It’s no secret that America is experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers right now. A growing number of physicians are choosing the locum tenens career path to help bridge the gap. What many people fail to realize, though, is that this deficit isn’t limited to the Continental United States. It’s a global issue, which makes locum tenens providers highly sought-after professionals around the world.
Working abroad is an attractive prospect for quite a few people, and locum tenens physicians are no exception. Filling temporary positions in other countries is a fantastic way to see the world while also gaining extensive and diverse professional experience. Still, if you’re looking for locum tenens work abroad, it’s important to understand the qualifications and processes involved and what these assignments may entail.
Certification Requirements
First of all, keep in mind that certification requirements for physicians and other medical professionals vary from one country to the next. Being board-certified to practice medicine in the states doesn’t necessarily mean healthcare systems elsewhere will consider you qualified. With that being the case, you’ll need to read up on the certification requirements for the countries you’d like to work in and be sure your credentials measure up. You may even have to pass a licensing exam that’s specific to the country in question before being considered for locum tenens assignments.
Credentialing Processes
Along those same lines, the credentialing process varies a bit from one country to the next. In many cases, it takes much longer than having your credentials verified in the states. For example, it can take up to 45 days for assignments in Guam and four to six months for those in Australia, New Zealand, or other countries. As such, if you’re considering working abroad, be sure to plan ahead. You may want to accept more local assignments while you’re waiting for the credentialing process to be completed for those outside the Continental United States.
Travel and Housing Arrangements
Many locum tenens providers worry about the costs of relocating to another country and the difficulties of finding housing, setting up utilities, and other factors, especially for short-term assignments. As is the case for domestic assignments, locum tenens contracts abroad generally cover travel and housing arrangements and their associated costs. They may include additional cost-of-living allowances as well. Exactly what may be included in your contract can vary, but the basics are usually taken care of for you.
Salary Expectations
Like most locum tenens providers, you probably have at least general idea of your desired salary in mind. Many find that the salaries offered for assignments abroad don’t match up with their expectations. Those in other countries often pay less than those in the United States. They may not offer the same types of benefits, either. Having travel, housing, and other expenses covered can help to offset the salary gap, but it’s something worth considering before you choose to accept work in other countries.
Taking Your Medical Skills Abroad
For locum tenens providers, accepting assignments abroad is a wonderful way to see the world while also expanding their knowledge and experience. Securing assignments in other countries may be a bit more involved than accepting those in the Continental United States, though. Qualification requirements, credentialing, and other processes are different and often more time-consuming, and there are more expenses involved. You may need to adjust your expectations in terms of your salary and benefits as well.
Still, there are numerous assignments available in other countries. They’re waiting to be filled by someone like you who has the skills and experience to help those in need of medical care. Partnering with a locum tenens staffing agency can make finding assignments that dovetail with your expectations much simpler. These agencies also help with credentialing and other aspects to ensure you’re fully certified and ready for the assignments you’re interested in.
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