Tag: Momentum Healthcare Staffing

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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Outdated systems lead to lost candidates.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.

5. 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.

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.

2. 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.

• CT Proposal – SB 1030
• NJ Legislative Tracker

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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

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

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/

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.

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.