In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, health systems face growing pressure to maintain an agile and competent IT workforce. In fact, during our annual CIO Advisory Board meeting last October, we heard that cultural fit is just as important as specializations and experience. With challenges such as talent shortages, turnover, and difficulties sourcing the specialized skills they need to fill open roles, our partners rely on us to deliver the IT human resources they need, with minimal disruptions. Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed the evolution of trends within the healthcare IT staffing industry first hand. Already this year, we’re seeing new trends that are shaping how health systems plan to approach IT staffing and talent acquisition for 2025.
Here’s what we see:
The Decline of Contingent Labor in Favor of Project-Based Models
Traditional contingent labor models are being phased out in favor of more structured, EHR project-based or managed service approaches. Fixed-fee billing models—where services are billed per month or per project—are becoming increasingly popular, offering predictability and cost control for healthcare organizations. Many of our partners have opted for project-based models, calling upon our team for resourcing for Epic installations, migration support, or ATE training needs before, during, and after a Go-Live. An additional perk of using HCTec project-based resources is the flexibility to extend project analysts’ contracts should you need additional support beyond the initial project terms. In fact, we often see our partners decide to hire a project analyst on full-time following their work on an EHR project. Project-based models are a way in which health systems can ‘test’ a team or analyst’s cultural fit and specialized skills prior to hiring them permanently.
IT Leaders Want Scalable & Flexible Solutions
As related to the previous trend, Healthcare IT staffing needs to be scalable and flexible to accommodate growth without disruption. We hear from our partners that they are prioritizing staffing solutions that allow them to expand their teams as needed while maintaining cost efficiency. Futureproofing is key, ensuring that as business needs evolve, staffing strategies can adapt seamlessly. Going hand in hand with scalability is the need to accommodate growth without compromising quality. To address staffing pain points AND maintain high-quality hires in 2025, health systems must understand the needs of candidates. Here are some of the most common themes we hear from our pool of over 50,000 vetted and qualified candidates:
- Hiring teams (health systems and staffing partners) must collaborate to help perpetuate a fast and efficient hiring process.
- Health systems should be transparent about necessary expertise and skillsets, and desired cultural fit throughout the duration of the hiring process.
- Build a strong employer brand to attract top talent. This includes investing in upskilling and reskilling employees to meet evolving demands.
By embracing these current industry themes and adapting to the needs of candidates in the market, health systems can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they have the right talent in place to drive innovation and operational excellence.
Demand For Industry-Leading Skillsets
Artificial intelligence is not only transforming patient care but also reshaping the skills required in IT staffing. Our partners are increasingly looking for professionals with AI expertise as automation and machine learning become an integral piece in healthcare operations. While AI can process and interpret healthcare data for us, healthcare organizations are looking for candidates who can interpret and utilize data to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
In addition, telehealth and remote patient monitoring have surged, leading to a demand for IT professionals skilled in supporting these technologies. Healthcare organizations are actively seeking candidates who understand telehealth platforms, remote device management, and patient data security.
Key Takeaways for IT Staffing in 2025
As the healthcare IT landscape continues to evolve, so do the resource needs of healthcare organizations. The shift toward project-based models, the demand for scalable and flexible staffing solutions, and the increasing need for specialized skill sets—particularly in AI and telehealth—highlight the need for strategic workforce planning. To continue to deliver high-quality patient care, health systems must embrace adaptable hiring models, invest in employee development, and foster a strong employer brand. By proactively responding to these industry shifts, healthcare organizations can build resilient IT teams that drive innovation, efficiency, and improved patient care in the years to come.
About Us: HCTec partners with healthcare IT leaders to provide unparalleled talent and expertise—enabling them to focus on what matters most: improving patient care. Learn more about our customizable IT staffing solutions.