Finishing your fellowship exams is a major milestone. For many new radiology fellows, it also marks the first real opportunity to explore flexible work, higher earning potential, and varied clinical exposure through locum roles. Whether you’re considering locuming as a short-term bridge, a way to explore subspecialty interests, or a longer-term career option, understanding how locum work operates is essential.
This guide is written specifically for newly qualified radiology fellows and covers everything you need to know before accepting your first locum assignment—from pay and agency registration to credentialing and business structures.
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Why Locum as a New Radiology Fellow?
Locuming immediately post-fellowship is increasingly common and can offer several advantages:
Significantly higher earning potential compared to registrar roles
Flexibility while deciding on a permanent position or subspecialty focus
Exposure to different hospital systems, practices, and case mixes
Opportunity to experience regional or rural radiology before committing long term
Ability to build confidence reporting independently across modalities
For many fellows, locuming provides breathing space after exams while still maintaining momentum and income.
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FAQs: Pay and Remuneration
How much do radiology fellows earn as locums?
Rates for fellows are higher than registrar locums and vary depending on:
Location (regional and rural roles typically pay more)
Urgency and length of the booking
Modality mix and subspecialty requirements
Public hospital versus private practice
Daily or hourly rates are usually agreed upfront, and many regional roles include travel, accommodation, and a vehicle.
Daily rates for FRANZCR radiologists start from $3,500 per day.
How and when will I be paid?
Most imaging providers pay weekly or fortnightly once approved timesheets are submitted. Payment is made directly to your nominated account or entity, depending on your business structure.
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Registering With a Locum Agency
What does agency registration involve?
Registration is largely administrative and often completed online. You will usually need:
Updated CV (reflecting fellowship completion)
Submission of a skills profile (supplied by the agency)
Proof of identity
AHPRA specialist registration
Medical indemnity insurance
Immunisation and serology records
Two recent consultant-level referees
A good agency will manage document tracking and notify you when renewals are due, making repeat locum bookings much easier.
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Credentialing: What to Expect as a Fellow
Credentialing remains one of the more time-consuming aspects of locum work, particularly for your first assignment. Happily, once you’ve completed this initial step, maintenance is much easier.
Public hospital credentialing
Public health services often have detailed credentialing requirements, which may include:
Verification of fellowship completion and scope of practice
Police checks and working with children checks
Immunisation compliance
Referee reports and credentialing committee approval
Processing can take several weeks, so early planning is essential. Once credentialed, returning to the same health service is usually much faster.
Private imaging providers
Private practices generally have a quicker onboarding process. Common requirements include:
AHPRA specialist registration
Medicare provider number (or application in progress)
Radiation use licence (where applicable)
Medical indemnity insurance
Private locums may offer higher earning potential but often come with expectations around productivity, turnaround times, and independent decision-making.
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Setting Up a PRODA Account and Obtaining Provider Numbers
To work in both public and private systems, you will need a PRODA (Provider Digital Access) account and Medicare provider numbers. PRODA is the secure online system used by the Australian Government to verify your identity and manage access to services such as Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and private health insurers. Once your PRODA account is set up, you can apply for provider numbers which are required to bill Medicare or private insurers for your services. This step is essential for private locums and can take a few days to complete, so it’s recommended to set it up before your first placement.
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Business Structures: How Should New Fellows Work?
Choosing the right structure affects tax, superannuation, insurance, and administrative workload.
Sole trader
Simple and quick to set up
Common choice for new fellows doing short-term or ad hoc locums
Income paid directly to you
Note: Not all imaging providers will accept a sole trader structure so it is sensible to check this in advance
Company or trust structure
More complex and requires professional setup
Often chosen by fellows undertaking regular or high-volume private or locum work
May provide tax planning and asset protection benefits
PAYG payroll
Some imaging providers can engage you under PAYG
Tax withheld automatically
Minimal administration but less flexibility
Tip: Speak with an accountant experienced in medical locums before committing to a structure, especially if locuming will form a significant part of your income.
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Practical Tips for Your First Fellow Locum
Start with shorter or familiar environments to build confidence
Clarify modality mix, supervision (if any), and reporting expectations upfront
Ask about RIS/PACS, voice recognition software, and on-call requirements
Keep a secure digital folder of all credentialing documents
Communicate availability early, particularly around travel or future permanent role start dates
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Fellow Locum Readiness Checklist
Before accepting your first locum role, ensure the following items are completed:
Agency Registration:
Updated CV reflecting fellowship completion
Proof of identity
AHPRA specialist registration
Medical indemnity insurance details
Immunisation and serology documentation
Two consultant referees
Credentialing:
Verification of fellowship and training completion
Police check / WWCC (if required)
Scope of practice approval
Provider number / Medicare enrolment (private locums)
Radiation use licence (if applicable)
Referee reports submitted
PRODA & Provider Numbers:
Set up PRODA account
Apply for Medicare provider numbers
Confirm ability to bill private insurers (if applicable)
Business Structure & Administration:
Decide on structure: sole trader, company, trust, or PAYG
Set up accounting / bookkeeping system
Confirm bank account for locum payments
Understand tax obligations and superannuation requirements
Practical Work Preparation:
Confirm modality mix and expectations
Review RIS/PACS systems and reporting workflow
Ensure travel/accommodation, car hire is organised especially for regional roles
Maintain digital copies of all credentials and documents
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Is Locuming the Right Next Step After Fellowship?
Locum work can be an excellent transitional phase after exams—offering autonomy, strong earning potential, and exposure to diverse practice settings across Australia. With the right preparation and agency support, locuming can help you refine your career direction while maintaining flexibility.
Whether you locum for three months or three years, approaching it strategically will set you up for a smooth and rewarding experience.
Ready to explore your locum options? Speak with our specialist radiology recruiter to understand current rates, locations, and short- or long-term opportunities that align with your goals. A quick conversation can help you plan your next move with confidence. Follow this link to connect with our radiology recruitment partner.
https://www.charterhousemedical.com/contact-sydney
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not replace individual financial, legal, or professional advice.
Jason Ahmad
Senior Recruitment Consultant - Radiology
T: 0413 742 703
F: (02) 9641 2499
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