Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I locum?

  For a locum doctor, money is the most obvious reward, because you’re likely to earn double or even triple what you’d earn in a permanent position. Many locum doctors choose to locum for a few months, and then take time off to travel overseas before returning to another placement. Other locum doctors use it as a way to explore Australia, to gain exposure and experience with other areas of medicine.

  So, if money and lifestyle and even career goals are competing for your attention, relax, you can achieve them all locuming in Australia.

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• What can I expect to earn as a locum in Australia?

  Locum doctor jobs in Australia generally pay very well. The rates will vary in part due to state policy. In essence, the higher the need, the higher the rate you will be paid. If money is your main reason for locuming, then the trick is to be as flexible as possible, be open to some of the more remote locations, and then you’ll command the best rates.  

  For an RMO,  PGY2 doctor you will be paid approximately $80 per hour. A PGY3 doctor will earn between $90 - $130 per hour. A registrar will earn $100 - $150 per hour.
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• How will I be paid?

  This depends on the hospital. Some hospitals prefer to hire locums as independent contractors and others will place you on the hospital payroll.  There are benefits to both. For example there is ‘salary packaging’ for longer placements at hospitals where you’re on payroll, and for independent contractors there is the opportunity to write off expenses. Your Solutions Specialist can help you decide what is best for you, as well as providing you with free resources to make this as easy and profitable as possible, including a referral for a free consultation with Deloitte if you don’t already have your own accountant.
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• How long should I locum for?

  Locum doctors who get the best experience out of locuming are those who take longer locum positions. This is because firstly, hospitals tend to prefer doctors who can fulfil a large chunk of their vacancies for them, and secondly it’s a more lucrative way to locum - you’ll earn money quickly and then have time to enjoy yourself between placements.
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• What kind of work is available?

  This really depends on your level. At the PGY3 level for example, emergency work is the most readily available, and if you’re open to it you will make a lot of money and have plenty of work.
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• Can I locum on a 457 VISA?

  Yes.  You will need an unconditional 457 VISA allowing you to work as an independent contractor outside of your primary sponsor.
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• Can I locum in cities?

  The metropolitan centres offer more opportunities for casual locum work; however there is also more demand for casual locum work from the medical fraternity in these centres too. We’ve spent a lot of time researching the casual locum market in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and Adelaide and (with the exception of Sydney) have found the casual locum work to be very short notice and usually filled by the hospital directly from their own casual medical pools. To that end, we are very unlikely to be able to provide you with work in these areas – so go and enjoy the beach or the outback instead!
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• I have partial registration, can I locum?

  Unfortunately at this time we are unable to provide options for doctors that don’t hold General Registration with AHPRA.  You are best to approach hospitals directly about work until you have General Registration and at that time we welcome you to get back in touch as we would be happy to help, and offer you the support and rewards that doctors in the Republic of MedRecruit revel in.
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• Should I register with multiple agencies?

  While we understand you might think it's a good idea to register with multiple agencies, we know from our experience with thousands of doctors that YOUR best experience will be when you work exclusively with one agency. This is because:

  1. We can manage your schedule with you.
  2. Hospitals prefer not to receive the same CV from multiple agencies - this can actually harm your chances.
  3. We have a dedicated Vacancy Specialist who sniffs out vacancies throughout New Zealand and Australia on an hourly basis, so you can trust that we have the lion’s share of the vacancies all the time.
  4. You’ll get DOUBLE rewards points so you can go shopping!
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• Are flights and accommodation included?

  Yes, 95% of the time flights and accommodation are included.  As a general rule, any of the regional hospitals will provide accommodation and travel.  There are a few exceptions; however we prefer to get you work with the majority of hospitals that do offer this.
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• Can PGY2 doctors locum?

  We have some good opportunities for PGY2 doctors and your key to securing a good offer is being flexible about the location, duration and specialty. There are some places however that requires a minimum of PGY3 to locum. 
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• Can I get a position accredited for training?

  Generally not because the doctors you are working with as a locum doctor, will be earning a half to one third of what you’ll be earning as a locum.  In addition, they’ll have many learning and teaching obligations at the hospital.  It’s worth noting however that we have had locum doctors successfully get their locum work accredited. They have done this through building a good relationship in their new department, and liaising with the appropriate college about accreditation.

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• Is there an age limit if I want to work in Australia?

  There are no age limitations on working in Australia.
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• Can I choose where I work?

  The choice is yours. During your Strategy Session, your MedRecruit Solutions Specialist will help you decide on the best range of options to help you reach your goals.
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• Can I apply for work directly to the hospital or practice without going through an agency?

  The answer is yes, you can, however please be aware it’s a very difficult process unless you’re supported. MedRecruit has an experienced team to partner with you. The advantages of using our FREE service include:

  1. Access to the many vacancies that are NOT publicly advertised!
  2. Personal assistance from our Placement Co-ordinators. From work visas to medical registration and travel arrangements - everything you need to find a position they’ll handle for you, before, during and after your placement.
  3. MedRecruit can often get you a better deal. We have great relationships with the hospitals and what this means for you is we will negotiate extra benefits on your behalf, such as reimbursement of your travel expenses!
  4. MedRecruit Rewards – from bungee jumps, to IPads, its yours FREE when you work with MedRecruit.
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• How do I find out more information about working in Australia?

  Give us a call! Our team has helped thousands of doctors and we can help you too!
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• What English Language testing requirements do I need to meet to work in Australia?

  If you completed your secondary education and your medical degree in English you shouldn’t need to complete an English Language exam. You can find more information on the Australian Medical Council website.
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• Can I take time off for training programme interviews when I’m locuming?

  We’ve found that most hospitals are willing to accommodate doctors’ schedules so they can attend interviews. This means they are often willing to organise the roster to accommodate a day or two of leave for a doctor going to an interview. Which means you can continue to locum during June and July! 
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• How do I find out about vacancies?

  The very best way is to sign up for regular and up to the minute job match emails from MedRecruit. If you’re really keen, you can elect to get your saved search results emailed to you daily! And, it’s vital that you let your Solutions Specialist know exactly what you want, so they’ll also notify you of the jobs they know are perfect for you. The more they know about your preferences, the more they’ll work hard on your behalf to make it happen.
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• Do I have to pay MedRecruit for finding me a job?

  No, our service to doctors is completely free.
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• Will locuming negatively affect my career?

  The thousands of doctors MedRecruit has helped into locum work tell us it’s a great way to gain exposure and experience with other areas of medicine.  

   

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