Understanding Your Options

Permanent, PRN, locum tenens, there's more than one way to build a career you love.
Explore the different ways to work in healthcare and find the one that fits you.

Permanent Placements

A permanent role means joining an organization's team full-time, with the stability, benefits and long-term growth that come with being part of the core staff. If you're looking to put down roots with an organization and grow your career there, permanent placement is likely the right fit.

Locum Tenens

Locum tenens providers step in on a temporary basis, covering leaves, seasonal demand or staffing gaps, often for weeks or months at a time. This path offers flexibility, variety and often stronger pay, without the long-term commitment of a permanent role.

Locums-to-Perm

Locums-to-perm combines the flexibility of a temporary placement with a built-in path to a permanent role. You start on a locum basis, and if it's the right fit on both sides, the placement converts to full-time. It's a lower-risk way to find your fit before committing long-term.

Locum Tenens

FAQs

What's the difference between locum tenens and permanent positions?

Permanent positions are ongoing, full-time roles with an organization's core staff. Locum tenens positions are temporary assignments covering leaves, seasonal demand or staffing gaps, typically lasting weeks to months. Optigy places candidates into both, depending on career goals.

What's the difference between PRN and locum tenens?

PRN, or per diem, work covers shifts on an as-needed basis with maximum schedule flexibility. Locum tenens typically covers longer, defined assignments rather than individual shifts. Optigy can help determine which model fits a candidate's lifestyle and goals.

Can I switch between staffing models over time?

Yes. Many candidates move between permanent, locum tenens, PRN and travel roles throughout their careers as their goals and life circumstances change. Optigy supports candidates across every model, not just one.

How does locum-to-perm work?

A clinician starts on a locum basis, giving both sides the chance to evaluate fit in real time. If it's the right match, Optigy manages the full conversion to a permanent role, including timing, credentialing and offer negotiation.