During the Covid-19 pandemic, the intense focus on frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, highlighted the critical role they play in patient care. As hospitals and clinics were overwhelmed, the urgent need for nursing staff became a central topic in discussions about healthcare staffing shortages. However, while the spotlight has been on nursing, another vital sector of healthcare is also experiencing a significant shift: allied health.

Certain allied healthcare professionals who work in essential fields such as imaging, cardiopulmonary care and rehabilitation are now seeing a notable increase in demand.

This shift reflects the evolving needs of the healthcare system as it adapts to the long-term impacts of the pandemic and demographic changes. The growing importance of allied health roles is reshaping the landscape of healthcare staffing, and there are some important things to note.

The Landscape of Allied Health Staffing

At Medical Solutions, we categorize our allied health professionals into four main divisions. The cardiopulmonary division includes respiratory therapists, sleep techs and dietitians. Imaging services, our largest division, encompasses a range of specialties from MRI techs to nuclear medicine technologists. The laboratory services division covers medical technologists, laboratory technicians, histologists and cytotechnicians. Finally, our rehabilitation therapy division includes physical and occupational therapists, pharmacy techs and speech-language therapists.

Current Trends: A Tale of Four Cities

Today, the demand within these divisions presents a varied picture. Imaging services and rehabilitation therapy are experiencing unprecedented demand, a trend that has been intensifying since the pandemic. For instance, CT techs are in high demand nationwide, with nearly every state reporting shortages. Similarly, rehabilitation therapy, including physical and occupational therapy, is seeing elevated demand levels, though not as extreme as the surge observed during the peak of Covid-19.

In contrast, the laboratory division is currently facing a lower demand, marking a near 20-year low. This decline is influenced by several factors, including advances in technology and changes in healthcare delivery.

Cardiopulmonary services, while experiencing a stable demand, see seasonal fluctuations. For instance, winter months typically bring an uptick in demand due to respiratory illnesses like influenza. This pattern reflects a more predictable, cyclical demand rather than a dramatic shift.

Challenges and Opportunities

The recovery period post-Covid has been a time of rebounding needs, particularly for imaging services. The pandemic delayed many non-urgent procedures, leading to a surge in demand as patients sought to catch up on necessary diagnostics. This rebound has created opportunities but also strains on the supply of skilled professionals.

The challenge in today’s market is time. Hiring leaders at client facilities and allied health professionals are both pressed for time. The competition for talent, especially in high-demand areas like imaging, requires swift action and effective communication. Being the first to connect with potential candidates and clearly articulating the benefits of working at a particular facility can make all the difference.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the allied health sector must remain agile and responsive to these evolving demands. Despite the focus on nursing roles, allied health professionals are indispensable in delivering comprehensive patient care. Our role as staffing companies is to bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring that our clients have the skilled professionals they need to provide exceptional care.

While the rising demand presents a significant challenge, it also offers an exciting opportunity. By staying ahead of trends, preparing clinicians for the realities of their roles and navigating the pressures of the current job market, we can play a pivotal role in addressing these staffing needs.

Allied health staffing is more important than ever, and as we face these challenges head on, we remain committed to supporting our clients and the talented professionals who make up this vital sector.