The overall opportunity outlook for startups and small healthcare recruiting and staffing agencies in the U.S. over the next 10 years is highly positive and robust, driven by persistent workforce shortages, an aging population, and evolving care models. Knowing how and when to take advantage of these opportunities is key to successfully building your agency. 

  • Growing Demand: Demographic trends (aging population, rising chronic illness) and projected workforce shortages mean sustained demand. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects major growth in advanced practice nursing roles (NP/PA +38% by 2032) and continuing nurse shortages. 
  • Niche Specialization: Large national firms often focus on high-volume sectors (e.g. travel nursing). Smaller agencies can thrive by targeting underserved niches: rural healthcare staffing, long-term care facilities, therapy staffing, specialized local markets, and outpatient centers most agencies are not aware of. MSC teaches over 35 different Allied Health positions, more than 30 specialty nursing positions, as well as more than 50 administrative and leadership positions in healthcare including hospital director and departmental level positions.
  • Technology and New Models: Adoption of AI-driven recruiting tools, virtual credentialing, and mobile apps improve efficiency. Agencies that leverage tech for candidate matching and compliance can outcompete less agile firms. MSC covers the cost of setup and the first year of two licenses for a state-of-the-art CRM/ATS software system to help give you the tools to take advantage of best practices in technology.
  • Competitive Pricing & Flexible Models: Large firms often have higher overhead costs, making them less flexible in terms of pricing. Small agencies can offer cost-effective solutions, flexible contracts, and customized workforce strategies.
  • Consolidation in the Industry: As large conglomerates acquire or exit certain segments, gaps may open for independent agencies. (For instance, some large travel nurse firms downsized sharply after 2022, leaving market share for smaller players.) Agile agencies can fill local/regional and niche skill gaps.

Medical Staffing Consultants (MSC) has 42 years of experience in staffing and recruiting and can help you take advantage of the opportunities in the market to build a successful and growing agency. Let’s talk: 631-598-5529 or info@medstaffconsultants.com.

Sources:

  • “Registered Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • “Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet.” American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
  • “Nursing Shortage In The United States.” NP Programs.
  • “Fact Sheet: Aging in the United States.” PRB.org.
  • “Healthcare Spending Will be One-Fifth of the Economy within a Decade.” PGPF.org 
  • “How Family Nurse Practitioners Can Play a Major Role in Addressing the Growing Physician Shortage in the U.S.” HPU Online