MGMA Stat poll: Demand still high for qualified non-clinical applicants in healthcare industry

The Medical Group Management Association’s most recent MGMA Stat poll asked healthcare leaders if their organization has experienced a shortage of qualified applicants for non-clinical positions in the past year. More than 60% of respondents indicate that their organization has experienced this deficit recruiting non-clinical staff, citing larger organizations offering better pay, low unemployment rates and difficulty recruiting in rural areas. One respondent described, "Good candidates are already employed by others; [it is] hard to hire candidates with lack of experience on a tight budget and minimal manpower." Another expressed the problem may be long lasting as there is a "Lack of medical training in colleges and technical schools and reliance on 'on the job training' means less qualified non-clinical applicants." About one-third report they have not experienced this shortage due to lack of turnover, increased wages and utilization of temp agencies and job fairs to fill vacancies. In this group, several described that while they were able to fill non-clinical positions, they were experiencing problems recruiting Medical Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses.

The poll was conducted on May 1, 2018, with 1,299 applicable responses. Nick A. Fabrizio, PhD, FACMPE, FACHE, principal, MGMA Consulting, expands on the topic in his article, "Overcoming recruiting challenges for non-clinical staff in medical groups."

MGMA Stat is a national poll that addresses practice management topics, the impact of new legislation and related topics. Participation is free and available to all healthcare leaders. Results of other polls and information on how to participate in MGMA Stat are available at: http://www.mgma.com/stat.