Jan 07, 2025

Locum Tenens: A Critical Solution for Healthcare Staffing in 2025 and Beyond

According to a December 2024 article from Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), the U.S. healthcare system is facing growing challenges, including higher demand for services, increasing physician shortages, and rising burnout rates among younger doctors. SIA reports that national healthcare spending hit a record $4.8 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 5.6% annually over the next decade. While this means more revenue and investment opportunities for healthcare organizations, it also highlights the strain on providers and facilities. With a physician shortage of up to 86,000 expected by 2036, staffing solutions like locum tenens are becoming essential to ensure patients receive the care they need.

For Aequor’s clients—healthcare facilities across the nation—and the locum tenens professionals we employ, this market growth and its challenges present both opportunities and responsibilities. Here’s how these shifts impact our clients and the locum tenens workforce:

For Healthcare Facilities: Bridging Staffing Gaps with Flexible Solutions

The rising demand for healthcare services, driven by an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, places enormous pressure on facilities to maintain adequate staffing levels. However, with physician growth falling short of Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, healthcare organizations are already feeling the strain.

Locum tenens providers offer an immediate, cost-effective solution to address these gaps, ensuring continuity of care while reducing the burden on permanent staff. Facilities in underserved and rural communities—where the physician shortage is often most acute—can especially benefit from this model. Aequor’s vast network of qualified locum tenens professionals allows clients to adapt swiftly to fluctuating patient volumes and evolving staffing needs, ensuring that no patient goes without the care they need.

For Locum Tenens Professionals: Opportunities and Support Amid Challenges

As the healthcare landscape evolves, locum tenens roles provide a unique opportunity for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to practice in diverse settings while maintaining flexibility and control over their careers. Physicians under 45 face higher burnout rates, but locum tenens positions can provide relief by offering more flexible schedules and less administrative work compared to permanent roles. Additionally, specialists in locum tenens positions often earn significantly more, as specialists typically make 44% more than primary care physicians.

At Aequor, our dedicated locums tenens recruiters ensure our locum tenens professionals are matched with assignments that align with their expertise and career goals, offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing support to make every placement a success. If you are interested in becoming a locum tenens provider, browse Aequor’s available positions and get connected with an Aequor locums recruiter today.

Adapting to Future Challenges Together

With the Association of American Medical Colleges predicting a significant physician shortage by 2036, the role of locum tenens in the healthcare workforce will only grow in importance. Facilities that embrace flexible staffing solutions like locum tenens will be better positioned to navigate these challenges, while healthcare providers who choose locum tenens roles can enjoy greater career satisfaction and work-life balance.

At Aequor, we’re committed to partnering with healthcare organizations to meet staffing demands and supporting locum tenens professionals in delivering exceptional care. Together, we can overcome the obstacles ahead and ensure a healthier future for all. If you are part of a healthcare facility interested to see if Aequor’s staffing solutions are a good fit for your organization, fill out a staffing request form to get more information.

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