How To Get A Telehealth Physician Job

Working from home as a physician is becoming increasingly common, largely thanks to telemedicine. Patients like the convenience and discretion associated with connecting with a provider remotely, so telehealth physician job postings have begun springing up. However, what can you do as a physician to help meet the growing demand for virtual care services? 

Whether you’re trying to work remotely full-time or simply looking for a part-time or contractual role to bring in some extra dough, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve provided 11 insider insights on landing a remote physician job in today’s competitive job market. 

1. Complete all required medical training 

To secure a remote physician job, telemedicine companies require that you complete all academic and clinical training. For a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), that often includes: 

• Four years of medical school and,

• Residency program/post-graduate training 

2. Have an active medical license

Having medical training provides the necessary skills to practice medicine, but an active, unrestricted medical license is essential for independent authority—especially in telehealth, where physicians must be licensed in the patient’s state during virtual visits; holding multiple state licenses expands patient reach and enhances professional desirability.

Pro-tip: Use IMLC

If you qualify and want licenses in multiple states, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is a voluntary, faster, and more affordable process. It lets physicians apply for licenses across 40+ states, DC, and Guam. At OpenLoop, we often recommend telehealth physicians carry five or more state licenses.

3. Be board-certified 

While it's not a legal requirement, telehealth companies strongly prefer to hire board-certified physicians. This credential showcases your expertise in a specific medical specialty and can give you a significant advantage when applying for certain roles.

For example, if you're interested in virtual urgent care or primary care, being board-certified in internal medicine, family medicine, or emergency medicine would be highly advantageous. 

4. Previous clinical experience

The majority of telehealth companies prefer physicians with at least two years of experience in a clinic or hospital. It's an even bigger bonus if you've ever practiced in a virtual care setting.

But why is that so important? 

• Shows you can work autonomously: Those with prior hands-on experience often have the professional maturity and self-reliance to make important decisions without an on-site supervisor. 

• Reveals your ability to triage: In-person experience has trained you to accurately assess a patient's condition and determine when escalation is necessary. 

• They value your clinical expertise: Your deep-seated knowledge demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of patient care that directly translates to a virtual care setting. 

With this in mind, it’s crucial that you highlight your experience in your resume.

5. Understand telehealth regulations and operations

Telehealth companies don't expect you to be a veteran in telemedicine from day one, but demonstrating some familiarity with its unique operations is a major asset. This shows employers you're prepared and adaptable, ready to handle the distinct challenges of a virtual practice.

This includes:

• A grasp of telehealth laws and compliance: Show that you’re proactive about staying current with the evolving regulatory landscape.

• The ability to build virtual rapport: Understanding how to connect with patients through a screen is essential for improving trust and treatment adherence.

• Preparedness for technical limitations: Be ready to navigate issues like poor connectivity or low-quality video, which are common when performing remote visual assessments.

6. Speak multiple languages

While not a strict requirement for a telehealth physician job, multilingualism is valuable in most healthcare settings. It eliminates the need for a third-party interpreter and expands the company’s patient reach. This helps reduce their expenses and expand patient reach. Additionally, it makes it possible to deliver more effective and culturally sensitive care. 

7. No history of medical malpractice claims 

Malpractice claims and lawsuits are a major red flag for telehealth companies. They not only signal a potential risk to patient care and safety but also increase insurance premiums and operational costs for the business. Because of this, physicians with a history of malpractice claims are often seen as a liability that many organizations are unwilling to take on.

8. Open to flexible scheduling

Having flexible availability is a significant advantage in the telehealth job market. Many companies offer 24/7 on-demand care and are in constant competition to find providers who will take on off-peak evening and weekend shifts. Offering to fill these gaps will make you a highly desirable and competitive candidate.

9. Enhance your technical proficiency  

To truly excel in a virtual practice, you need to be both a skilled clinician and a tech-savvy professional. It’s essential to showcase your digital competencies on your resume and during interviews. For instance, highlight any prior experience you have with remote patient monitoring software, EHRs, secure telemedicine platforms, or AI-powered clinical tools. 

10. Obtain DEA and CDS certificates 

Physicians who prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances are required to register with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Your DEA number is a unique identifier that tracks your prescriptions on a national level.

In addition to your DEA registration, you'll need a State Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) certificate for each state you practice in. In some locations, this state-level license is a prerequisite for your federal DEA registration.

11. Cultivate your professional network

Once you’ve earned the right credentials, the next step is building a strong professional network to enhance your reputation, access hidden job opportunities, and find organizations that align with your values. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and joining groups such as the AMA or specialty-specific academies are excellent ways to form these vital connections.

Apply for a telehealth physician job at OpenLoop

Already have all of the above? Ready to use your expertise to support patients without leaving the comforts of your home? Apply to join OpenLoop’s Clinician Network!. We're looking for expert physicians to join our team and deliver a high standard of care to our growing patient population. Our robust telehealth infrastructure and supportive clinical management are designed to support your professional ambitions and give you the flexibility you need. 

Discover your next opportunity on our clinical job board.

*This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.