What credentials do locum physicians need?
Locum physicians typically need a valid state medical license, DEA registration, board certification, malpractice coverage, immunization records, and a complete work history. Hospitals may also require references, background checks, and facility-specific privileging documentation. Dr. Alison Curfman breaks down the locum tenens credentialing checklist every physician and locum tenens clinician needs.
As a locum Emergency Medicine Physician, I remember staring at my first locums application thinking, “How am I supposed to know what I need before I even know where I’m going?” The credentialing process felt like this massive, moving target. Every hospital wanted something different. Every state had its own requirements. I felt completely overwhelmed before I’d even started.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: you don’t need to have everything perfect before you begin. But you do need to have the foundations for the right locum physician requirements in place. Think of credentialing like packing for a trip where you don’t know the exact weather, but you know you’ll need certain essentials no matter what.
Your Core Credentials: The Checklist for Locum Tenens
Your medical license is obviously non-negotiable, but here’s what caught me off guard: you need to think strategically about which states to get licensed in. I started with my home state, then added a few key states where I knew I wanted to work. The mistake I see physicians make is trying to get licensed everywhere at once. That’s expensive and unnecessary.
Your DEA registration needs to be current and in good standing. This seems obvious, but I’ve seen physicians get surprised by expiration dates or address changes that create delays. Keep track of renewal dates and update your address immediately if you move.
Board certification should be current. Some hospitals are flexible on this, but most aren’t. If you’re coming up on recertification, handle that before you start looking for assignments.
The Hospital Privileging Reality
This is where it gets tricky. Hospital privileges are specific to each facility, and the process can take weeks or months. You can’t really “prepare” for this in advance because each hospital has its own requirements and timeline.
What you can do is gather all the documentation hospitals typically request. Think of it as building your credentialing file: medical school transcripts, residency and fellowship certificates, malpractice history, work history with no gaps, and references who will actually respond when called.
I learned to keep digital copies of everything organized in folders on my computer. When a hospital asks for your residency certificate from 15 years ago, you don’t want to be scrambling to find it.
The Paperwork That Trips Everyone Up
Malpractice insurance documentation is crucial, and this is where working with the right agency becomes essential. You need to understand what coverage you’ll have and ensure there are no gaps. I’ve heard horror stories about physicians who thought they were covered but weren’t.
Immunization records seem simple until you realize you need to prove you had chickenpox in 1987. Start gathering these early. Most hospitals want hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and tuberculosis screening. Some want COVID vaccination records now too.
Background checks and drug screening are standard. These usually happen closer to your start date, but knowing they’re coming helps you plan.
The Mental Preparation Nobody Talks About
Here’s what the checklists don’t tell you: the emotional preparation is just as important as the paperwork. I remember feeling anxious about whether I’d have everything ready in time, whether I’d miss some crucial requirement, whether the hospital would find some reason to reject my application.
That anxiety is normal. Every physician I know felt it before their first locums assignment. The key is having systems in place so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Create a master file with all your documents. Keep track of expiration dates. Have a system for following up on applications. Most importantly, work with people who know this process inside and out.
Why the Right Support Makes All the Difference
I don’t handle my own credentialing anymore, and neither should you. The process is too complex and changes too frequently. When I work with Barton, their credentialing team manages all of this by walking me through the locum tenens credentialing checklist. They know which hospitals need what documentation, they track deadlines, and they follow up when things get stuck.
This isn’t about being lazy or not wanting to do the work. It’s about recognizing that credentialing is a specialized skill set. You wouldn’t try to do your own taxes if you were a complex business owner. Don’t try to navigate hospital credentialing requirements on your own when there are experts who do this every day.
The peace of mind is worth everything. Instead of worrying about whether you submitted the right form to the right person, you can focus on what you do best: taking care of patients.
Your Next Step
If you’re thinking about locums, start gathering your core documents now. Don’t wait until you’re ready to apply for your first assignment. Having everything organized in advance means you can move quickly when the right opportunity comes up.
Remember, you don’t have to figure this out alone. The physicians who thrive in locums are the ones who build the right support systems from the beginning. That includes working with a career partner who understands the credentialing maze and can guide you through it.
FAQs
Do locum physicians need multiple state licenses?
Yes, most locum physicians hold licenses in multiple states depending on where they plan to work.
How long does credentialing take for locums?
Typically 30–90 days depending on the facility and specialty, though in select cases timelines can move much faster.
