Choosing your next travel assignment is about more than picking a job. It is choosing a lifestyle, a community, and a new chapter. In 2027, several states stand out for travel clinicians who want strong job volume, competitive pay, and the chance to explore new places while building their careers.
Using insights from CoreMedical Group’s Heatmaps and national workforce trends from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and HRSA, this guide highlights destinations where demand is rising across home health, hospice, acute care, and allied health.
Travel Healthcare spotlight: where demand is rising
CoreMedical Group’s Heatmaps highlight several states with sustained or accelerating demand across home health, hospice, acute care, and allied health. Current trends show:
- California and Tennessee leading in acute care needs
- North Carolina and Georgia showing strong home health and hospice growth
- Massachusetts and Michigan maintaining high demand across multiple specialties
- Rising needs in rural counties, consistent with national shortage data from HRSA
These insights help clinicians identify regions with reliable job volume, competitive pay, and diverse assignment options.
Here’s where those trends are showing up most clearly.
Home health & hospice hotspots
North Carolina
For clinicians seeking a balanced destination, North Carolina offers steady opportunity and a strong quality of life. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, the state combines outdoor adventure with vibrant city living. Heatmaps data shows steady home health and hospice demand across Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, supported by statewide workforce needs identified by North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services. It is a strong option for clinicians seeking consistent caseloads and scenic downtime.
Georgia
Georgia blends Southern charm with growing healthcare needs. Atlanta remains a high-volume metro for travel clinicians, while Savannah and Augusta offer slower-paced assignments with rich history and culture. Trends indicate rising demand in both home health and hospice, especially in suburban and rural counties. Workforce projections from the Georgia Department of Public Health reinforce the state’s continued need for travel clinicians across multiple specialties.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a unique combination of historic character and modern healthcare innovation. Boston’s academic medical centers continue to drive high demand for specialized clinicians, while Cape Cod and Western Massachusetts provide quieter, scenic placements. Heatmaps show strong home health needs statewide, particularly in coastal communities and aging populations. The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission also reports sustained workforce shortages that create ongoing opportunities for travel clinicians.
Acute nursing high‑volume hubs
Tennessee
Tennessee is a top destination for clinicians who want both high-acuity experience and vibrant culture. Nashville and Memphis continue to show strong acute care demand, with consistent needs in med-surg, telemetry and critical care. Workforce data from the Tennessee Department of Health confirms statewide staffing gaps that travel clinicians are helping to fill. When you’re off the clock, you can explore the state’s legendary music scene or unwind in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Michigan
Michigan offers a refreshing blend of outdoor beauty and diverse clinical settings. Trends show high demand in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and mid-state regions, with strong needs in acute care, behavioral health, and rehabilitation. The Michigan Health Council reports persistent shortages across multiple disciplines, reinforcing Michigan’s position as a high-volume destination. Whether you’re exploring the shores of Lake Michigan or visiting the wineries of Traverse City, the state offers plenty of ways to recharge between shifts.
California
California remains one of the most sought-after states for travel clinicians. California is consistently ranked as a high-volume destination across multiple specialties, including acute care, allied health, and home health. The California Health Care Foundation continues to document statewide workforce shortages, especially in rural and coastal regions. From the beaches of San Diego to the redwoods of Northern California, the state offers endless opportunities for adventure, culture, and career growth.
Ready to start your journey?
Wherever your next assignment takes you, the right destination can offer more than a paycheck. It can give you the chance to build new skills, explore new places and find a setting that fits both your career goals and your lifestyle. With CoreMedical Group’s nationwide network and insights, you can search with confidence and find opportunities that align with the way you want to work and live.
Start your customized search below and filter by specialty, location, pay and more to find your next travel healthcare assignment.
