Evolving Healthcare Hiring Trends: What Today’s Market Is Telling Us

The healthcare labor market is shifting rapidly. As hospitals and clinics compete to recruit qualified providers, several data-backed trends are emerging—around flexibility, burnout, locum tenens growth, and technology adoption. If you’re hiring NPs, APPs, or physicians, aligning with these trends will help you attract and retain top-tier talent.

  1. Flexible Scheduling Is Now Expected

A 2024 report from the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) highlights that inflexible scheduling and high burnout are among the top concerns in ambulatory care and community health settings. Similarly, recent HHS research underscores the role of flexible work models in stabilizing healthcare staffing.

Why it matters:
Clinicians are seeking part-time, per diem, and remote-friendly options. Organizations offering more control over scheduling are seeing improved recruitment and retention rates.

  1. Demand for Advanced Practice Providers Continues to Climb

Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) project shortages in multiple advanced provider roles, including primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and pharmacists, through 2037. On the state level, Texas DSHS projects a 9,600-FTE primary care physician shortfall by 2036.

Why it matters:
Hiring isn’t just about nurses. Health systems increasingly rely on NPs, PAs, and physicians to lead care teams and meet growing demand in both urban and underserved areas.

  1. Locum Tenens Is No Longer a Niche Strategy

A Precedence Research market report estimates that the U.S. locum tenens sector—valued at $3.5 billion in 2023—will reach nearly $8 billion by 2034. Meanwhile, Staffing Industry Analysts data confirms year-over-year double-digit growth in locum coverage for both generalist and specialty providers.

Why it matters:
More clinicians are choosing contract-based roles for better flexibility and lifestyle control. Offering locum or temp-to-perm positions allows you to stay agile in the face of coverage gaps and fluctuating demand.

  1. Technology Is Accelerating Hiring Efficiency

According to ASPE at HHS, digital tools like mobile scheduling, same-day pay, and credentialing automation are critical to the future of healthcare staffing. Providers—especially younger clinicians—now expect tech-enabled onboarding, e-pay, and streamlined workflows.

Why it matters:
Outdated systems lead to lost candidates. Adopting digital platforms for recruiting and placement is no longer optional—it’s a core part of competitive hiring.

  1. Burnout Is Reshaping How We Hire

Both the CHIA report and ASPE brief identify burnout and staff shortages as structural threats to care access. These reports tie workforce gaps to delayed treatments and higher patient risk in multiple specialties.

Why it matters:
Relying solely on permanent hires can lead to burnout and turnover. A balanced staffing strategy—with supplemental support like locums—can stabilize teams and maintain patient care standards.

How Momentum Healthcare Staffing Aligns with These Trends

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we recruit for the world healthcare is becoming—not the one it used to be. Our placements support:

  • Flexible staffing models – Including per diem, telehealth, locum, and full-time placements
  • In-demand specialties – Like urgent care, geriatrics, psychiatry, and primary care
  • Technology-driven recruitment – With efficient onboarding, scheduling, and credentialing
  • Retention and resilience – Helping you reduce burnout and maintain quality of care

Whether you’re a facility trying to reduce turnover or a system scaling services, we’ll help you find clinicians who are ready for what’s next.

Let’s Build Your Ideal Care Team

📞 Call us at (877) 558‑3782 or visit https://momentumhcs.com/contact/ to get started. Our team can help you hire the providers that today’s healthcare environment demands.

 

 

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New Urgent Care Regulations Are Reshaping Hiring Needs Across Rural Clinics

Urgent care and outpatient clinics are undergoing a wave of regulatory changes that are directly impacting operations—and influencing how and who they need to hire. From newly required state licenses to stricter Medicare billing standards, these updates are putting pressure on facilities to ensure their clinical teams are not only competent but compliance-ready.

For rural healthcare providers, the stakes are even higher. With limited administrative staff and often high patient loads, rural clinics now need clinicians who can lead in both care delivery and regulatory alignment.

Key Regulatory Changes Affecting Urgent Care Hiring

  1. Massachusetts Requires Licensing for Standalone Clinics
    Massachusetts passed H.B. 5159, establishing a mandatory licensing process for non–hospital-affiliated urgent care centers. Clinics must now renew licenses every two years, comply with new Department of Public Health oversight, and may face fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

Hiring implications:
Clinics will need to prioritize hiring experienced providers—such as NPs, PAs, and physicians—who understand licensing standards and can assist in maintaining regulatory compliance.

  1. Licensing Push Expands Across Other States
    States like Connecticut and New Jersey are also considering formal licensing requirements for urgent care centers. These legislative efforts are designed to increase accountability, especially for independent facilities that previously operated outside traditional hospital oversight.

Hiring implications:
The trend toward regulation raises the bar for staffing. Clinics will seek providers who are familiar with state healthcare statutes and operational compliance—further tightening the recruitment market.

  1. Multi-Million Dollar Fines for Lab Non-Compliance in Hawaii
    In a headline-making case, the Hawai‘i Department of Health fined two urgent care clinics a combined $2.19 million for running unlicensed laboratories—violations that dated back over a decade.

Hiring implications:
Urgent care clinics now face increased scrutiny on in-house lab practices. Many will need clinical leaders who can supervise lab operations and ensure all diagnostic testing follows state and federal CLIA guidelines.

  1. Medicare Clarifies Urgent Care Billing Rules
    42 CFR § 405.440 outlines restrictions on how providers can bill Medicare patients in urgent or emergent care settings. The rule limits the use of private contracts, sets clear requirements for E/M coding, and prohibits balance billing unless specific opt-out requirements are met.

Hiring implications:
Hiring clinicians with Medicare billing knowledge is now a must. Clinics may prioritize experienced NPs, PAs, and physicians who can ensure compliance and reduce reimbursement risk.

Why This Especially Affects Rural Facilities

In rural settings, every staff member matters. Administrative support is limited, and facilities often rely on clinicians to wear multiple hats. As new compliance burdens emerge, rural clinics must focus on hiring clinicians who can:

  • Manage both clinical and compliance duties
  • Document accurately for billing and audit protection
  • Oversee or coordinate ancillary services like lab testing
  • Lead teams under evolving regulations

This isn’t just a hiring challenge—it’s a healthcare continuity issue.

Momentum Healthcare Staffing Helps You Meet These Demands

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we understand the staffing challenges urgent care and rural facilities are facing—especially now. We specialize in placing:

  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs) with urgent care and compliance experience
  • Physician Assistants (PAs) who can work independently and lead teams
  • Physicians available for locum or permanent roles, often with leadership or oversight experience

Whether you’re facing new state licensing requirements or responding to federal billing updates, we can help you secure providers ready to handle the increased responsibility.

 

Why Facilities Trust Momentum

  • Guaranteed placements with a 90-day replacement policy
  • Discounted rates on your first 10 provider assignments
  • No upfront fees—you only pay if we place a provider
  • Experience in rural hiring—we understand the unique needs of non-urban clinics

Get Staffing Support That Understands Compliance

If your clinic is navigating new rules, don’t go it alone. We help you recruit clinicians who are qualified, credentialed, and compliance-savvy—ready to deliver excellent care under changing conditions.

📞 Call us at (877) 558‑3782 or visit https://momentumhcs.com/contact/ to get started.

 

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H.R. 935 Brings New Federal Grants to Bolster Rural Healthcare Staffing

In early 2025, Congress introduced the Health Care Workforce Innovation Act (H.R. 935)—a bipartisan bill aimed at tackling healthcare workforce shortages in rural and underserved communities. This legislation would fund programs to train allied health professionals like medical assistants, dental techs, community health workers, and pharmacy techs through local partnerships with high schools, community colleges, and nonprofit training programs.

Why does this matter for hospitals and clinics hiring NPs, APPs, and physicians?

Because when rural health systems strengthen their allied health infrastructure, the demand for licensed providers increases in parallel. Simply put: more trained support staff allows clinics to take on more patients—and that means a bigger need for advanced practice providers and physicians to lead those care teams.

What H.R. 935 Does

H.R. 935 proposes federal grants of up to $2.5 million over three years for eligible facilities like Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health clinics, and vocational training programs. The goal is to build healthcare career pathways and pipelines within the communities most affected by staffing shortages.

These grants can fund:

  • Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs
  • Classroom and on-site training
  • Equipment and materials
  • Faculty and program coordination

The focus is on creating community-based models that train and retain talent locally—especially for roles that provide essential support to advanced practice providers and physicians.

Why This Will Increase Hiring Needs for Clinicians

As rural facilities expand their allied health teams, they’ll also be increasing patient capacity and extending services. That growth requires more leadership-level providers—including:

  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
  • Physician Assistants (PAs)
  • Family Practice Physicians
  • Hospitalists
  • Emergency Medicine Providers
  • Psychiatrists and Behavioral Health Clinicians

So even though H.R. 935 is aimed at building up support roles, it will drive increased hiring needs for NPs, APPs, and physicians—especially in communities already struggling to fill those roles.

The Rural Staffing Challenge Isn’t Going Away

Despite new funding for allied health training, many rural clinics still face real obstacles when it comes to recruiting licensed medical providers:

  • Fewer applicants willing to relocate to remote areas
  • Longer hiring timelines
  • Burnout and turnover from limited clinical coverage
  • High locum costs from frequent short-term gaps

That’s where we come in.

How Momentum Healthcare Staffing Can Help

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we specialize in placing APPs, NPs, and physicians in both permanent and temporary roles across the U.S.—with a strong focus on rural communities. As clinics begin to benefit from H.R. 935 funding and expand their care teams, we’re here to help ensure that top-tier providers are in place to lead those teams.

Here’s what we offer:

  • Fast, flexible recruitment for urgent or long-term staffing needs
  • Expert matching of providers to rural lifestyle, work pace, and mission
  • Guaranteed placements with a 90-day replacement policy
  • Discounted pricing for your first 10 assignments
  • Nationwide reach—we recruit in all states for permanent roles

Whether you’re a clinic preparing to scale up with new training capacity, or a hospital expanding to meet increased patient volume, we help you fill the clinical roles that make that growth sustainable.

Start Building Your Rural Care Team Today

H.R. 935 is one piece of the puzzle. At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we help you complete it—by recruiting the high-caliber providers that keep rural care strong.

📞 Call us at (877) 558‑3782 or visit https://momentumhcs.com/contact/ to learn how we can help you staff up for the future.

 

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Why Rural Hospitals Are Struggling to Recruit Physicians — And How to Solve It in 2025

Rural hospitals are the backbone of healthcare in many parts of the U.S. — yet in 2025, staffing challenges continue to deepen. Physician recruitment in rural areas is reaching a crisis point. If your hospital or clinic is struggling to hire physicians or advanced practice providers (APPs), you’re not alone — but there are proven strategies that can help.

The State of Rural Healthcare Staffing in 2025

Rural healthcare shortages are well documented. Since 2010, more than 136 rural hospitals have closed across the U.S. Many others are operating under severe financial stress.
Source: UNC Rural Hospital Closures

In a recent national survey, 69% of rural hospital CEOs identified physician recruitment as their top challenge. Burnout, retirements, and fewer young physicians choosing rural practice are driving this widening gap.
Source: Navigant Rural Hospital CEO Survey

Where Physician Shortages Are Hitting Hardest

Physician shortages are impacting rural areas nationwide, but certain regions face especially critical gaps:

  • Southeast: States like Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia are struggling to recruit primary care physicians and specialists for rural counties. Many counties in these states are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for primary care.
  • Midwest: Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri report increasing shortages in family medicine and internal medicine, especially as older physicians retire.
  • Upper Midwest / Plains: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana face severe gaps in OB/GYN, general surgery, and emergency medicine coverage.
  • Southwest: New Mexico and West Texas rural hospitals are competing for a small pool of bilingual and culturally competent providers to serve rural and Native American populations.
  • Appalachia: Regions of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee face unique barriers in recruiting due to geographic isolation and persistent poverty.

In many of these areas, the gap extends beyond physicians to include nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — key parts of the modern rural care model.

New Opportunities and Incentives

Fortunately, new programs are emerging to help address these shortages.

The Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act, passed by the U.S. Senate in 2024, provides:

  • Expanded loan forgiveness for rural-serving providers
  • New training programs focused on rural practice
  • Increased funding for rural residency programs

Additionally, many states are offering incentives such as:

  • Tax credits for rural healthcare workers
  • Loan repayment programs
  • Support for telehealth infrastructure to supplement on-site care

Solutions for Rural Hiring in 2025

What can rural hospitals do today to stay competitive in this challenging hiring environment?

  1. Leverage Guaranteed Placement Programs
    Working with a staffing partner that offers guaranteed placements and 90-day replacement policies reduces risk and ensures continuity of care.
  2. Expand the Provider Model
    Many successful rural facilities use team-based models that combine physicians with nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to extend care capacity.
  3. Use Flexible Contracts
    Offering permanent, locum-to-permanent, or flexible arrangements can attract providers who are open to rural practice but value flexibility.
  4. Partner with a Dedicated Rural Staffing Agency
    Momentum Healthcare Staffing specializes in helping rural hospitals and clinics recruit:
  • Physicians (Primary Care + Specialty)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
  • Physician Assistants (PAs)
  • Flexible contract options
  • Guaranteed placements with a 90-day replacement policy
  • Discounted rates on first 10 assignments

doctor and nurse

Final Thoughts

Rural healthcare leaders are facing historic staffing challenges — but there are solutions. Whether your facility is in the Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Southwest, or Appalachia, Momentum Healthcare Staffing can help you recruit qualified, committed providers to serve your community.

Let’s build your rural care team today.
Contact us: https://momentumhcs.com/contact/

 

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2025 Guide: Building a Sustainable Rural Healthcare Workforce with Advanced Practice Providers

Rural healthcare facilities across the U.S. are facing an urgent challenge in 2025: building a sustainable workforce of qualified clinicians. With physician shortages worsening, many rural hospitals and clinics are now turning to advanced practice providers (APPs) — including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — as a core part of their long-term staffing strategy.

In this guide, we’ll explore why APPs are increasingly vital to rural healthcare, key trends driving this shift, and proven solutions your facility can implement to attract and retain top talent.

 

The Growing Role of APPs in Rural Healthcare

Nationwide, NPs and PAs are stepping in to fill critical care gaps left by the shortage of primary care physicians. In fact, in some states, nurse practitioners now outnumber primary care physicians — and are helping millions of Americans access care that would otherwise be unavailable.

This trend is especially pronounced in rural communities, where geographic isolation and a lack of local training programs make it difficult to recruit physicians. APPs, supported by expanded scope of practice laws in many states, are helping rural hospitals maintain vital services such as primary care, urgent care, and chronic disease management.

 

Hybrid Models: Telehealth + APPs Expanding Rural Access

Telehealth is playing a critical role in enhancing the reach and effectiveness of rural APP teams. Many hospitals are adopting hybrid models, where on-site NPs/PAs deliver direct care while telehealth services provide specialist consultations and backup from off-site physicians.


This approach not only improves access but also supports retention by helping APPs manage complex cases with remote physician collaboration. For patients in isolated communities, it means more timely care, fewer unnecessary transfers, and greater continuity of treatment.

 

The Rural Physician Shortage: Why APPs Are Essential

The rural physician shortage is expected to worsen in coming years. Many rural areas already experience severe deficits: nearly 30% of rural U.S. counties lack a single obstetrician, and over 60 million Americans live in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).


Burnout, retirements, and fewer young physicians choosing rural practice all contribute to this shortage. Without a robust pipeline of APPs, many rural hospitals would be forced to cut services or close entirely.

advanced practitioner

 

Federal Support: The Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act

Recognizing this crisis, Congress is moving forward with bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening the rural healthcare workforce. The Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act, advancing in the Senate, would invest $26 billion to expand training, support community health centers, and fund primary care positions in underserved areas.


For rural hospitals and clinics, this type of federal investment — combined with smart local recruiting strategies — can help ensure the long-term sustainability of their APP teams.

 

How to Build a Sustainable Rural APP Workforce in 2025

If your facility is ready to strengthen its workforce with NPs and PAs, here are proven steps to take:

 

1. Partner with a Specialized Staffing Agency

Working with a firm experienced in rural APP recruitment can save time and ensure a better fit. Momentum Healthcare Staffing specializes in placing:
– Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
– Physician Assistants (PAs)
– Complementary physicians to support hybrid care models

Our services include guaranteed placements with a 90-day replacement policy, and discounted rates for initial hires — helping rural facilities build strong teams with minimal risk.

 

 2. Offer Flexible Contracts

Today’s APPs value flexibility. Offering permanent or locum-to-perm contracts can attract candidates who are open to rural practice but want options for career growth.

 

3. Support Community Integration

Retention is just as important as recruitment. Successful rural hospitals invest in helping APPs feel connected to the community:
– Relocation support
– Professional development opportunities
– Mentorship programs
– Involvement in local events and leadership roles

 

 4. Stay Informed on State Policy Changes

State laws governing scope of practice for NPs and PAs continue to evolve. Facilities that stay ahead of these changes can leverage new opportunities to expand services and improve care delivery.

 

Final Thoughts

In 2025 and beyond, advanced practice providers will be the cornerstone of sustainable rural healthcare. By adopting a thoughtful, proactive recruiting strategy — and leveraging the right partnerships — rural hospitals and clinics can build APP teams that deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

Momentum Healthcare Staffing is ready to help. We specialize in rural-friendly placements of NPs, PAs, and physicians — with guaranteed results and a deep understanding of the rural hiring landscape.

Let’s build your rural care team today: contact us.

 

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How to Attract Nurse Practitioners to Rural Communities in 2025

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are helping to close care gaps across the country, particularly in rural areas where physician shortages are most severe. As of 2025, there are more than 385,000 licensed NPs in the U.S., according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Attracting these providers to underserved areas means offering the right mix of autonomy, support, and incentives.

Where NPs Thrive in Rural Practice Settings

1. Primary Care & Family Medicine
NPs are often the sole providers in rural family medicine clinics. Offering full practice authority and strong support teams helps attract NPs who want to make a broad impact in the community.

2. Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics
Nurse practitioners trained in emergency or acute care excel in fast-paced walk-in settings. Rural clinics that operate extended hours or weekends can benefit from hiring NPs who value flexibility and independence.

3. Women’s Health and OB-GYN
Nearly half of U.S. counties lack access to an OB-GYN, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Women’s health NPs help fill this care gap by offering prenatal care, family planning, and gynecologic services.

4. Behavioral & Mental Health
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are in high demand in rural areas with limited mental health infrastructure. Clinics that support hybrid or telepsychiatry roles are especially attractive to these providers.

5. Geriatric & Home-Based Care
With rural populations aging rapidly, NPs trained in geriatrics or chronic disease management are critical to keeping patients out of hospitals and managing care at home.

What’s New in 2025: Incentives Are Expanding

In 2025, the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is offering expanded loan forgiveness for NPs working in federally designated health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Several states—including Kansas, Missouri, and West Virginia—have also introduced rural incentives like relocation bonuses, housing stipends, and fast-tracked licensing to attract NPs to small towns and frontier counties.

Top Tips to Recruit and Retain NPs in Rural Areas

Offer Relocation Support & Temporary Housing
Assisting with short-term accommodations, travel stipends, or on-site housing makes rural roles more appealing—especially for early-career providers.

Promote Autonomy in Practice
NPs want to work to the full extent of their training. Highlight full-practice authority and opportunities for leadership or program development.

Create Strong Onboarding and Mentorship Programs
Moving to a rural town can be isolating. Invest in community-building, peer mentorship, and onboarding to improve retention.

Provide Flexible Work Arrangements
Many NPs are seeking better work-life balance. Offering hybrid, part-time, or schedule-customized roles can help your facility stand out.

Let Momentum Help You Hire Your Next NP

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we specialize in helping rural hospitals and clinics connect with nurse practitioners ready to make a difference. Whether you need temporary or permanent placements, we have a nationwide network of skilled NPs open to rural work.

Conclusion

Nurse practitioners are reshaping how healthcare is delivered in rural America. By offering supportive, flexible, and mission-driven roles, your facility can stand out and bring in the talent needed to serve your community in 2025 and beyond.

Need help recruiting an NP? Contact us today or browse open roles.

 

 

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Physician Shortages in the Rural Midwest: Why Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma Hospitals Are Struggling to Fill Critical Roles

Rural hospitals across the Midwest—particularly in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma—are facing an escalating crisis: not enough doctors to meet their communities’ needs. From ER physicians to family medicine providers, the shortage is putting significant strain on healthcare systems that already operate with limited resources.

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we work with rural hospitals every day to bridge this growing gap, ensuring critical care continues where it’s needed most. Here’s what’s driving the shortage—and how facilities can respond.

A Worsening Trend in Physician Availability

Physician shortages are not a new issue, but they are intensifying in rural America. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the U.S. could face a shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. For rural areas, this national shortage hits harder and faster.

In states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, many counties have only one hospital—or none at all. Recruiting physicians to live and work in these areas has become increasingly difficult due to factors such as:

  • Lack of access to urban amenities
  • Fewer opportunities for physician spouses
  • Isolation and long commutes
  • Increased workload and call demands

The result? Many hospitals are seeing longer patient wait times, overworked staff, and in some cases, closures of key departments.

How Rural Hospitals Are Being Impacted

Hospitals in the Midwest depend heavily on family medicine physicians, emergency physicians, hospitalists, and primary care providers. When these roles go unfilled:

  • Patients delay or skip care due to lack of access
  • Staff burnout leads to higher turnover
  • ERs must divert patients to distant facilities
  • Revenue declines, jeopardizing hospital sustainability

This is especially critical in underserved counties where the hospital may be the only healthcare provider within 50 miles.

Momentum’s Approach to Filling Rural Gaps

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we understand the unique challenges facing rural hospitals—and we’ve developed proven strategies to help.

We offer:

Flexible recruiting solutions tailored for rural needs
Heavily discounted rates for the first 10 placements
✅ A 90-day replacement guarantee for every provider
✅ Nationwide reach—with a focus on permanent placements where they matter most

Our team has deep experience working with hospitals across Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, providing physicians who are not only qualified but committed to serving in rural communities long-term.

Whether you’re trying to fill a family medicine position in rural Kansas or need a general surgeon in central Nebraska, we can help you find the right provider faster.

 

Why Physicians Are Saying “Yes” to Rural Roles (When Approached the Right Way)

While many providers hesitate to work in remote areas, that doesn’t mean they won’t consider it. At Momentum, we specialize in finding the right match between physician lifestyle preferences and rural opportunities.

We highlight:

  • Competitive salaries and loan repayment programs
  • The chance to make a visible impact
  • Lower cost of living
  • Supportive hospital environments

When these factors are framed properly, many physicians are willing to relocate or return to rural hometowns.

Partner With Momentum to Secure Your Staffing Future

The physician shortage in the rural Midwest isn’t going away—but your staffing crisis doesn’t have to continue. Partnering with Momentum Healthcare Staffing gives your facility access to dedicated recruiters, personalized outreach, and a vast network of healthcare providers ready to serve where they’re needed most.

If your hospital in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma is struggling to fill critical roles, contact us today to learn more about our flexible, affordable staffing solutions.

 

Cities Most Affected by Rural Physician Shortages

Momentum Healthcare Staffing frequently works with hospitals and clinics in underserved communities such as Goodland, KS; Valentine, NE; and Idabel, OK. Other rural areas in need of physicians include:

  • Kansas: Hays, Dodge City, Parsons, Liberal, Colby
  • Nebraska: McCook, Chadron, Alliance, Ord, Sidney
  • Oklahoma: Guymon, Altus, Woodward, Ada, Duncan

If your hospital serves one of these areas—or similar rural communities—reach out to us today. We’re here to help.

 

Need Help Now?
Explore our Healthcare Staffing Services or request a consultation with our team.

 

 

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Rural Healthcare in Crisis: Why States Like Kansas, Texas, and New Mexico Are Facing Alarming Physician Shortages

Across the United States, rural hospitals are facing a shared—and growing—challenge: not enough physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers (APPs) to care for the communities that need them most. This shortage is especially acute in rural parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, and New Mexico, where many counties have only one healthcare facility—or none at all.

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we specialize in recruiting high-quality providers who are ready to serve in underserved areas. Here’s a breakdown of what’s causing the provider shortage—and how we’re helping hospitals overcome it.

The Widening Rural Provider Gap

Nationwide, the U.S. is facing a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, according to the AAMC. But that shortage doesn’t affect all communities equally.

Rural states like these are particularly hard-hit:

  • Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma – Struggling to recruit hospitalists, ER doctors, and family physicians in sparsely populated counties
  • Texas – Facing an alarming shortfall in both primary care doctors and psychiatrists across rural counties
  • Mississippi – Has one of the lowest physician-to-patient ratios in the country
  • New Mexico – Despite giving NPs full authority since 1993, provider shortages remain critical in rural regions

Shortages by the Numbers

Here’s what the data shows about specific needs across these six states:

Texas

  • Primary Care Shortage: 3,375 FTEs projected shortage by 2030
  • Psychiatrists: Shortage expected to grow to over 1,200 by 2030
  • 435 Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) across the state

Source: Texas DSHS

Mississippi

  • Among top three states with highest physician shortage ratios
  • Over 50% of residents live in a primary care HPSA

Source: Floridians for Dental Access

New Mexico

  • Physician shortage to worsen from 57 to 101 per 100,000 residents by 2030
  • Rural residents face long delays despite NPs having full practice authority

Source: Rio Grande Foundation

Why It’s So Hard to Hire in These Areas

Rural hospitals face a tough reality: attracting providers to live and work in remote areas is difficult due to:

  • Limited amenities and schooling options
  • Isolation and poor access to specialty training
  • Lower Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements
  • Fewer local medical residency programs
  • Lifestyle concerns for provider spouses

Momentum’s Proven Rural Placement Strategy

At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we’ve built a system designed specifically for rural and underserved hospitals.

✅ Affordable rates (with deep discounts on your first 10 placements)
✅ 90-day replacement guarantee
✅ Personalized recruiting across all specialties
✅ Permanent and temp-to-perm options for physicians, NPs, and PAs

We take the time to find candidates who want to stay—not just fill a shift.

Areas Most in Need of Physicians

Here’s a sample of cities and towns currently facing critical provider shortages:

Kansas: Colby, Liberal, Hays, Dodge City, Parsons
Nebraska: Valentine, McCook, Broken Bow, Chadron, Alliance
Oklahoma: Guymon, Altus, Woodward, Ada, Duncan
Texas: Uvalde, Dumas, Jasper, Raymondville, Alpine
Mississippi: Clarksdale, Kosciusko, McComb, Forest, Brookhaven
New Mexico: Gallup, Silver City, Deming, Artesia, Truth or Consequences

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If your hospital is located in any of these rural communities—or serves a similar population—you don’t have to handle recruiting alone. Momentum Healthcare Staffing is ready to match you with the physicians and advanced practice providers you need to keep your facility strong and your community healthy.

📞 Call us at (877) 558-3782 or contact us here to discuss how we can support your staffing goals.

 

 

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Bridging the Gap: How Momentum Healthcare Staffing Supports Rural and Specialty Healthcare Providers

In today’s healthcare landscape, staffing challenges are a growing concern, particularly for hospitals, Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, and clinics in rural communities. At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we specialize in addressing these critical gaps — not just by filling positions, but by building lasting connections between skilled providers and the communities that need them most.

Meeting the Needs of Underserved Areas

Rural and remote healthcare facilities often face higher turnover rates and longer hiring timelines than their urban counterparts. Specialty physicians such as cardiologists, psychiatrists, orthopedists, and OB-GYNs are in especially short supply in these areas. Momentum Healthcare Staffing is uniquely positioned to help.

We understand the complexities of rural healthcare — from limited access to specialists, to the increased strain on general practitioners. Our team works closely with hospitals, critical access facilities, Indian Health Services (IHS), community clinics, and VA medical centers to place physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who are not only qualified but also committed to making a difference.

A Tailored, Human-Centered Approach

What sets Momentum apart is our focus on creating long-term success for both providers and employers. We take time to understand the culture and specific needs of each facility, especially in rural settings where fit is everything. Our in-depth screening process and responsive support ensure that candidates are not only clinically excellent, but adaptable and community-oriented.

Whether it’s a full-time cardiologist for a regional hospital or a locum tenens psychiatrist for a rural mental health clinic, our placements are thoughtful and strategic. We believe great healthcare starts with great relationships — and we’re here to help build them.

Supporting All Specialties, With a Focus on Hard-to-Fill Roles

Specialty roles are often the hardest to staff, especially outside of major metro areas. Momentum Healthcare Staffing has built a national network of board-certified specialists ready to serve in high-demand fields such as:

Our recruiting team leverages both technology and personal outreach to match the right professionals with facilities that align with their values and career goals.

Why Healthcare Providers Choose Momentum

Healthcare employers work with Momentum because we provide:

  • Speed without compromise – Quick turnaround times on placements without sacrificing candidate quality
  • Credentialing support – We streamline onboarding and credentialing so providers are ready to work sooner
  • Nationwide reach, local focus – A broad candidate pool combined with attention to regional regulations and community needs
  • Custom staffing solutions – We offer permanent, temporary, and locum tenens staffing options

For providers, we offer flexibility, transparency, and opportunities that align with their personal and professional aspirations — including the chance to make an impact in rural communities where they’re needed most.

Let’s Build What’s Next in Healthcare — Together

The demand for healthcare professionals isn’t slowing down, and neither are we. At Momentum Healthcare Staffing, we’re not just filling jobs — we’re filling critical care gaps, one provider at a time.

If you’re a hospital administrator, clinic manager, or medical director struggling to recruit the right talent — especially in specialty care — connect with us today. And if you’re a physician or advanced practice provider looking for your next opportunity, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Explore more at momentumhcs.com and discover how we can bring momentum to your mission.

 

 

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Why February Is the Perfect Time for Family Physicians and APPs to Explore New Career Opportunities

It’s that time of year again; resolutions, new ideas, and fresh starts. It also happens to be a very good time of year for medical professionals to find some fresh opportunities. After annual budgets, hospitals and other healthcare organizations are on the lookout for family physicians and advanced practice providers to add to their staff.

The Growing Demand for Medical Professionals Post-Pandemic

It isn’t news anymore that physicians and medical staff are greatly needed, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak. Over 100,000 nurses left their jobs in 2020 due to burnout and stress from the pandemic, with another 610,388 “intending” to leave. With a tremendous lack in the medical workforce, it’s urgent our hospitals, rehabilitation centers, family practices, and a multitude of medical centers become staffed again. The silver lining is this leaves ample opportunity for those entering the medical field, and those looking for a change. For family physicians and advanced practice providers, especially, job projections are estimated to increase 1.9 million in the next several years.

 

The Expanding Role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

The role of an advanced practice provider is wide. Not only can they perform exams, order tests, and prescribe medication, their titles can include physician assistant, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist. This is all to say the need for their expertise and services are not in shortage. In fact, hospitals and other healthcare organizations looked to APPs specifically because of their versatility and adaptability to help during the overwhelming time of COVID. In job searches this year and moving forward, small practices and big organizations are looking to hire APPs to “fill in any gaps in medical care service.”

Career Opportunities for Family Physicians Across Various Settings

A family physician is usually the first in line when something feels wrong, and they don’t only check for the common cold. Family physicians can detect high blood pressure, STDs, developmental disorders, and mental health issues like depression. They can also check for signs of domestic abuse, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. For family physicians, the skies look just as bright. The projected growth is over 55,000 jobs to open up for family physicians in the next ten years. If it’s just a small family practice you’re picturing for a family physician, think again. This field of expertise is the backbone of medicine, and also very versatile. A family physician can work in a variety of settings that include clinics, private (or group) practices, long-term care facilities like nursing homes, and hospitals for both inpatient and outpatient services. For example, a family physician may be hired by a hospital as a hospitalist to provide care to patients staying in the hospital.

 

Why Now Is the Right Time to Make a Career Move

There is so much opportunity for both family physicians and APPs this year and moving forward. Patients, young and old, are in need of the multifaceted expertise of both professionals and it’s never been a perfect time to pick and choose where you’d like to work. So if it’s a switch of atmosphere or co-workers, now might be the best time to land a new job with fresh challenges and rewards.

 

Explore Exciting APP Career Opportunities with Us



If you’re an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) or family physician looking for your next opportunity, now is the perfect time to make a move. We have a wide range of job openings across the USA, including locum, permanent, full-time, and part-time positions in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start or exploring new career challenges, we can help you find the perfect fit. Contact Momentum today to learn more about our available opportunities and take the next step in your career!

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