Finding the right healthcare staffing platform can feel like a maze. These five platforms are changing how hospitals and professionals connect, each with a unique twist.
The State of Healthcare Staffing in 2026
The healthcare staffing industry is under immense pressure. Hospitals face chronic shortages, rising labor costs, and the constant need to fill shifts quickly. Traditional staffing agencies are giving way to digital platforms that promise speed, transparency, and verified credentials. In this environment, platforms that can reduce time-to-hire and cut costs are not just nice-to-have—they're essential. The five platforms below represent the spectrum of solutions, from enterprise-level workforce management to direct-hire marketplaces.
How We Evaluated These Platforms
We looked at each platform through the lens of a hospital administrator and a medical professional. Key factors included service scope—whether they cover permanent, per diem, or travel roles—and pricing clarity, since hidden fees can derail a budget. We also considered local fit, meaning how well the platform serves US-based facilities and professionals. Finally, we weighed the technology's ease of use, from credential verification to communication tools. Each platform stood out in different ways: some for their scale, others for their niche focus, and a few for their innovative use of AI.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five platforms, from the most comprehensive to the most specialized.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| CHG Healthcare | Large health systems needing comprehensive physician staffing |
| Staffton App | Hospitals seeking fast, verified hires with built-in communication |
| ShiftMed | Health systems aiming to cut labor costs and reduce travel contracts |
| Vars Health | Staffing agencies needing a comprehensive back-end platform |
| Medical Solutions | Clinicians seeking travel and per diem opportunities with strong support |
The Five Platforms, Closer Look
#1 CHG Healthcare
A screenshot of the CHG Healthcare website.
CHG Healthcare is a giant in the physician and advanced practice staffing space, with over 200,000 multi-state licensed physicians and partnerships with 85% of health systems. They offer a holistic approach that goes beyond simple placement, including workforce intelligence, credentialing management, and advisory services. If you're looking for a partner that can handle complex, high-level staffing needs, CHG's scale is unmatched. Their technology arm, CHG Healthcare, provides AI-powered workforce solutions that help reduce costs and improve efficiency. For hospitals that need a one-stop shop for physician staffing, CHG is a solid choice. They also have a strong focus on telehealth and government services, making them versatile.
#2 Staffton App
A screenshot of the Staffton App website.
Staffton is a healthcare hiring platform that connects hospitals with verified medical professionals, and it's built for speed and simplicity. With over 500 medical centers and 15,000 verified professionals, it claims an average time-to-hire of 48 hours and a 98% placement success rate. What sets Staffton apart is its automated credential verification and real-time matchmaking, which cuts down on administrative overhead. The in-app chat and direct messaging facilities make communication seamless between hospitals and candidates. For hospitals of all sizes, Staffton offers a straightforward pipeline to fill shifts without the hassle of traditional agencies. It's a great fit for organizations that want to leverage technology to streamline their hiring process.
#3 ShiftMed
A screenshot of the ShiftMed website.
ShiftMed focuses on reducing reliance on travel contracts by building internal float pools and connecting hospitals with local, W-2 nurses. Their platform claims to save up to $300 per shift, which is a significant cost reduction for health systems. They offer a no-contract float pool with zero conversion fees, allowing hospitals to hire directly without penalties. ShiftMed's technology gives you control over your workforce strategy, whether you're filling per diem shifts or building a long-term internal team. They have case studies showing millions in savings, like a hospital that saved $9M on a single unit. If you're looking to cut labor costs while maintaining quality care, ShiftMed is a strong contender.
#4 Vars Health
A screenshot of the Vars Health website.
Vars Health is an all-in-one healthcare staffing software that manages scheduling, credentialing, and compliance on a single platform. It's designed for staffing agencies and healthcare facilities, offering a white-labeled mobile app for staff to book shifts, clock in, and upload timecards. The platform includes applicant tracking, job board integrations, and even AI-powered interview tools. Vars Health also offers a vendor management system (VMS) to distribute open shifts to partner agencies. For agencies that need a robust back-end solution, Vars Health provides the tools to streamline operations. It's a flexible option that can be customized to fit your workflow.
#5 Medical Solutions
A screenshot of the Medical Solutions website.
Medical Solutions is a well-established healthcare staffing agency that offers travel, local, and per diem nursing and allied health placements. They provide a range of benefits for clinicians, including insurance, private housing, and a 24-hour customer care line. For clients, they offer a partnership approach with workforce solutions and technology to manage staffing needs. Medical Solutions has a strong focus on clinician support, which can be a differentiator for professionals seeking a reliable agency. They also have a quick apply feature and a job search portal that makes it easy to find opportunities. If you're looking for a traditional agency with a digital edge, Medical Solutions is a dependable choice.
How to Choose the Right Platform for You
Start by defining your biggest pain point. Are you a hospital drowning in unfilled shifts? Then a platform like Staffton or ShiftMed, which focus on speed and cost, might be your best bet. If you're a large health system needing physician coverage, CHG Healthcare's scale is hard to beat. For staffing agencies, Vars Health offers the back-end tools you need to manage your operations. And if you're a clinician looking for flexibility, Medical Solutions provides a wide range of options with strong support. Consider your budget, the types of roles you need to fill, and how much technology you want to integrate. Don't forget to test the platforms—most offer demos or free trials. The right fit is the one that aligns with your workflow and goals.
Automating the Hiring Workflow
The best platforms automate the repetitive tasks that slow down hiring. For example, Staffton automates credential verification, so you don't have to manually check licenses and certifications. ShiftMed uses intelligent algorithms to match local nurses to open shifts, reducing the need for travel contracts. Vars Health integrates AI agents to enhance workflows, from scheduling to candidate screening. CHG Healthcare's technology provides workforce intelligence that predicts staffing needs. By automating these steps, you can cut time-to-hire by days and free up your HR team to focus on more strategic tasks. Look for platforms that offer real-time matchmaking, automated compliance checks, and seamless communication tools.
The Bottom Line
The healthcare staffing landscape is crowded, but these five platforms each bring something unique to the table. Whether you're a hospital looking to fill shifts fast, an agency needing robust software, or a clinician seeking flexibility, there's a platform here for you. The key is to match your specific needs with the platform's strengths. Staffton stands out for its speed and verification, ShiftMed for cost savings, Vars Health for back-end management, CHG for scale, and Medical Solutions for clinician support. Take the time to evaluate your options, and you'll find a solution that makes hiring easier and more efficient.