The weather is cooling off, but demand for traveling healthcare professionals is heating up! As we head into fall, many healthcare facilities across the U.S. are ramping up their staffing for the busy season. If you’re a nurse, therapist, or allied health professional looking for your next travel assignment, now’s the time to check out the opportunities waiting for you in the Midwest and rural areas.
Here’s a breakdown of the top states and specialties where demand is booming this fall—and how you can make the most of it!
- Kansas: Wide Open Spaces, Big Opportunities 🌾
Kansas might not be the first place you think of, but this Midwestern gem has a growing demand for healthcare professionals. With a mix of rural hospitals and regional medical centers, the need for traveling nurses and allied health professionals is on the rise.
- Hot Specialties: Med-Surg nurses, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists.
- Why Now? Kansas hospitals are prepping for increased patient loads during flu season, and many rural areas are experiencing year-round staffing shortages.
💡 Pro Tip: Kansas is a compact license state, so if you hold a multistate license, you can jump into assignments without extra paperwork.
- Arizona: Healthcare in the Desert 🌵
Arizona may be known for its hot summers, but fall is the perfect time to take an assignment here, especially as healthcare facilities prepare for the influx of winter residents.
- Hot Specialties: ER nurses, respiratory therapists, and physical therapy assistants.
- Why Now? The state sees a huge population increase from snowbirds in the fall, driving up the need for healthcare staff, especially in more rural areas.
💡 Pro Tip: Many Arizona travel contracts offer generous housing stipends, so you can live comfortably while soaking in the desert scenery.
- Wisconsin: The Dairy State Is Hiring 🧀
Known for its charming small towns and beautiful fall foliage, Wisconsin is also seeing an increased demand for healthcare professionals this season. From Milwaukee to Green Bay, hospitals are staffing up for flu season and beyond.
- Hot Specialties: ICU nurses, med-surg nurses, and physical therapists.
- Why Now? Wisconsin’s healthcare facilities are preparing for a busy flu season, and many smaller hospitals in rural areas need extra support to meet demand.
💡 Pro Tip: Wisconsin is another compact license state, making it easy for travel nurses to get started right away.
- Nebraska: Midwestern Charm, Major Opportunities 🌽
Nebraska is a hidden gem for healthcare professionals, offering great pay and a variety of assignments in both urban and rural settings. From Omaha to smaller towns, Nebraska needs traveling professionals across the board.
- Hot Specialties: ER nurses, allied health professionals, and surgical techs.
- Why Now? Rural hospitals often have ongoing staffing shortages, and flu season will only increase the demand.
💡 Pro Tip: Nebraska’s rural areas often offer completion bonuses for travelers who finish their assignments, so it’s a win-win for your career and your bank account.
- Pennsylvania: A Mix of City and Countryside 🏞️
Pennsylvania has a diverse range of travel opportunities, whether you’re looking for a bustling city hospital or a quieter rural setting. From Philadelphia to the scenic Appalachian regions, Pennsylvania has hot job openings this fall.
- Hot Specialties: Psych nurses, ER nurses, and physical therapy assistants.
- Why Now? The state is experiencing a higher demand for healthcare professionals, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, as hospitals prepare for respiratory and flu cases to spike.
💡 Pro Tip: Pennsylvania has a lower cost of living in rural areas, which can make your travel stipend go further.
- Washington State: Opportunities in the Great Outdoors 🌲
If you love nature and are seeking a rewarding travel assignment, Washington State is calling. Beyond the busy cities of Seattle and Spokane, smaller hospitals throughout the state are in need of traveling healthcare pros.
- Hot Specialties: ICU nurses, operating room nurses, and respiratory therapists.
- Why Now? Washington hospitals are bracing for flu and respiratory season, especially in rural areas where staffing is thin.
💡 Pro Tip: Washington is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so travel nurses can easily get started here if they hold a multistate license.
- South Dakota: Big Demand in the Great Plains 🌾
Don’t overlook South Dakota when planning your next assignment! With vast open spaces and a growing need for healthcare workers, especially in rural areas, South Dakota is a great destination for travel nurses and allied health professionals.
- Hot Specialties: ER nurses, primary care nurses, and medical-surgical nurses.
- Why Now? Rural hospitals in South Dakota face ongoing staffing challenges, making now the perfect time to step in and make a difference.
💡 Pro Tip: South Dakota offers lower housing costs compared to other states, so your travel stipend can stretch further.
- New Mexico: Land of Enchantment, Full of Opportunities 🌵
New Mexico offers stunning desert landscapes and plenty of travel opportunities for healthcare professionals. From Albuquerque to rural clinics in the mountains, this state is in high demand for medical professionals.
- Hot Specialties: ER nurses, ICU nurses, and respiratory therapists.
- Why Now? The seasonal increase in flu cases and respiratory issues makes New Mexico hospitals and clinics ready to welcome extra help.
💡 Pro Tip: New Mexico assignments often come with flexible schedules, giving you more time to explore this beautiful state.
- North Carolina: The Best of Both Worlds 🌳
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina is full of travel opportunities, especially in smaller towns and rural hospitals. The state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, making it an easy destination for travel nurses.
- Hot Specialties: ICU nurses, physical therapists, and ER nurses.
- Why Now? North Carolina hospitals are gearing up for flu season, and many rural facilities need extra staffing to meet patient demand.
💡 Pro Tip: Many North Carolina assignments come with generous housing stipends, making it easy to find comfortable accommodations.
Ready to Book Your Fall Assignment?
Whether you’re a nurse, therapist, or allied health professional, there’s no shortage of opportunities this fall in the Midwest and rural areas. With competitive pay, housing stipends, and the chance to make a real impact in underserved communities, these locations are calling your name. 🌾🍂
Don’t wait—start exploring these hot job destinations and secure your next adventure today!