Support roles surge in healthcare hiring while licensed clinical roles lag

Healthcare job openings in 2026 reveal a clear divide by skill level. Low license roles like receptionists, dental assistants, and home health aides are surging as health systems shift work to the lowest billable level possible. Licensed clinical roles like RNs and PAs are growing more gradually by comparison. The exception is primary care, where GP and NP openings are up 23% and 12% respectively and demand is holding often because there is no cheaper substitute for a diagnosing clinician.