There are many areas of healthcare seeing an increased need for locum tenens providers, and one of the top specialties is anesthesiology. Over the past several years, the job outlook for anesthesiologists across the U.S. has remained very positive, with high demand for these physicians in various types of healthcare institutions. Working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, anesthesiologists administer general and local anesthesia to patients during operations. Whether you’re an experienced anesthesiologist or considering becoming one, here’s what you need to know about this growing medical specialty:
Required qualifications
In any anesthesiology position, you must have a medical degree, as well as required licensure and certification. Once your medical program is completed, you’ll need to undergo a residency program in which you’ll complete a variety of hospital-based rotations, including intensive anesthesia training. You’ll then go on to receive your state licensure and become board certified. For anesthesiology, you can obtain board certification through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) and the American Board of Anesthesiology. Earning these certifications will improve your employment prospects and make you more marketable for various positions, including locum tenens anesthesiology assignments.
Salary expectations
By 2026, the anesthesiologist job market is projected to grow by over 15 percent, as a large portion of existing anesthesiologists exit the workforce. Those who opt to take locum tenens positions in rural areas will be able to command higher salaries, as well as have a greater spectrum of opportunities. Employment at inpatient and outpatient facilities has skyrocketed within the last decade, with more people living longer and the need for anesthesiologists to assist in pain management for a variety of surgeries and procedures.
Flexibility and premium pay rates
If you want the flexibility to work in a wide variety of medical facilities, a career in anesthesiology may be appealing, providing ample opportunities to work in a variety of settings – including general medical and surgical hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physicians' offices. These are all high-paying options that offer competitive pay for locum tenens assignments, depending on location and other factors. States that currently have the highest anesthesiologist employment rates include Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Ohio.
As the anesthesiology field continues to grow at a rapid rate, physicians who enter into this area of medicine will be well-positioned for many locum tenens opportunities throughout their careers, along with the many benefits that locum tenens work offers.
Ready to get started?
At MPLT Healthcare, we match anesthesiologists across the country with a wide range of locum tenens employment opportunities. Get in touch with out expert recruiting team today and learn how you can grow your locum tenens career with us.
