Physician Assistant Locum Tenens Jobs in California , NY & USA

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

Your daily responsibilities can vary by specialty, clinical setting, and employer. In most roles, you provide patient care while collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Depending on state law and the practice setting, your responsibilities may be shaped by collaborative practice arrangements, delegation of duties, or other applicable practice requirements.

Scope of practice and specific clinical responsibilities can vary by state, employer, specialty, and practice setting. PAs should review the applicable state requirements before accepting a position.

Common duties may include:

• Patient Assessment and Evaluation

• Medical History Review

• Physical Examinations

• Diagnosis and Treatment Support

• Medication Management

• Patient Education

• Clinical Documentation

• Care Coordination

• Follow-Up Care

Your specialty can also shape your daily work. For example, emergency medicine may focus on urgent patient needs, while an orthopedic PA may support musculoskeletal care and surgical patients.

Other opportunities may be available in dermatology, cardiology, surgery, and family medicine. Relevant clinical experience and certifications can help you pursue roles that match your professional interests.

Where Can You Work as a Physician Assistant?

Your clinical experience can open opportunities across hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and specialty practices. Locum tenens assignments allow PAs to support different healthcare organizations based on staffing needs, specialty requirements, and patient care demands.

Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals

Locum PAs may support hospitals and critical access facilities with temporary inpatient, emergency, surgical, or specialty coverage. These assignments can help healthcare organizations maintain patient care services during provider shortages, leave coverage, or periods of increased demand.

Depending on the role, responsibilities may include:

• Assessing Patients

• Supporting Treatment Plans

• Documenting Care

• Collaborating With Physicians and Healthcare Teams

Rural Health and Outpatient Clinics

Locum opportunities in rural and outpatient settings can help healthcare organizations maintain patient access during staffing shortages or provider absences. These roles may allow PAs to provide ongoing care for communities while gaining experience in different practice environments.

Responsibilities may include:

• Patient Evaluations

• Treatment Planning

• Follow-Up Care

• Health Education

Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care assignments allow locum PAs to provide temporary coverage for patients who need prompt medical attention but do not have life-threatening conditions. These opportunities may involve evaluating symptoms, ordering diagnostic tests, providing treatment, and explaining follow-up care.

Specialty and Surgical Coverage

Locum assignments can provide opportunities in specialty areas where healthcare organizations need qualified PA support. Depending on your experience and credentials, opportunities may be available in areas such as:

• Orthopedics

• Dermatology

• Cardiology

• Surgery

• Other Areas of Medicine

Working across different facilities and specialties can help PAs expand their clinical experience while supporting healthcare organizations with temporary coverage needs.

What Are the Requirements for PA Jobs? 

Your eligibility for a physician assistant position depends on the state, employer, specialty, and role. Most positions require an accredited physician assistant education program, national certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and state licensure. Candidates typically earn NCCPA certification by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). 

Typical requirements may include:

• Accredited Physician Assistant Education

• NCCPA Certification

• PANCE

• State Physician Assistant License

• Relevant Clinical Experience

• Required Continuing Education

• Specialty-Specific Credentials When Applicable

Licensing rules vary by state. The PA Licensure Compact is also designed to facilitate multi-state practice for eligible physician assistants, which may be especially relevant to clinicians considering locum opportunities across multiple states.  

For example, if you are considering a physician assistant position in California, review the applicable state licensing requirements before accepting an assignment. 

Why Are Physician Assistants Taking the Locums Route? 

Locum tenens work can give PAs more control over their careers. It offers flexibility, exposure to different clinical settings, and opportunities to build valuable experience. For many physician assistants, this work model can also support personal and financial goals.

Compensation and Benefits

Locum compensation can vary based on specialty, location, assignment length, schedule, and clinical responsibilities.

In addition to hourly compensation, some opportunities may include travel support, housing or housing stipends, licensing assistance, and malpractice coverage. 

Review the complete compensation package and assignment details with your recruiter before accepting an opportunity. 

Increase Your Earning Potential

Locum roles can provide an additional source of income. Extra shifts may help with financial goals, savings, or other expenses. Full-time locum work can also offer a flexible way to maintain a consistent workload.

Work in New Locations

Locum opportunities can take you to different:

• Cities

• States

• Communities

Working in a new location gives you a better understanding of the local healthcare environment. It can also help you decide where you may want to work long-term.

Build Diverse Clinical Experience

Working across different facilities can expand your professional experience. You may encounter new:

• Patient Populations

• Workflows

• Clinical Practices

These experiences can also help you build connections with physicians, PAs, and other healthcare professionals.

Gain Greater Flexibility

Locum tenens work can give you more control over your schedule. You may choose opportunities that fit your availability and career plans. This flexibility can make it easier to balance professional responsibilities with personal priorities.

How to Find and Apply for PA Jobs

Finding the right PA job through Imperial Locum starts with a simple online search. Follow these steps to explore suitable opportunities and begin your application.

Select Your Professional Category

Start by selecting Physician Assistant as your professional category to view relevant openings. 

Refine Your Job Search

Use the available filters to narrow your search. You can select your preferred:

• State

• Hospital Type

• Discipline

These filters help you find positions based on your location, professional focus, and preferred healthcare setting.

Explore Available Opportunities

Review the available jobs that match your selected criteria. Each listing provides key information about the facility, location, and hourly pay rate.

Review the Job Details

Select View Job to learn more about the position. Review the job description, requirements, benefits, schedule, and other relevant details before applying.

Submit Your Application

If the opportunity matches your qualifications and preferences, select Apply Now. Complete the application form with your:

• First Name

• Last Name

• Email Address

• Professional Discipline

• Resume

• License Title

Provide the required information and documents, then submit your application for review.

Connect With the Recruitment Team

After you apply, Imperial Locum can provide personalized consultation and recruitment support. The recruiter reviews your qualifications, experience, and preferences to help identify suitable PA opportunities.

Complete Credentialing and Find Your Match

The staffing specialist guides you through the required credentialing steps and supports you throughout the recruitment process. Once the required credentialing steps are complete, you can move forward with an opportunity that meets the position's requirements and assignment details. 

Find Your Next Physician Assistant Role Today

A PA career can offer opportunities across specialties, clinical settings, and locations. The right position can help you build on your experience while supporting the career direction you want to pursue.

Ready to explore your next PA opportunity? Browse current openings and connect with Imperial Locum to find a role that matches your qualifications, availability, and career goals. 

FAQs

What Are the Requirements for Physician Assistant Jobs?

Most positions require appropriate physician assistant education, certification, and state licensure. Additional requirements may include clinical experience, specialty credentials, and employer-specific qualifications.

Can PAs Work in Locum Tenens Roles?

Yes. Qualified PAs can pursue locum tenens positions in various healthcare settings. Requirements depend on the state, employer, specialty, and specific role.

Are Remote Positions Available for Physician Assistant?

Remote and telehealth positions may be available for qualified professionals. These roles can have specific state licensing and telehealth requirements.

Can PAs Work in Different Specialties?

Yes. Opportunities may be available in areas such as emergency medicine, family medicine, orthopedics, dermatology, cardiology, and surgery. Specialty requirements vary by position.

How Can Imperial Locum Support My Job Search?

Imperial Locum helps qualified professionals find relevant healthcare opportunities. Support may include job matching, recruiter assistance, credentialing guidance, licensing support, and onboarding assistance.