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Navigating the ongoing non-clinical healthcare talent shortage

Addison Group
Healthcare professionals experiencing the healthcare talent shortage that Addison Group's help

The healthcare industry is grappling with a persistent talent shortage that extends beyond clinical roles to include critical non-clinical healthcare positions.

As we move through 2025, understanding which roles are most affected, how these shortages impact organizations, and the most effective strategies for finding and retaining talent are essential for healthcare leaders.

Top non-clinical healthcare roles experiencing talent shortages

While much attention is given to shortages of physicians and nurses, non-clinical roles are also in high demand and short supply. Some of the top non-clinical healthcare roles facing acute shortages include:

  • Patient registration/intake/admissions specialists
  • Medical billers
  • Patient access/services specialists
  • Medical customer service specialists

The healthcare industry unemployment rates are well below the national average, at 2.7%.

The demand is particularly high for professionals who can combine healthcare support knowledge with technical expertise, such as managing AI-driven platforms for patient registration and insurance verification.

How the talent shortage is affecting healthcare companies

The ongoing shortage of healthcare talent has far-reaching consequences for organizations such as:

  • Increased workloads and burnout: Existing staff are overburdened, leading to higher burnout rates, decreased job satisfaction, and increased turnover.
  • Decreased quality of care: Overworked teams may result in longer wait times, rushed appointments, and compromised patient care, specifically impacting patient satisfaction and outcomes.
  • Financial strain: Healthcare providers are forced to offer higher wages and bonuses, driving up operational costs.
  • Recruitment and retention challenges: Organizations struggle to recruit and retain qualified professionals, leading to longer vacancy periods and instability in the workforce.
  • Limited access to care: Especially in rural or underserved areas, shortages can mean reduced access to essential healthcare services, exacerbating health disparities.

Best ways to find and retain non-clinical healthcare talent

Healthcare organizations are adopting a variety of strategies to address these shortages and build a resilient workforce:

  • Broaden recruitment efforts beyond local candidates by considering nationwide talent pools.
  • Embrace remote and hybrid roles, particularly administrative and support positions, to tap into a wider array of candidates.

2. Build partnerships with educational institutions

  • Collaborate with universities, technical schools, and training programs to create pipelines for new talent through internships, residency programs, and tuition reimbursement agreements.

3. Invest in technology and automation

  • Implement AI and digital platforms to streamline administrative processes, reducing manual workloads as well as making roles more attractive to tech-savvy candidates.
  • Upgrade hiring technologies to improve efficiency, personalize the candidate experience, and reduce time-to-hire.

4. Offer competitive compensation and benefits

  • Provide attractive salary packages, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits to stand out in a competitive market.
  • Highlight opportunities for career growth, ongoing training, and advancement to retain top talent.

5. Foster a positive work environment

  • Recognize and reward employee achievements, offer flexible scheduling, and prioritize work-life balance to boost retention.
  • Maintain open communication and regularly check in with staff to address concerns before they escalate.

6. Partner with talent solutions companies

  • Utilize experienced healthcare talent solutions organizations like Addison Group to quickly access pre-screened, qualified candidates for both temporary and permanent positions, easing the burden on internal HR teams.

The healthcare talent shortage is a complex, ongoing challenge affecting both clinical and non-clinical roles. By focusing on targeted recruitment strategies, leveraging technology, building educational partnerships, and fostering a supportive work environment, healthcare organizations can better navigate these shortages and secure the talent needed to deliver high-quality care in 2025 and beyond.

Need help finding top non-clinical healthcare talent? Addison Group can help. Our recruiters are experts in finding top talent that aligns with your goals. Reach out today to learn how we can find the talent that fits your needs.