Provider Lifecycle Professionals (PLPs) have never been more essential or more in demand. Across the country, healthcare organizations are facing serious staffing gaps in credentialing, licensing, enrollment, and quality. These gaps don’t just slow down operations; they affect patient access, provider onboarding, and regulatory compliance. The ripple effect is real, and PLPs are at the center of the solution.
But here’s the catch: many of the openings that urgently need to be filled are onsite. And right now, there’s a growing disconnect between the needs of the industry and the preferences of the workforce.
The Shift Back to Onsite Work
During the pandemic, many PLPs shifted to remote or hybrid roles. For some, this offered a long-awaited balance between work and home. It’s no surprise that many professionals want to hold on to that flexibility. Where remote roles exist, it makes sense to pursue them.
But the reality is this: the majority (I’M NOT SURE THIS IS CORRECT BY MAJORITY BUT A MAJOR NUMBER OF THEM…) of urgent staffing needs today are onsite.
Hospitals and healthcare systems are asking for in-person support. Sometimes it’s because the organization lacks the infrastructure for remote work. Sometimes it’s because teams are in flux, and they need hands-on presence to stabilize workflows. Sometimes it’s simply about relationships—onboarding new staff, collaborating across departments, or supporting providers face-to-face.
The bottom line? The industry is not fully remote. And for PLPs looking to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and make a strategic impact, that opens up a wide range of opportunities—if you’re willing to meet the moment.
Opportunity Looks Different Than It Did in 2020
It’s tempting to limit a job search to remote-only positions. But that approach can unintentionally close the door on roles that offer growth, connection, and long-term value. Onsite positions often come with:
- Deeper involvement in strategic projects
- Closer collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Faster onboarding and mentorship
- Opportunities to build visibility and credibility within the organization
In-person roles aren’t a step backward. For many PLPs, they’re a way forward.
Realism Isn’t Giving Up—It’s Leveling Up
Being open to onsite work doesn’t mean giving up on balance or boundaries. It means understanding the landscape and responding with flexibility and purpose. It means recognizing that every stage of a career looks different, and that sometimes, the best way to get where you want to go is by showing up—literally.
If you’re early in your career, onsite roles can accelerate your learning and confidence. If you’re mid-career and looking to lead, they can give you the visibility and influence to make real change. And if you’ve been remote for years and are considering a pivot, being open to hybrid or onsite work may widen your path.
Meeting the Need, Together
Provider Lifecycle Professionals are problem-solvers by nature. We step in, figure things out, and get the work done—often behind the scenes, but always at the core of healthcare operations. Right now, the industry doesn’t just need PLPs in general. It needs PLPs in person who are ready to engage, stabilize, and lead.
There’s real opportunity in saying yes to what the industry needs. And for those who do, the impact can be immediate and lasting.