Learn · Ontario
How to Find Locum Work in Ontario (Locum Tenens)
Finding locum work in Ontario works best when your profile is complete, you apply to postings that match your specialty and availability, and you confirm bookings on LOCVM.
1. What locum work is and who takes it
Locum work, sometimes called locum tenens work, is temporary physician coverage for a practice, clinic, or hospital. It gives you control over when and where you work, without a permanent commitment.
Physicians take locum work when:
- Physicians between permanent roles who want to keep working
- Filling schedule gaps around a fellowship, move, or leave
- Trying different practice settings before committing to one
- Semi-retired physicians who want flexible, part-time hours
- Extra income alongside a permanent practice
2. Build a profile that gets picked
Clinics match faster on complete profiles. We suggest that you include: specialty and scope of practice, CPSO licence status for Ontario practice, EMR systems you have used, availability, including how far ahead you can commit, locations and travel radius you will accept, preferred setting (clinic, walk-in, hospital, ED).
3. Find and apply to postings on LOCVM
Search open postings by specialty, location, and dates, then apply directly through LOCVM.
- Filter open postings by specialty, location, and dates on LOCVM Search
- Apply directly through the platform so your credentials are attached automatically
- Respond quickly. Clinics often confirm the first well-matched applicant
- Message the clinic in-app with any questions before you apply
4. Why LOCVM instead of a Facebook group or job board
Facebook groups and traditional locum job boards put someone else between you and the work: an algorithm, a moderator, or an agency. LOCVM puts you in control of your own choices.
Facebook groups & job boards
- Postings buried in a Facebook feed or algorithm, easy to miss a real fit
- You vet the clinic, or get vetted, from scratch every single time
- A recruiting agency decides which jobs you see, and takes a cut of your rate
- Conversations scattered across DMs, email, and phone calls
- No record of what you have applied to or already booked
LOCVM
- Search and filter every open posting yourself, nothing pre-filtered by an agency
- Credentials, including CPSO, verified once and reused on every application
- Message clinics directly and agree pay yourself, no agency taking a cut
- Every application, message, and booking lives in one place
- You choose which postings to apply to, on your own timeline
5. Before you confirm a booking, do it on LOCVM
Do not confirm over email alone. LOCVM verifies clinics for you automatically, and keeps messaging, pay, and booking in one place.
- Review the clinic profile in LOCVM before you confirm
- Licence verification is handled automatically on LOCVM, including CPSO for Ontario practice
- Confirm liability coverage and privileges before your first day
- Agree pay on the platform, and use JetPay when you want payment in-app
Confirm requirements for your practice. This is not legal or billing advice.
New to locum work? For a fuller checklist, including eligibility, pay models, and contract basics, use the Locum Newbie Guide below.
Recommended next read
Start with the Locum Newbie Guide
Open the free guide for pay models, contract basics, and a first-locum checklist.
6. How it works
How does it work?
Create Your Account
Sign up as either a recruiter (to post locums) or a physician (to apply for locums). It only takes a minute to get started.
Set Up Your Profile
Fill in your details so others can learn more about you — like your experience, specialties, and preferences. This helps you find the right matches faster.
Post or Apply for Locums
Start by posting open locum opportunities or browsing and applying for available locums.
Track Your Progress
Keep track of your posted jobs, applications, and completed locums, all in one place. Stay organized and up to date effortlessly.
7. FAQ
Do I need to be CPSO-licensed before I apply?
Yes, an active CPSO licence for Ontario practice is required. LOCVM verifies this automatically when you build your profile.
Can I apply to more than one posting at a time?
Yes. Apply to as many open postings as fit your availability and preferences, LOCVM keeps each conversation separate.
How is pay handled?
Pay terms are agreed with the clinic directly on LOCVM. Use JetPay if you want payment processed in-app.
How long do locum assignments typically last?
Assignments range from a few days to several months, depending on the clinic's need. Some include an option to extend if it's a good fit for both sides.
Ready to find your next locum?
Browse open Ontario postings on LOCVM and apply when you find a fit.