Meet VISTA
See the faces behind the names.
Frequently Asked Questions: For Physicians
About VISTA- Eligibility and qualifications
- How do VISTA placements work?
- Application and credentialing
- Specialties
- Compensation and benefits
Frequently Asked Questions: For Clients
Frequently Asked Questions: For Physicians
About VISTA
How big is VISTA?
VISTA Staffing Solutions is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, and has additional offices in Atlanta, GA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Cary, NC. We have approximately 200 employees, work with an average of 1300 physicians at any given time, recruit to fill an average of 1000 jobs at any given time, and generate about $90 million in revenue per year. We place physicians from just about every medical specialty as well as CRNAs, and, through our Physician Search and Consulting Division, also find great jobs for doctors interested in permanent clinical, academic, and executive/leadership positions.
Who owns VISTA?
VISTA is the physician staffing division of On Assignment, one of the largest healthcare, scientific, IT, and engineering staffing companies in the US. We were established in 1990 and have experienced steady growth ever since. We started out as an employee-owned company and were acquired by On Assignment in 2007.
What's unique about VISTA?
We're the only physician staffing company that provides a full range of work options for physicians and an integrated package of physician staffing options for healthcare facilities. Read our company story if you would like more details or would like an introduction to our executive team and employees.
Eligibility and qualifications
Do you qualify to work in the US?
The medical doctors we place in US Locum Tenens and Extended Placements need:
- US residency training
- Eligibility to work in the US as an independent contractor
- A least one active license in good standing in the US
- An active Federal Drug Enforcement Administration registration (DEA)
- Willingness to participate in our credentials review and quality improvement processes
Requirements for our permanent physician job openings vary and may include options for J-1 and H-1B visa holders.
Who is eligible to work in Australia and New Zealand?
- VISTA currently places only board certified or board prepared doctors in international locum tenens assignments.
- New Zealand accepts Doctors of Osteopathy so long as their work experience meets their requirements. The degree must be from a school listed in the WHO Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG FAIMER Directory. Australia appears to be in the process of change, and may soon begin accepting DOs.
- If you earned your medical degree outside of the United States, you are eligible for medical registration if your school is listed as noted above.
- For work in New Zealand, you must also show evidence of active clinical practice in a comparable health care system for 36 of the last 48 months for a 12-month placement and 24 of the last 36 months for a six-month placement.
- You will need medical registration, which is the equivalent of US medical licensure, and a work visa. We have a great deal of experience with the processes and paperwork, and will walk you through every step of the registration and work visa application. The process generally takes about eight weeks for New Zealand and 12 to 16 weeks for Australia.
- Both countries also require face-to-face meetings at their respective medical boards, which we arrange for you. We also prepare all of the documents you need for this meeting.
Who is eligible to work in Bermuda?
- To work in Bermuda you must be board certified in your medical specialty. Current opportunities are limited to hospitalists, urgent care physicians, and some subspecialty positions. Call a VISTA recruiter for up-to-the minute openings at 800-366-1884.
- You will have to get licensed through the Bermuda Medical Council, a process we can facilitate for you.
- You will also need a work permit, which will be issued based on the job offer we help you secure and approval from the Bermuda Medical Council. (Another detail we will help with.)
- Please note that if your spouse accompanies you he or she can only reside on the island for 21 continuous days, then would need to break residence for 72 hours. He or she can then return for subsequent periods of 21 days.
- In addition, there are no rental cars available on the island. The doctors we place walk or use convenient public transportation.
Who is eligible to work in Canada?
- VISTA only places physicians who are board certified in their respective specialties in Canada. At this point we are only placing US- and Canadian-trained doctors due to the complexity of registration.
- Registration requirements vary among the 13 provinces and licensing authorities.
- DOs are generally accepted, but again, requirements vary by province.
- You must be willing to commit to a 12-month assignment to work in Canada.
- Please call a VISTA recruiter at 800-366-1884 to discuss your interests because opportunities in Canada are constantly changing.
What about Canadian doctors interested in practicing in AU or NZ?
- Australia and New Zealand recognize the medical qualifications of doctors trained in Canada and consider it a comparable healthcare system.
- Doctors who have completed medical school and a residency in Canada are eligible for placement.
- Unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, VISTA is not able to offer Canadian doctors locum tenens positions in the United States. However, many of our clients recruiting permanent physicians are eager to work with Canadian-trained doctors if they have appropriate visas. Many US states accept the Canadian medical credential—the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)-for licensure.
How do International Medical Graduates qualify to work in the US?
ECFMG Certification
Physicians who train outside of the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico must have an ECFMG certificate before they can enter US residency training. To get it, you must meet the following requirements:
- Pass Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE)
- Pass the ECFMG English language examination
- Have an MD degree from a foreign medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
- Pass the Clinical Skills Assessment Examination
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
- Most common
- You must obtain an ECFMG Certificate as outlined above
- You will be authorized to pursue educational objectives for up to seven years
- A yearly extension application is required
All physicians holding J-1 visas engaged in clinical training must return to their home countries for two years after they complete training, or secure a waiver, before they can obtain an H-1B visa or permanent resident status (green card).
J-1 Visa physicians can receive a waiver if:
- The physician will suffer from persecution in his or her home country or last country of permanent residence
- Fulfillment of the obligation will subject a US citizen spouse or child to exceptional hardship, or
- A government agency interested in the physician's continued residence/employment in the US issues a recommendation
The last situation is the most common and is usually based on:
- Employment by a federal agency
- Recognition of outstanding academic and research achievements as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services
- Sponsorship by the State Department of Health
H-1B Temporary Worker Classification
- Quick and relatively easy to obtain
- Has strict limitations on length of stay in US and range of employment authorization
- Enables you to enter the US for professional-level employment for up to six years
To qualify, you must:
- Possess a full, unrestricted state medical license or the "appropriate authorization" for the position
- Have an MD degree or a full, unrestricted foreign license
- Demonstrate competence with the English language by graduating from an accredited medical school or by passing the ECFMG English language exam
- Pass the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) or its equivalents, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Parts I, II, and III, or the USMLE Steps 1,2, and 3
- Have a valid offer of employment from a US employer
Because Locum Tenens and Extended Placements require physicians to work as independent contractors, not employees, we are not able to offer these assignments to physicians holding H-1B visas. Our International Division is able to place such visa holders, and some of the clients we represent through our Physician Search and Consulting Division can accept H-1B visa holders.
How do VISTA placements work?
Overview
For a step-by-step run down, see Our Approach to Locum Tenens, Our Approach to Extended Placements, or Our Approach to International Placements.
How do I get started working with VISTA?
Contact one of our experienced recruiters and start a dialog. We want to get to know you, your situation, and what you are looking for. We'll help you through our application process and begin reviewing your credentials and checking your references. We’ll start discussing assignments that will interest you.
Do I have a choice whether or not to accept the placements?
Absolutely. You can accept or reject any position we present.
When am I committed to a job?
Once you express an interest in a position, we will present your CV and credentials to the decision maker at that facility or practice (a client). When a client expresses an interest in having you work in his or her facility, and as your credentials review is complete, we’ll hammer out all of the details, including length of the assignment, work schedule, and compensation. You are not obligated until you accept a specific assignment for specific dates.
For International Locum Tenens, you will receive an offer letter from our client outlining the specifics above.
How long are assignments?
Locum Tenens assignments vary tremendously in length. Some last many months, with the opportunity for a long stay or return engagements. Some are for weekend call only. Most last from a few weeks to several months. You have the option of working part or all of most assignments.
Extended Placements last six months to a year in a single location.
International Placements last six months to 24 months, although clients strongly prefer working with a doctor who will stay at least 12 months.
If I sign up with VISTA, can I work with other staffing agencies also?
Yes. You will sign a non-exclusive contract. Once you accept an assignment and are working, of course, you are expected to fulfill the assignment.
Can you arrange for me to email/chat with a VISTA locums physician?
Definitely. Your recruiter will coordinate this. Also feel free to check out the Physician Stories section of our Physician Blog. It’s our “physician community,” where doctors on assignment can share insights and adventures.
Is there a cost to physicians?
No. There is no cost to you for VISTA’s services.
Will my housing, airfare, and rental car be paid for?
Yes! When you work US Locum Tenens and Extended Placements through VISTA, we will coordinate your housing, travel, and local transportation. These costs are passed through to the client who has contracted for your services. Occasionally a client will make housing and transportation arrangements for you. Either way, the expenses are covered.
When you work in International Placements, your travel to the host country will be paid for by the client. Because you will be earning a full salary equal to that of a local doctor, you will be required to pay for your housing and local transportation. Most clients will offer assistance, such as a hotel stay and rental car, while you get settled. Most also have great connections and can help you find appropriate housing and affordable transportation. Options range from small rental houses to apartments. Many doctors buy used cars while they are on assignment, and sell them to other travelers when they leave the country.
When you do an on-site interview for a permanent position, your travel, hotel, and expenses will be covered by the client.
Can I drive to my assignment?
Yes. You will be reimbursed up to the current IRS allowable amount per mile or the cost of round-trip coach airfare, whichever is less.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
Our physicians on Locum Tenens and Extended Placements tell us they prefer the privacy and comfort of corporate or executive-type housing. When possible, we secure apartments on an upper floor, with access to washer and dryer, cable TV, high-speed Internet, local phone, and secure parking. Options vary by community, and can range from vacation housing to extended stay hotels when necessary.
Can my family travel/stay with me on assignment?
Absolutely. You will be responsible for their expenses, but we are always happy to help with arrangements.
Who gets/pays for my license if you place me in another state?
VISTA is happy to help you secure a new state license in connection with a Locum Tenens or Extended Placement. We will also pay the fees for these licenses. Our International Placement team will walk you through every step of the registration (licensure) process as well. It is customary for clients to cover registration fees for doctors in New Zealand. In Australia costs vary a bit, but clients pay for the majority of the fees. We will also help you apply for your travel visa. For US doctors, there are no fees for visas to go to New Zealand. For travel to Australia, doctors are expected to pay their visa fees. We can calculate the fees for you once we know how long you plan to stay in Australia.
Can I use the one license I have for all locums placements in the US?
Probably not. Most states require that you apply for and receive a license specific to that state before you are allowed to practice there. There are several types of licenses available, including temporary and locum tenens licenses in some states. VISTA has a 15-member team dedicated to helping physicians get new state licenses. You can work in some federal facilities, however, with any valid state license. VISTA will be happy to help you apply and will pay for new state licenses when you work through us. For new licenses not associated with work through VISTA, we offer a private licensing service.
Application and credentialing
How involved is the VISTA application process? How long does it take?
Get the whole story on our application and credentials review process for Locum Tenens, Extended Placements, and International Placements.
In truth, much of the process depends on how quickly you are able to complete and return the paperwork and provide credentials and references for our review. We’re always willing to go the extra mile to help you get working as soon as you are ready.
Specialties
What specialties do you recruit and place?
We recruit and place physicians in just about every medical specialty as well as CRNAs for Locum Tenens assignments, Extended Placements, and International Placements. Check our most recent specialty listing. For permanent positions, we also recruit for clinical, academic, and physician executive/leadership positions. Search our current listing of open permanent physican jobs.
Compensation and benefits
How much can I earn?
Your earning potential varies based on your specialty, how much you choose to work, and the types of assignments you accept. Think of your compensation as a package. For US Locum Tenens and Extended Placements, you’ll earn a competitive hourly or daily rate plus paid professional liability insurance, travel, housing, and transportation. Talk with your VISTA recruiter about how much money you want/need to earn and he or she will help you calculate how much you need to work and what types of assignments make sense for you.
Compensation for International Placements works a bit differently. You will generally be an employee of the healthcare facility at which we place you. You will earn a salary equivalent to local physicians. Most organizations will cover your travel expenses and help with housing and transportation while you get settled. Most will also provide professional liability insurance. You will be eligible for benefits like paid vacation and time off and a stipend for CME. You are encouraged to purchase health insurance, which is very affordable.
What about health insurance and other benefits?
Physicians who work Locum Tenens and Extended Placements with VISTA work as independent contractors. Therefore, we are not able to directly provide or pay for benefits. However, we work closely with trusted advisors who can help you locate and evaluate appropriate options for your unique situation in the following areas:
- Health insurance (temporary and permanent)
- Disability insurance
- Investing and saving for retirement
- Retirement projections
- Comprehensive financial planning
- Life insurance
- Long-term care insurance
Your VISTA recruiter will put you in touch with the appropriate advisor when the time is right for you.
When you work in International Placements, you will generally be an employee of the host facility and many benefits will be provided. We do recommend that you buy personal health insurance, however, which is readily accessible and affordable.
Benefits for permanent jobs are negotiated individually as you consider offers.
Do you provide malpractice (professional liability)insurance?
Yes. You are covered for every minute you work in US Locum Tenens or Extended Placements with VISTA. We carry comprehensive professional liability insurance from an A+ rated carrier, Evanston, with limits of $1 million per claim and $3 million per individual. VISTA’s positive claims history ensures that we will continue to have reasonable premiums and excellent coverage. Our carrier recognizes The VISTA Approach to recruiting and our attention to detail, and works with us as a partner.
For International Placements, you will generally be an employee of the facility in which we place you. Your employer will provide insurance or make it available at very reasonable rates.
VISTA Permanent Placements are as varied as the US health care industry. We place physicians in employed positions, partnerships, academic and leadership positions, and private practices across the country. You will address professional liability insurance in your contract negotiations with a potential employer or partner.
Will I be an independent contractor or an employee?
You will work as an independent contractor when you work in US Locum Tenens and Extended Placements. This is the standard in the industry and important for many reasons, including proscriptions against the corporate practice of medicine, which exist in at least 20 states.
When you work in International Placements in Australia, New Zealand, and Bermuda, you will generally be employed by your host facility.
Permanent positions, again, vary based on the contract you are accepting.
Working as an independent contractor offers some tax advantages. Expenses related to your work, such as work-related clothing, stethoscopes, and medical journals—as well as health insurance premiums—are deductible. We encourage you to discuss this with a trusted tax advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions: For Clients
About VISTA
How big is VISTA?
VISTA Staffing Solutions is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, and has additional offices in Atlanta, GA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Cary, NC. We have approximately 200 employees, work with an average of 1300 physicians at any given time, recruit to fill an average of 1000 jobs at any given time, and generate about $90 million in revenue per year. We place physicians from just about every medical specialty as well as CRNAs, and, through our Physician Search and Consulting Division, can help you fill permanent clinical, academic, and executive/leadership positions.
Who owns VISTA?
VISTA is the physician staffing division of On Assignment, one of the largest healthcare, scientific, IT, and engineering staffing companies in the US. We were established in 1990 and have experienced steady growth ever since. We started out as an employee-owned company and were acquired by On Assignment in 2007.
What's unique about VISTA?
We're the only physician staffing company that provides a full range of work options for physicians and an integrated package of physician staffing options for healthcare facilities. This allows us to work as a partner with healthcare organizations to help you optimize your medical staff. Read our company story if you would like more details or would like an introduction to our executive team and employees.
How do VISTA placements work?
Overview
For a step-by-step run down, see Our Approach to Locum Tenens, Our Approach to Extended Placements, or Our Approach to International Placements.
How do I get started working with VISTA?
For Locum Tenens coverage and Extended Placements, contact VISTA and ask for the Territory Manager who serves your area. He or she will discuss your staffing needs and which of the VISTA options would serve you best. Your territory manager will interview you to develop a comprehensive description of the position you are trying to fill so our team can begin searching for physicians with the right skill sets, interest, and availability.
For International Placements, call Freephone from NZ 001-800-4487-8190 or Freephone from AU 0011-800-4487-8190 or send an email to AUNZ@vistastaff.com.
You will be asked to sign and return a contract that outlines our working relationship. You are under no obligation until you accept a physician for a specific set of dates.
Do I have a choice whether or not to accept a physician?
Absolutely. We will provide a copy of the physician’s CV, credentials, and references along with the dates he or she is available. We can arrange a phone interview if necessary with your clinical decision makers and the physician. The quality of the match is the most important element of the service we provide, and we want to make sure we get it right.
When am I committed to a physician?
Once you accept a physician for a specific set of dates, you will receive a confirmation letter outlining all of the details of the assignment. We will provide a comprehensive file to assist you with your organization’s credentialing of the doctor.
For International Placements, we will advise you as you prepare an offer letter for the physician and present it to him or her. Your commitment begins when the offer is accepted.
How long are your placements?
Assignment length varies based on your needs, and the interests and availability of our doctors. Locum Tenens placements may last many months, with a single doctor staying for the entire stint, or with two or more doctors rotating through for return engagements. Some are for weekend call only. Most last from a few weeks to several months. If both you and the physician feel it’s a perfect fit, your contract has a provision that allows you to recruit the physician permanently.
Extended Placements last six months to one year.
International Placements last six to 24 months.
If I sign up with VISTA, can I work with other staffing agencies also?
Yes. You will sign a non-exclusive contract.
What is the cost for your services?
For Locum Tenens coverage, VISTA will bill you a daily rate based on the medical specialty being covered. This rate covers the physician’s compensation, professional liability insurance for the physician, and our efforts to recruit, screen, and match the physician to your needs. For most assignments, we also coordinate housing, airline travel, and local transportation. These fees are passed through to you directly with a 10% management fee. You may also coordinate housing, travel, and transportation on your own if you prefer.
For Extended Placements, you sign a long-term contract. Rates are all-inclusive, so housing, transportation, and travel costs are folded in.
For International Placements, you generally employ the doctor directly, pay for travel to your country, and help the doctor with housing and transportation while he or she settles in. You pay VISTA a placement fee.
We have several service options within our Physician Search and Consulting Division, ranging from modified retained search to consulting to enhance your in-house physician recruitment department. Costs for these services vary widely, but are lower than industry average. In addition, we base the majority of our fees on success—when you interview a candidate, for example, or when a recruit starts work—so our incentives are aligned with yours. Contact a member of the Physician Search and Consulting Division for a custom proposal.