The Rural Health Workforce Crisis

Make an impact with J+C.

Forty-six million Americans living in rural areas are facing a crisis that physicians and advanced practitioners like you can help solve. Locum tenens opportunities with Jackson and Coker provide the chance to fill gaps in rural health care while supporting your priorities.

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Rural hospital closures between 2010 and 2020.

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The median age in rural areas.

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Percentage of the population living in rural areas.

The pressures of rural health care.

The age demographic of rural America is a major contributor to the crisis surrounding access to health care in these areas. The rural population tends to be older, with 17.5% of residents being 65 or older, whereas in urban areas, only 13.8% of residents are in this age group. Locum tenens can help prevent hospital closures by working in rural areas, as this helps hospitals treat more patients and therefore generate greater profit.

Currently, the rural population has a great need for healthcare services. These areas often have less access to physicians, advanced practitioners, and facilities, making it difficult to get the care they need.

This is not only causing issues for older generations, but also affects all generations living in rural areas with challenges including:

Impact the lives of patients + elevate your life.

Taking a locum tenens placement in rural areas can help to improve access to health care by filling key workforce gaps. Rural health clinics, long-term care facilities, Indian Health Services and urgent care centers often have these roles. More physicians and advanced practitioners could mean better access to health care in rural areas and an improved quality of care. Further, locums opportunities can improve rural healthcare systems by offering special training and support that these areas would otherwise go without.

"When you help a rural organization fill a gap, you're not just contributing to their success, you are also impacting people's lives by giving them the health care they deserve. It's a win-win situation."

In addition to the benefits for patients, locum tenens can also be a rewarding experience for physicians and advanced practitioners. Locums can practice in diverse communities and medical specialties, while addressing rural healthcare challenges. They can also develop strong relationships with their patients and communities often with a slower pace of life. This is a great way to experience a new environment and travel to unexpected places.

Even if you don’t want to relocate to a rural area, you can still contribute through telehealth opportunities at Jackson and Coker. Telehealth helps the rural healthcare crisis by allowing physicians and advanced practitioners with specialized training to offer care nationwide. This approach also reduces travel expenses and diagnosis delays.

We have an extensive network of rural medical facilities in communities where you can experience a different pace of life while helping communities in need. 

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

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We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

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We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

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We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

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MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

Headshot of Maggie Youmans

Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

Leadership headshot photo of Anne Anderson

Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson and Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.