FAQ
Straight answers, up front.
How the search works, what it costs, and what we guarantee — for the people hiring and the people looking.
For Employers
What does a search cost?
MSA works on a contingent-fee basis: you pay only when you hire a candidate we present. There are no retainers, no upfront costs, and no exclusivity requirement for a standard search. Fee terms are documented in a written Placement Agreement before any work begins.
What happens if a placed candidate leaves?
Every placement is backed by a replacement guarantee. If a placed candidate resigns within the guarantee period, we run the replacement search at no additional fee. The guarantee period and terms are spelled out in your Placement Agreement.
What specialties and roles do you cover?
Physicians across 80+ specialties, plus advanced practice providers — nurse practitioners, physician assistants, CRNAs, and doctoral-level psychologists. We place with academic medical centers, community health systems, and private practices in all 50 states.
How fast will we see candidates?
You are matched with a recruiter who specializes in the discipline — usually the same day you contact us. Vetted, clinically screened candidates typically follow within weeks, not months, though timelines vary by specialty and market.
What is the difference between a standard and an exclusive search?
A standard search is contingent and non-exclusive. Give us the search exclusively and we run a full, dedicated campaign to reach the candidates who are hardest to find — the ones already busy, already courted, and not answering job boards.
For Candidates
Does working with MSA cost me anything?
No. Candidates never pay a fee. Our fee is paid by the hiring organization, and only when a placement succeeds — your interests and ours point the same direction.
Is my search confidential?
Yes. Exploring options while employed is normal, and every conversation with MSA is confidential. We never share your information — or your CV — with anyone without your explicit permission.
Do you work with J-1 waiver and H-1B candidates?
Yes. We provide dedicated support for J-1 waiver and H-1B candidates, and we work with practices and health systems experienced in sponsorship. You can filter open positions by visa eligibility on our job board.
Who will I actually be working with?
A recruiter who owns your specialty — not a call center. MSA has recruited physicians and advanced practice providers since 1987, and every search is led by the person who works that discipline year-round.
How do I get started?
Browse open positions and hit "I'm interested" on anything that fits, or send us a note with your specialty and what you're looking for. Prefer to talk? Call 703-362-7409.
Didn't find your question?
Ask a person instead — call 703-362-7409 or send us a note and a specialty-focused recruiter will get back to you.
Contact Us