, some video conferencing apps should be on your device—if you work with a team or with the customers for some business purpose. »Zoom—I guess you know about this app already and must have used it for your work. This user-friendly app comes with excellent audio and video quality. The screen sharing feature, large meeting capacity, and the recording option make it a beneficial tool during the pandemic. Moreover, it consumes low data in comparison to other video conferencing tools. »Skype—talking about video conferencing apps and not mentioning Skype is impossible, right? Skype is the first and most famous video calling app in the market. Use it for group calls and sending messages, and all come with using fewer data. And the best part? Good quality virtual meetings are free of cost. »Cisco Webex—is a popular video conferencing tool and reliable one that is used by governments and big companies across the world. It is user-friendly and free of cost. Moreover, one can host and join any meeting via laptop, mobile, or tablet for having cross-device compatibility. 3. File storage apps You will find plenty of file storage apps available on the market. These tools are essential for your personal use, working with any company, or for business purposes as well. »Google Drive—is the perfect choice for people using Google Workspace regularly. It will automatically save your content on Google docs or sheets. What's more? Google Drive is one of the most used apps in androids and tablets—super easy for storing your documents in the cloud. »Dropbox—is not just an app for cloud storage, but it contains some other features also. It can integrate with other tools also, such as Slack and Zoom. It also comes with monitoring or tracking features that will be helpful for the admin to keep an eye on the documents. »Microsoft Onedrive—all Microsoft users—is a must-include storage app for you. With the subscription to Microsoft 365—you will get a huge storage space of about 1 TB, with no extra charge. 4. Remote working apps for project management Working from home is difficult when it's all about organizing your work properly. But don't worry. Some management tools are there for you to track your work. All you have to do this keep an eye on the online dashboards. It will manage all your work, like the projects assigned to you, the status of your work, and tasks related to your project. »Trello—is a lightweight, user-friendly, and simple project monitoring app for all remote workers. In Trello, there are lists, cards, and boards. Cards are nothing but the tasks you need to do divided into lists. And the projects are performed on the Kanban board. »Proofhub—is a famous tool that can help organize, plan and keep an eye on the tasks. Features contain workflows, discussions, calendars, Gantt charts, and task lists. It is a great app for freelancers as well as companies to work with clients. 5. Employee recognition software If you are an employer, you might know about these tools. These tools help the companies to operate recognition-based activities. These apps are useful for creating a good environment where people appreciate others' quality and efforts. »Vantage Circle—is a beneficial app that enhances employee engagement. It features peer recognition, including awards and appreciation for the employees. In a word, this app is for recognizing the strength and efforts of the worker who works remotely. »Blueboard—is a unique platform that will help you give rewards and recognition to workers. And these rewards are unique, surprising, and full of fun experiences. It can be trekking, scuba diving, kitesurfing, or in-home activities. Related Resource: How to Keep Remote Employees Productive in 2022 Bottom line Remote working is a new normal for most of us. After the pandemic, corporate sectors, IT companies, and many big companies have started growing interest in these apps. And they have initiated employing people to work remotely. Using the tools for your work is essential to manage the task properly. Most apps come with the free trial version, and some are free of cost. So, try them out and select the ones ideal for your work. Read Also: 5 Of the Highest Paid Remote Jobs What No One Tells You About Working Remotely 8 Tried and Tested Secrets of a Productive Home Office 5 Ways to Get a Better Work-Life Balance for Remote Employees

Locum Story: Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

Locum Tenens: How Common Is It?

The Future of Locum Tenens