A Guide to Locum Tenens for Radiologists

Radiologists know better than most that demand never sleeps. Between high case volumes, long hours, and mounting burnout, more radiologists are looking for ways to regain control of their schedules and reignite their passion for their specialty.

That’s where locum tenens roles for radiologists come in. Locums provide flexible, rewarding alternatives to traditional positions with competitive compensation, better work-life balance, and new opportunities.

Together, let’s explore the many benefits of locum tenens positions for radiologists. We’ll offer some All Star Pro Tips along the way and help you get ready to explore the road ahead.

Locum Tenens Benefits for Radiologists

Radiologists were recently ranked as the #3 most sought-after specialty in America, with the volume of imaging studies growing rapidly due to an aging population and increased reliance on advanced diagnostics such as CT, MRI, and PET scans. At the same time, the supply of radiologists is not keeping pace with the demand for their services, resulting in a shortage in many regions.

This combination of factors has opened the door for exciting new locum tenens opportunities for radiologists and other advanced practitioners.

Flexible Scheduling

Whether you’re looking to scale up or slow down, locum tenens can help you create a schedule that fits your professional goals and personal needs. Radiologists who are looking to avoid burnout, achieve greater job satisfaction, and accommodate their personal commitments all benefit from locum tenens roles, where their time and expertise is truly respected.

Streamlined Hiring

Need to start earning sooner? Locum tenens roles for radiologists are a great option, because they generally offer quicker onboarding with less red tape than traditional employment. If you’re fed up with bureaucracy and endless emails and want a role where you can do a great job right away, then locums could be the perfect solution.

Competitive Locum Tenens Compensation

Locum tenens positions often offer a higher hourly or day rate than permanent positions, especially in high-demand areas. Even if you just want to pick up some extra shifts to help save for a special event, the extra income you’ll enjoy will help set you up for lifelong financial fitness. Best of all, the clinic or staffing agency you partner with will be there to help with travel, relocation, housing, and insurance stipends to save you even more money.

Geographic Freedom

Explore new communities, mix work and travel, and experience different cities with locum tenens assignments for radiologists. Whether you’re looking to put down roots in a new location or just seeking a little adventure, locum tenens can be the ideal opportunity to broaden your horizons like never before.

Professional Variety

Many radiologists enjoy the opportunity to work in different settings, learn new technologies, and immerse themselves in new communities. Not only does this kind of variety keep the work interesting and enjoyable, but it also helps you keep your skills sharp and avoid professional stagnation.

Exposure to Diverse Imaging Modalities

Enhance your adaptability and skill breadth with locum tenens roles, which give radiologists the chance to gain hands-on experience with a wide range of imaging systems and software, including different PACS, new AI tools, or 3D imaging platforms.

Variable Case Mix

Depending on the facility, locum radiologists might interpret everything from high-volume screening studies like mammograms or CTs, to rare or complex diagnostic cases. This kind of variety is great for honing your subspecialty interests and maintaining your generalist skills.

Opportunity to Specialize (If You Want)

Looking to hone a subspecialty skill like MSK, neuro, or IR? Locum tenens roles for radiologists could be the path to achieving your career goals, because assignments can be tailored to match your skills and preferences. Likewise, if you’re more interested in general practice across multiple areas, locum tenens could be a great fit for you.

Reduced On-Call Pressure

Because of the radiologist shortage, many radiologists struggle with the pressure to be “always-on.” If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed with being on-call, locum tenens may help you refresh your passion for your practice with fewer interventional procedures or reduced on-call responsibilities.

Licensing Incentives

Since radiologists often need to be licensed in multiple states, many find that partnering with a locum tenens agency is the quickest, easiest, and most affordable path to multi-state licensure, enabling broader geographic mobility and improved job options.

And More!

Believe it or not, these aren’t even all the benefits reported by radiologists in locum tenens roles. Overall, they experience lower burnout rates, higher job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and more competitive compensation. The reduced administrative burdens, improved independence, and broadened clinical experience are a few more bonuses that you can expect as a locum tenens radiologist!

What to Know Before You Apply

If you’re excited by the benefits of locum tenens positions for radiologists, then this is your opportunity to dig into the application process. Here are some high-level things your All Star recruiter will help you handle before you accept your first locums role.

Credentialing Takes Time

Radiology roles often require hospital privileges and access to imaging systems, which can take 60-90 days. Plan ahead and let All Star help with the credentialing paperwork and follow-ups, so you don’t waste time and effort.

Know Your Modalities and Limits

Be very clear on what you do (and don’t!) read. Some assignments expect proficiency in specific areas, such as nuclear medicine or interventional radiology. Avoid getting placed in a role that expects skills you don’t have or want to use.

PACS and Workflow May Vary

Make sure you ask about training time, system efficiencies, and support because different clinical environments will have different PACS, RIS, and voice dictation systems. Don’t let a slow or unfamiliar system impact your productivity and job satisfaction!

Malpractice Coverage Must be Tailored

Let your All Star recruiter help you make sure you’re covered with occurrence-based or adequate tail coverage. Radiology liability risk—especially in subspecialties like mammo or neuro—can be significant. Our professional staff is well-versed in your coverage requirements and can assist with the insurance process.

Productivity Expectations Can Be High

Some facilities expect rapid turnarounds, so be sure to ask about average study volume, complexity, and support staff before you accept an assignment. Remember, teleradiology roles can be particularly metrics-heavy.

State Licensure Strategy is Crucial

Each state has its own licensing requirements and hurdles. While the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact can help, not all states or employers participate. Let your All Star recruiter help you start the licensure process early, prioiritizing high-demand states for greater access to roles.

Be Ready for a Variable Case Mix

Some sites may heavily skew toward on modality, such as CT, or patient type, such as inpatient or outpatient. Don’t forget to ask what percentage of studies are cross-sectional, X-ray, mammo, etc., and what the backup support structure looks like.

Travel Logistics Can Be Tricky

Many locum tenens roles for radiologists are located in remote areas, or involve odd-hour shifts or multiple sites. Let your All Star recruiter help you navigate lodging, travel reimbursement, and onsite amenities.

Professional Isolation is Possible

It’s not uncommon for radiologists in locum tenens roles to feel less integrated with the full-time staff. Be proactive about communication, especially for critical results, follow-ups, or case consultations.

Get a Great Partner

Don’t get overwhelmed by paperwork and possibilities. Let the nation’s leader in Red Carpet Service help guide you through the process with experienced, professional staff and a nationwide network of opportunities.

Before You Pick a Position…

When you and your All Star recruiter have aligned on your goals, licensure needs, insurance coverage, geographical preferences, and the kinds of roles you’re interested in, it will be time to narrow your focus and choose a locum tenens position. This milestone will bring you one step closer to your future, but with such a high demand for radiologists in locum tenens roles, it can be challenging to select just one opportunity.

Here’s a high-level list of some elements that may affect how you choose a work style or place.

Modalities and Case Mix

You have specific areas of expertise and specific areas of opportunity in your specialty. Make sure the role aligns with your capabilities while supporting your growth. Ask questions like:

•     Is there a high volume of basic studies or will I be reading more complex cases?
•     Am I expected to perform any procedures and, if so, what type and how often?

All Star Pro Tip: Always ask for a breakdown of daily study volume by modality.

Technology and Workflow

Slow, outdated, or unfamiliar platforms and processes can significantly impact your ability to be effective in a locum tenens role for radiologists. Make sure the clinic, hospital system, or healthcare facility has what you need to succeed by asking questions like:

•     What PACS and voice recognition systems do you use?
•     Is the setup optimized for productivity, or is it due for an update?
•     Is tech support readily available if I have questions or concerns?

All Star Pro Tip: Inquire whether you’ll get orientation time or a sandbox environment to practice in before going live.

Volume Expectations and Turnaround Times

If you’re looking to ease into semi-retirement, you probably don’t want to enter a fast-paced work environment with high-volume expectations. Likewise, if you’re ramping up your career and want to experience new modalities and environments, a sleepy little clinic might not be your speed. To make sure you’re clear on pace and volume, you can ask questions like:

•     What’s the expected daily volume of reads?
•     Are there strict productivity quotas or time-based metrics (especially common in teleradiology)?
•     How is work distributed amongst radiologists?

All Star Pro Tip: Don’t assume “diagnostic-only” roles are low-volume—productivity expectations can vary!

Malpractice Insurance and Risk

Radiologists are at an elevated risk for malpractice claims, so make sure the healthcare facility is supporting you with adequate insurance and risk mitigation. Ask questions like:

•     Does the provided malpractice insurance include tail coverage?
•     Am I covered for all modalities I’ll be reading?
•     What’s the protocol for second reads, consults, or critical results?

All Star Pro Tip: Our Red Carpet Service includes insurance double-checks, so if you’re partnering with us, you can feel confident that you’re covered!

Facility Support and Communication

An experienced, reliable support system and open lines of communication are vital for your success in a locum tenens position. You can make sure you’ll have adequate help and easy options for communication by asking questions like:

•     Is there a network of technologists, referring clinicians, and admins I can rely on?
•     Are there backup radiologists I can reach out to for second opinions or overflow?
•     How do radiologists in your workplace communicate results? For example via phone, EMR, internal messaging, or another platform?

All Star Pro Tip: A lack of support or poor communication options can quickly cause problems, so keep detailed notes and raise flags early and often!

Logistics

These days, radiologists have more options than ever before as to whether they work on-site, remotely, or have a hybrid work style. Make sure you understand the work style expectations of the prospective healthcare facility and that those expectations align with your own goals and preferences. Ask questions such as:

•     Is the assignment on-site, hybrid, or remote?
•     Is there a stipend or coverage policy for housing and travel expenses?
•     Will I be working at one site or rotating among several locations?

All Star Pro Tip: Multi-site coverage can require additional planning and organizing, so make sure you’re comfortable with those expectations up front.

Licensing and Credentialing Timeline

Remember that licensing and credentialing requirements can vary from state to state, particularly since not all states or healthcare facilities participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Make sure you are comfortable with how long it may take to get licensed in your target state. Ask questions including:

•     Do I already have a license in this state?
•     How long is this state’s licensure process?

All Star Pro Tip: Our Red Carpet Service includes help with licensure and credentialing, so you don’t have to spend lots of time on paperwork and bureaucracy.

Fit With Career Goals

The simple truth is that none of the other factors matter if the role or position you’re considering doesn’t align with your career goals and future plans. Whether you’re looking for a new adventure, picking up a few extra shifts, or slowing down for semi-retirement, finding a locum tenens role that matches your career goals is key. Ask things like:

•     Will this assignment strengthen a subspecialty I’m interested in?
•     Could this role lead to full-time work or an ongoing contract?
•     Does it provide the flexibility, compensation, and location advantages I’m looking for?

All Star Pro Tip: Developing a plan and knowing why you’re attracted to certain positions can help you develop your career in a meaningful way over time!

Locum Tenens Benefits for Radiologists

Radiologists were recently ranked as the #3 most sought-after specialty in America, with the volume of imaging studies growing rapidly due to an aging population and increased reliance on advanced diagnostics such as CT, MRI, and PET scans. At the same time, the supply of radiologists is not keeping pace with the demand for their services, resulting in a shortage in many regions.

This combination of factors has opened the door for exciting new locum tenens opportunities for radiologists and other advanced practitioners.

Get a Leg Up in Locums With All Star

Whether you’re looking for new experiences in new locations, building your professional network in new clinical settings, developing your subspecialties, or simply seeking more peace and less pressure, a locum tenens assignment for radiologists can be an empowering and rewarding path forward.

From the consideration stage to accepting a new role, having the right staffing partner on your side is vital. When you work with the professionals at All Star, you’ll get more than a daily digest of locum tenens opportunities in your inbox. You’ll get Red Carpet Service, which includes benefits like insurance double-checks, licensure assistance, a nationwide network of employers, and so much more.

Navigate every step of the locum tenens journey with confidence thanks to your All Star recruiting team. We’re here to help you earn competitive pay, achieve work-life balance, and explore new opportunities like never before.

Ready to see where the journey will take you? We’re standing by to help!