In short…
- Locum tenens hematology/oncology job opportunities are increasing due to a projected shortage, with the physician workforce expected to meet only 96% of demand by 2025.
- An aging population and increased burnout are driving the growing need for hematology/oncology providers.
- Locum tenens hematology/oncology physicians, NPs, and PAs are crucial in filling care gaps, especially in underserved rural areas.
Cancer is a disease that transcends race, economic status, and age—in fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around two million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Hematology and oncology physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) serve as frontline providers in the battle against this formidable disease, playing a critical role in diagnosing and treating cancer in patients. Given the vital role of hematology/oncology providers, a pressing question arises: What does the job market look like in 2025 and beyond? Read on to discover more about workforce projections and how locum tenens hematology/oncology job opportunities are shaping the future of cancer care.
Is there a shortage of hematology/oncology physicians?
Yes, according to workforce projections from the United States Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), the number of hematology/oncology physicians is expected to fall short in 2025, with the projected workforce meeting only 96% of the estimated need. This issue is only expected to get worse as time passes; the HRSA projects that by 2037, the projected hematology/oncology doctor workforce will only meet 93% of the country’s total need.
What’s causing the shortage of hematology/oncology physicians?
The main reasons behind the shortage of hematology/oncology physicians in the United States are an aging population and increased burnout among these medical providers.
1. Aging Population
The United States is aging at an unprecedented rate—data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that over the past century, growth of the 65-and-older population has far outpaced that of the general population. This is primarily due to the Baby Boomer generation entering their senior years—by 2037, all Baby Boomers will be at least 65 years old.
This rapid aging puts massive stress on the country’s healthcare system, especially the hematology/oncology field. Around 23% of oncologists and hematologists were 65 and older in 2023, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), meaning the workforce is dwindling as many consider retirement. At the same time, cancer is a disease that occurs in older people more than younger ones, so as the general population gets older, demand for hematology/oncology services will increase.
2. Burnout
As the number of oncologists diminishes, the workload on those who have stayed in the field only seems to be increasing. According to an article in Targeted Oncology, 59% of oncologists reported symptoms of burnout in 2023, which is up from 34% of oncologists who said the same in 2013.
The article cites an increase in administrative tasks as one of the main reasons oncologists are feeling burned out in their jobs. In addition, the use of electronic medical records (EMRs), new payer policies, and general staffing shortages play a role in increasing oncologist burnout.
Can locum tenens hematology/oncology providers help curb the shortage?
Yes, locum tenens hematology/oncology physicians, NPs, and PAs can play a critical role in helping to curb the shortage of these critical providers, especially in rural areas where the shortage is most acute.
Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in Hematology/Oncology
As the hematology/oncology physician workforce fails to keep pace with demand, healthcare facilities and practices are increasingly relying on NPs and PAs to help fill in some of the gaps.
In fact, a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society discovered that for cancer care in patients 65 or older, NPs make up the largest group of providers at 31.5%, followed by hematology/oncology physicians at 27.7% and PAs at 24.7%.
These numbers underscore the critical roles NPs and PAs play in ensuring cancer patients get the care they need. As traveling medical providers who take short- or long-term assignments at short-staffed healthcare facilities, locum tenens NPs and PAs who specialize in hematology/oncology can act as an important stopgap in the face of increasing workforce shortages.
Bridging Gaps in Rural Areas
Rural areas in America bear the brunt of the hematology/oncology shortage, as these parts of the country rarely have adequate infrastructure to support specialized cancer care. According to a 2024 article published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, only 3% of oncologists in the US practiced in rural communities.
Locum tenens hematology/oncology physicians, NPs, and PAs provide a vital lifeline for these underserved areas. These temporary healthcare professionals can fill critical staffing gaps, ensuring continuity of care for rural cancer patients who might otherwise face long travel times or delays in treatment.
What are the benefits of locum tenens hematology/oncology providers?
Locum tenens providers are a crucial piece in solving the current hematology/oncology workforce shortage puzzle—not only do they help fill in where doctors are stretched thin, but they also play a critical role in improving patient care in other ways.
According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice, 56% of oncologists worked with NPs and PAs, and more than 66% of them believed having APPs on the care team improves patient care, boosts efficiency, and increases the time doctors spend on complex cases and research.
In addition, by bringing their expertise to remote locations, locum tenens providers not only address immediate healthcare needs but also help to build and maintain essential oncology services in areas that struggle to attract permanent specialists.
What are the top states for locum tenens hematology/oncology job opportunities in 2025?
We’ve analyzed our internal listing data for 2025 and found that eight states top the list for hematology/oncology job opportunities in specialties such as gynecologic oncology, hematology/oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology:
- California
- Oregon
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Illinois
- Connecticut
Find Locum Tenens Hematology/Oncology Job Opportunities with Barton Associates
Ready to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients across the country? Barton Associates uses cutting-edge AI technology to match you with locum tenens hematology/oncology jobs that align with your career goals and lifestyle preferences. Our extensive network of healthcare facilities offers a wide range of hematology/oncology positions, from short-term assignments to long-term placements.
Hematology/Oncology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is oncology?
Oncology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. It encompasses a wide range of specialized fields, each focusing on different types of cancer or treatment modalities. Oncologists work closely with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients, from initial diagnosis through treatment and long-term follow-up.
What does an oncologist do?
An oncologist is a medical doctor who uses various methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to combat cancer. Oncologists also play a crucial role in developing treatment plans, managing side effects, and providing emotional support to patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.
What are the different types of oncologists?
There are several types of oncologists, each specializing in different aspects of cancer care:
- Medical oncologists focus on treating cancer with drugs such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Radiation oncologists specialize in using radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Surgical oncologists perform cancer-related surgeries to remove tumors and affected tissues.
- Pediatric oncologists are specialists who diagnose and treat cancers in children and adolescents, tailoring treatments to the unique needs of young patients.
- Gynecologic oncologists focus on cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers, providing both surgical and medical treatments.
What is a hematologist?
A hematologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of blood disorders and diseases, including cancer. They have extensive knowledge of the blood system, including red and white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the spleen. Hematologists often work closely with oncologists, as many blood disorders are related to or can develop into blood cancers.
What does a hematologist do?
A hematologist diagnoses and treats various blood disorders, including anemia, blood clotting disorders, and blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. They perform and interpret specialized blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and other diagnostic procedures to identify blood-related conditions. Hematologists also develop treatment plans, which may include medication management, blood transfusions, or stem cell transplants, and provide ongoing care for patients with chronic blood disorders.
What is hematology/oncology?
Hematology/oncology is a medical specialty that combines the study and treatment of blood disorders (hematology) with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (oncology). This integrated approach is particularly valuable because many blood disorders can lead to or are associated with various types of cancer. Hematologist/oncologists are trained to handle a wide range of conditions, from benign blood disorders to complex blood cancers, providing comprehensive care that bridges these two closely related fields of medicine.
Are hematologists also oncologists?
Hematology and oncology are distinct medical specialists, but there is significant overlap between the two fields. While not all hematologists are oncologists and vice versa, many physicians choose to specialize in both hematology and oncology due to the close relationship between blood disorders and certain cancers.
These dual-specialized doctors are often referred to as hematologist/oncologists. They are trained to handle a wide range of conditions, from benign blood disorders to complex blood cancers, providing comprehensive care that bridges these two closely related fields of medicine.
