Locum Tenens for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants: Complete 2025 Guide
Locum tenens has historically been associated with physicians — but in 2025, advanced practice providers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the locum tenens workforce. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are in higher demand than ever before, and the compensation, flexibility, and career benefits available to APPs in the locum market are increasingly competitive.
If you’re an NP or PA wondering whether locum tenens is right for you, this guide gives you everything you need to make an informed decision — from pay rates and credentialing to top specialties and how to land your first assignment.
1. What Is Locum Tenens for APPs?
| Definition
Locum tenens for nurse practitioners and physician assistants refers to temporary clinical assignments where licensed APPs fill staffing gaps at healthcare facilities — hospitals, urgent care centers, clinics, and health systems — on a contract basis. APPs in locum tenens earn premium hourly rates and typically have travel, housing, and credentialing handled by their placement agency. |
While physician locum tenens gets most of the attention, APP locum tenens is growing at a faster rate. Facilities increasingly rely on NPs and PAs to extend clinical capacity — and as APP scope of practice has expanded across most U.S. states, so has the range and quality of locum assignments available.
For NPs and PAs, the locum model works identically to physician locum tenens: you are matched with a temporary clinical role, the agency handles credentialing and logistics, and you practice medicine at an agreed hourly rate with travel and accommodation covered.
2. Why More NPs and PAs Are Choosing Locum Tenens in 2025
The reasons NPs and PAs are moving toward locum tenens mirror those of physicians — but there are also factors unique to the APP experience that make locum tenens particularly appealing.
The Core Reasons APPs Choose Locum
- Higher hourly compensation — locum rates for NPs and PAs are typically 30–60% higher than traditional per-hour employment equivalents
- Schedule control — choose when you work, how many shifts, and for how long
- Geographic flexibility — practice in new cities, states, and clinical environments without permanent relocation
- Career variety — exposure to different patient populations, specialties, and facility types accelerates professional development
- Burnout mitigation — structured “on” and “off” periods reduce the chronic stress of fixed employment
- No administrative entanglements — no non-compete clauses, performance reviews tied to revenue, or office politics
| Market Trend
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects NP employment to grow 38% through 2032 — among the fastest of any healthcare profession. This growth is driving APP locum demand to record levels, with facilities competing aggressively for qualified locum NPs and PAs. |
3. Locum Tenens Pay Rates for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
APP locum pay rates vary by specialty, location, shift type, and experience level. The following figures represent current market rates based on active locum tenens assignments.
| Specialty / Setting | NP Hourly Rate | PA Hourly Rate |
| Urgent Care | $90–$150/hr | $90–$140/hr |
| Emergency Department | $100–$165/hr | $100–$155/hr |
| Primary Care / Family Medicine | $80–$130/hr | $80–$125/hr |
| Hospital Medicine / Hospitalist | $85–$140/hr | $85–$135/hr |
| Behavioral Health / Psychiatry | $90–$150/hr | $90–$145/hr |
| Orthopedic Surgery (PA-heavy) | N/A | $100–$170/hr |
| Cardiology | $90–$145/hr | $90–$140/hr |
| Oncology | $90–$145/hr | $85–$140/hr |
| Occupational Health | $80–$125/hr | $80–$120/hr |
Source: Premium Locums Group active listing data, NALTO 2024 APP compensation data.
Physicians earn significantly higher rates — see the full locum tenens pay rates guide for physicians for comparison.
Premium Locums Group currently places APP providers at rates up to $125/hour for Emergency Department and high-acuity settings. Rates are negotiated individually and all assignments include travel and accommodation at no cost to the provider.
4. Best Specialties for APP Locum Tenens in 2025
Not all specialties offer equal locum opportunities for APPs. The following represent the highest-demand and best-compensated areas based on current market data.
Top Specialties for Locum NPs
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) — critical shortage nationwide, premium rates, multiple telehealth options
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) — widest range of assignments across urgent care, primary care, and hospital settings
- Adult-Gerontology NP (AGNP) — strong demand in hospital medicine and long-term care settings
- Emergency NP (ENP) — growing specialty with strong compensation in high-volume EDs
- Women’s Health NP — consistent demand, particularly in rural and underserved communities
Top Specialties for Locum PAs
- Emergency Medicine PA — one of the highest-compensated APP specialties in the locum market
- Orthopedic Surgery PA — first-assist surgical roles command premium rates
- Hospitalist PA — rapidly expanding specialty with consistent locum demand
- Urgent Care PA — high-volume, fast-paced, strong rates with wide geographic availability
- Cardiology PA — procedural skills increase compensation significantly
In general, any specialty with a documented provider shortage — particularly psychiatry, emergency medicine, and rural primary care — will offer the strongest locum rates and the fastest placement timelines for APPs.
5. How APP Credentialing Works in Locum Tenens
One of the most common concerns NPs and PAs express about locum tenens is the credentialing process. The good news: when you work with Premium Locums Group, we handle it entirely on your behalf.
What APP Credentialing Involves
- State NP or PA license verification and, where applicable, application for a new state license
- Collaborative practice agreement coordination (for NPs in states that require physician oversight)
- National certification verification — ANCC/AANP for NPs; NCCPA for PAs
- DEA registration in the applicable state (NPs and PAs with prescriptive authority)
- Hospital and facility credentialing packet completion and submission
- Malpractice insurance including tail coverage — arranged and covered by the agency
- Facility-specific onboarding documentation and compliance requirements
The timeline for APP credentialing is typically two to four weeks for providers who already hold a license in the target state, and four to eight weeks for new state licensure applications. Premium Locums initiates every step immediately upon your commitment to an assignment.
| Pro Tip for APPs
The single most effective thing you can do to accelerate your first locum assignment is to obtain a license in a state with high locum demand before actively searching. Texas, Virginia, and Arkansas — all active Premium Locums markets — have relatively efficient licensure processes for both NPs and PAs. |
6. NP vs. PA — Are There Differences in Locum Opportunities?
NPs and PAs both have strong locum tenens markets, but there are some nuances worth understanding before you begin your search.
| Factor | Nurse Practitioners (NP) | Physician Assistants (PA) |
| Practice Authority | Full practice in 27+ states — expands opportunities | Supervisory requirement in most states — facility-dependent |
| Specialty Focus | Strong in primary care, psych, women’s health | Strong in surgery, EM, hospital medicine |
| Telehealth Locum Options | Widely available (especially PMHNP) | Growing, particularly in primary care |
| Rural Demand | Very high — especially FNPs | High — especially in surgical and EM settings |
| Compensation Range | $80–$165/hr depending on specialty | $80–$170/hr depending on specialty |
In states with full practice authority for NPs, locum assignments are often easier to credential and begin more quickly, since there is no collaborative practice agreement to establish with a facility physician. For PAs, the collaborative requirement is typically handled by the facility as part of standard onboarding — your agency will confirm the arrangements before your start date.
7. How to Get Started as a Locum NP or PA
The process for getting started as a locum APP through Premium Locums Group is designed to be as simple as possible:
- Create your provider profile at premiumlocumsgroup.com — include your specialty, certifications, active state licenses, and preferred assignment types
- Our placement specialists review your profile and identify matching active assignments
- You receive a list of suitable opportunities — location, rate, shift schedule, facility type — and choose which to pursue
- We initiate full credentialing, collaborative agreement coordination (if applicable), and travel arrangements immediately
- You arrive at the facility fully credentialed and ready to practice. We remain your point of contact throughout the assignment.
Current active APP listings include Emergency Department, Urgent Care, and Multi-Specialty roles in Texas, Virginia, and Arkansas. Rates start at $100–$125/hour with full travel and accommodation packages included.
8. Common Questions APPs Have Before Going Locum
Before their first locum assignment, most NPs and PAs have the same core concerns. Here’s a frank look at the most common ones:
“Will I have enough clinical support on assignment?”
This depends on the facility and is something to confirm before accepting. Premium Locums Group reviews each assignment for clinical support structures and will provide you with a clear picture of the team you’ll be joining — attending physician availability, specialist backup, and nursing support.
“What if the assignment doesn’t work out?”
Locum contracts include defined end dates, and both parties can decline to extend. If serious issues arise mid-assignment, Premium Locums handles communication with the facility on your behalf and works to find an alternative arrangement if needed.
“Do I need my own malpractice insurance?”
No. Malpractice insurance — including tail coverage — is arranged as part of your assignment package by Premium Locums Group. You should not need to purchase additional coverage for locum assignments handled through our agency.
“Can I work locum tenens while employed part-time?”
Many APPs do exactly this. Provided your permanent employer does not have a conflicting non-compete or exclusivity clause, there is no barrier to supplementing your income with locum assignments during your available time.
FAQs
| Q: Do nurse practitioners and PAs need a supervising physician for locum tenens?
It depends on the state and facility. In full practice authority states (over 27 as of 2025), NPs can practice independently. In other states, a collaborative or supervisory agreement is required — but this is typically arranged by the facility, not the NP or PA. Premium Locums confirms all practice arrangements before your assignment begins. |
| Q: How much do locum NPs and PAs typically earn?
Rates vary by specialty and location, but most locum NPs and PAs earn between $80 and $165/hr. Emergency medicine and psychiatric mental health NPs and PAs consistently command the highest rates. Premium Locums Group currently places APP providers in high-acuity settings at rates up to $125/hr, with full travel and housing included. |
| Q: Can a new graduate NP or PA do locum tenens?
Most facilities prefer locum APPs to have at least one to two years of post-graduate experience in a relevant clinical setting. However, some urgent care and primary care facilities are open to new graduates with strong academic backgrounds. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation and what options may be available. |
| Q: What certifications do I need for locum tenens as an NP or PA?
You will need an active state license in good standing, current national certification (ANCC or AANP for NPs; NCCPA for PAs), current BLS/ACLS (specialty-dependent), and a DEA registration where prescriptive authority is required. Specialty certifications (ENP-C, EMPA-C, etc.) expand your options and typically increase your rate. |
| Q: How long are typical locum APP assignments?
Assignment lengths range from as short as one week for urgent coverage to rolling 13-week contracts or longer. Most NPs and PAs start with shorter assignments of two to four weeks to evaluate the locum lifestyle before committing to extended placements. Extensions are common when both parties are satisfied. |
Conclusion
Locum tenens is no longer a physician-only world — and in 2025, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are among the most sought-after providers in the locum market. With premium hourly rates, full travel and accommodation coverage, and agencies like Premium Locums Group handling every administrative detail, the barriers to entry have never been lower.
Whether you’re an experienced NP looking for schedule freedom, a PA seeking higher compensation, or an APP considering your first locum assignment, the opportunities in locum tenens for nurse practitioners and physician assistants have never been more accessible — or more rewarding.
| Browse Active APP Assignments
Visit premiumlocumsgroup.com to explore current NP and PA locum listings. Current openings include Emergency Department and multi-specialty roles starting at $100–$125/hr with full travel and accommodation. Our placement specialists are ready to help. |