How to Become a Locum Doctor in Western Australia

Western Australia offers doctors a diverse range of medical working environments, from metropolitan hospitals in Perth to regional and remote communities across the state.

For doctors seeking greater flexibility, new clinical experiences or a change of scenery, locum work can be an attractive career option.

But how do you get started?

Here is a practical guide to becoming a locum doctor in Western Australia.

Doctors must hold appropriate registration with the Medical Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Your registration type, scope of practice and any applicable conditions must be compatible with the position you intend to undertake.

Some positions require specialist registration or recognised fellowship qualifications. Other positions may be suitable for appropriately experienced registrars or medical officers.

You can review registration information through AHPRA.

A current, detailed medical CV is one of the most important documents for locum recruitment.

Your CV should clearly outline your:

• Medical qualifications and registration
• Employment history and clinical experience
• Specialty training and fellowship status
• Recent clinical responsibilities
• Relevant emergency and procedural skills
• Professional development and certifications
• Availability and preferred locations

A well-organised CV helps recruitment agencies and employers assess whether your experience matches the vacancy.

Medical employers commonly require recent professional references as part of their recruitment and credentialing processes.

At Au Locums Direct, we generally request two recent professional referees when preparing a doctor for submission.

Referees should be able to comment meaningfully on your clinical performance, professionalism and suitability for the proposed position.

Individual employers may have additional requirements regarding how recently a referee has supervised you.

Credentialing is an important part of medical recruitment.

Depending on the hospital and position, you may be asked to provide evidence of:

• AHPRA registration
• Qualifications and relevant experience
• Professional indemnity arrangements
• Identity and work rights
• Immunisation or occupational health compliance
• Relevant clinical certifications
• Police screening and other applicable checks
• References and scope-of-practice information

Requirements vary between employers, so it is important to confirm the documentation needed for each placement.

Western Australia offers a broad variety of locum experiences.

Perth metropolitan region

Doctors may prefer metropolitan placements because they can remain close to home while gaining experience across different clinical settings.

South West and Great Southern

Regional communities in southern WA offer opportunities to combine clinical work with coastal landscapes, local attractions and a different pace of life.

Wheatbelt and Goldfields

These regions can offer valuable experience in rural medicine, Emergency Medicine and general hospital services.

Pilbara and Kimberley

Remote medical placements may appeal to doctors who enjoy regional practice and have the clinical experience required for rural or remote healthcare.

For regional placements, some hospitals arrange or reimburse approved travel, accommodation and vehicle expenses.

Confirm these arrangements before accepting a booking.

Doctors should also consider travel distances, local conditions and the availability of support relevant to the role.

Working with a recruitment agency can help simplify the process of identifying vacancies, submitting documentation and communicating with employers.

At Au Locums Direct, we take a personalised approach to helping doctors explore opportunities across Western Australia and beyond.

Whether you have a few available days or are considering a longer locum placement, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Many doctors undertake locum work alongside permanent employment, subject to their employment agreements, fatigue management, professional obligations and other applicable requirements.

Not for every position. Requirements depend on the role, level of responsibility, registration and employer criteria.

You can communicate your preferred dates, locations and types of work, although availability and eligibility determine which placements may be suitable.

Interested in locum doctor jobs in Perth or regional Western Australia?

Explore Our Current WA Locum Opportunities

Email: hello@aulocumsdirect.com.au
Phone: 0403 277 160

Great Doctors. Great Opportunities. Great Adventures.