The healthcare workforce is changing. While hospitals remain an important part of the healthcare system, much of the industry’s future growth is happening outside of traditional hospital settings. From outpatient clinics to schools, healthcare organizations are hiring more clinical professionals than ever before.

According to the Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) report, Healthcare Staffing Beyond the Hospital: Ambulatory, Post-Acute, and School-Based Markets 2026, these care settings are expected to drive healthcare employment growth over the next decade. For healthcare professionals looking for new opportunities, this shift creates exciting possibilities.

Ambulatory Care Is Leading Healthcare Employment Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects ambulatory healthcare employment will grow by 12.2% between 2024 and 2034, outpacing hospital employment growth, which is projected at just 3.9% during the same period.

Ambulatory care includes settings such as:

• Outpatient clinics
• Therapy practices
• Home health agencies
• Behavioral health organizations
• Community healthcare centers

Many of these organizations are expanding rapidly as more care moves outside the hospital environment.

Demand Is Growing Across Allied Healthcare

Unlike hospitals, which often focus heavily on nursing roles, outpatient and community-based providers rely on a wide range of clinical professionals.

Some of the fastest-growing careers include:

• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Behavioral Health Professionals
• Medical Assistants
• Imaging Professionals
• Laboratory Professionals
• Home Health Clinicians

These roles are becoming increasingly important as providers work to improve access to care in local communities.

School-Based Healthcare Continues to Expand

Healthcare professionals are also finding rewarding careers in schools.

According to SIA, approximately 7.5 million students receive special education services, and nearly every public school offers some form of mental health support. Yet more than half of schools report that they don’t have enough qualified professionals to meet student needs.

As a result, districts continue to seek qualified professionals such as:

• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
• Occupational Therapists (OTs)
• Physical Therapists (PTs)
• School Psychologists
• School Nurses
• Behavioral Health Specialists

These school based positions offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to make a lasting impact while often enjoying predictable schedules and strong work-life balance.

Healthcare Staffing Partners Play an Important Role

Many healthcare organizations continue to face staffing shortages and experience extended hiring times. Finding qualified clinicians can take months, making it difficult to maintain consistent patient care.

Experienced staffing partners like TactStaff help bridge these gaps by:

• Connecting facilities with qualified professionals more quickly
• Supporting credentialing and compliance requirements
• Helping organizations maintain continuity of care
• Matching clinicians with opportunities that fit their skills and career goals

As healthcare continues evolving, staffing partners with experience across multiple care settings can help both clients and clinicians adapt to changing workforce needs.

Find Your Next Opportunity with TactStaff

Healthcare careers are no longer limited to hospitals. Whether you’re interested in travel therapy, outpatient care, home health, behavioral health, or school-based opportunities, there are more options than ever to grow your career.

At TactStaff, we connect healthcare professionals with rewarding contract and travel assignments across the country. Our recruiters take the time to understand your goals and help you find opportunities that fit your experience, lifestyle, and career aspirations.

Ready for your next assignment? Browse TactStaff’s current healthcare and school-based opportunities or connect with one of our recruiters today.