The physician assistant's locum tenens guide: Choosing a locums agency

This is the third part in a five-part series on everything physician assistants need to know about working locum tenens. If you missed the previous installments, you can read them here:

Part 1: What is locum tenens and how do I get started?

Part 2: Pay, benefits, and schedule flexibility explained

Many physician assistants are interested in locums until they hit one sticking point: choosing an agency.

That hesitation makes sense. If you’ve never worked with a recruiter before, it’s easy to wonder whether an agency is just a middleman. But for PAs, the right locum tenens agency can do much more than send job leads. It can save time, reduce stress, protect your income, and help you avoid preventable headaches.

What a locum tenens agency actually does

A good agency helps match you with physician assistant locum jobs that fit your specialty, schedule, and location preferences. But that’s just the beginning.

Agencies can also help with:

That kind of support matters because the logistics behind locums can get complicated quickly.

Why agencies matter even more for PAs than physicians

Physician assistants often need an agency that understands the specifics of PA practice, including specialty expectations, onboarding realities, facility culture, and licensing requirements.

That support becomes more valuable as your career gets more mobile.

Choose the right locums partner: How do the top locums agencies compare?

Licensing, credentialing, and paperwork support

This is one of the least glamorous parts of locums and one of the biggest reasons agency support matters. Credentialing and licensing can be time-consuming, especially if you’re applying across multiple states or facilities.

If you’re new to locums, this is where a good recruiter can protect your time and your sanity.

Housing and travel help aren’t small perks

Housing sounds like a side detail until you realize how much time it can take to coordinate short-term furnished living on your own.

"CompHealth knows me personally—they know I travel with my dog, they help find housing that works for that, and they already know what locations I'm interested in," shares PA Catie Hauck.

That kind of personalized attention can take a lot of pressure off before an assignment even begins.

Our housing is taken care of. When we show up, it's like checking into an Airbnb—everything is set up.

- PA Jason Raehl, orthopedic surgery

That makes it easier to arrive focused on the assignment instead of stressed about the logistics.

What makes a good PA locum recruiter?

A good recruiter should understand your specialty, communicate clearly, be transparent about an assignment, and advocate for you when something needs to be addressed. You should feel supported, not pressured.

I trust my recruiter to do what’s right for me and go to bat for me if needed.

- PA Terry Rand, cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery

That kind of relationship matters. The best recruiters aren’t just filling roles. They’re helping you build a workable career.

What to ask a recruiter on the first call

A first conversation can tell you a lot. The right questions will help you understand not only the opportunities available but also how the recruiter works and what kind of support you can expect.

Good questions to ask include:

• Have you placed PAs in my specialty before?

• What kinds of assignments are most common for someone with my background?

• What support do you provide with licensing and credentialing?

• How are housing and travel handled?

• Will I be a W-2 employee or an independent contractor?

• What benefits are available?

• How transparent can you be about schedule, patient volume, and workflow?

• How do you handle problems that come up during an assignment?

• Who do I contact if something feels off once I arrive?

Signs you’ve found a strong recruiter

A strong recruiter usually:

• Listens before pitching jobs

• Understands your specialty and concerns

• Explains processes clearly

• Is direct about timing, paperwork, and expectations

• Respects your boundaries

• Gives you enough detail to make a real decision

• Follows through

You should feel like the recruiter is helping you think clearly, not pushing you toward the fastest yes.

Recruiter red flags to watch for

Not every recruiter or agency relationship will be a good fit. Be cautious if:

You feel rushed to commit

Questions about pay or scope are answered vaguely

Details about the schedule, call, or workload stay fuzzy

You get inconsistent answers

Your concerns are minimized

You’re pressured to take roles that don’t align with your goals

A good recruiter should reduce confusion, not add to it.

Common myths about locum agencies

Myth: Agencies only care about filling jobs

Not every agency operates that way. The right partner takes time to understand your goals and helps you evaluate fit, timing, compensation, and long-term direction.

Myth: You can do everything yourself more easily

It's possible, but many PAs find the administrative lift is heavier than expected—especially when it comes to licensing, credentialing, and coordinating logistics across assignments.

Myth: All agencies understand PAs equally well

They don’t. Look for one with real experience placing physician assistants in your specialty and who understands the nuances of your role.

Myth: You’ll have less control working with an agency

In reality, locums is built around choice. You decide which opportunities to pursue, where you want to work, and when you're available—with an agency helping surface options that align with your preferences.

Myth: You’ll earn less because the agency takes a cut

Compensation is structured differently in locums, but it’s often competitive—and in many cases higher—than permanent roles. Agencies also negotiate on your behalf and help ensure you’re compensated fairly for your time and expertise.

Beyond competitive pay: Learn about the benefits CompHealth offers our PAs

What transparency should look like

Before saying yes to an assignment, you should have a reasonably clear picture of:

• What your daily work will involve

• What support is available on-site

• What documentation system is used

• Whether on-call responsibilities are part of the role

• What orientation looks like

• How long the assignment is expected to last

• What happens if the facility wants to extend

• Who to contact if something is off once you arrive

No assignment will come with perfect certainty. But you shouldn’t have to walk in blind.

How agency support affects your experience before, during, and after an assignment

Agency support isn’t just about getting the job. It shapes the whole experience.

Before the assignment, it can save hours of admin work and reduce confusion around paperwork and logistics. The assignment provides a point of contact if expectations shift or problems arise. After the assignment, it can help you evaluate whether to extend, move on, or use what you learned to find a better fit for your next assignment.

That kind of continuity matters, especially when you’re getting established in locums.

What happens if an assignment isn’t the right fit?

Even with the right preparation, not every assignment will feel like the right fit once you're on the ground. That doesn't automatically mean anyone did something wrong—but it does highlight why your recruiter relationship matters.

A strong recruiter can help you talk through what's happening and whether it's a fixable communication issue, a mismatch in expectations, or a sign that the assignment shouldn't continue long term. That kind of support can make a challenging situation much easier to navigate.

The bottom line

The right agency isn’t just a convenience. For many PAs, it’s what makes locums successful long term. When an agency understands physician assistants, handles the heavy logistics, and advocates for you, it helps protect your time, income, and peace of mind.

Go back to part two: Pay, benefits, and schedule flexibility explained

With over 45 years of experience, we can partner with you to find your just-right locums opportunity. Connect with us at 800.453.3030.