Human Resources in Health Care: Roles and More

Effective health care delivery depends on a skilled workforce that organizations must recruit, develop and retain — a need that’s becoming even more pressing as demand rises. Health care is projected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy over the next decade, with employment expected to grow by nearly 8%, or about 2 million jobs, between 2024 and 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

At the same time, many parts of the health care workforce are under strain as organizations continue to grapple with issues such as staffing shortages, workplace stress and high turnover.

Against that backdrop, human resources (HR) professionals need to navigate a range of challenges, many of them unique to health care. In addition to standard HR responsibilities such as hiring and onboarding talent, they have to support employee safety and well-being, handle sensitive health data, and ensure compliance with a litany of federal and state regulations.

In a field where staffing gaps and employee well-being can directly impact day-to-day operations, HR plays an important role in helping health care organizations build a strong, stable workforce.

App State Online’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Care Management program can help students understand the role of human resources in health care and prepare them for careers in which they can help health systems run more effectively.

Importance of Human Resources in Health Care

In health care, human resources is instrumental in helping organizations maintain a stable, effective workforce. As demand for health care services continues to grow, many employers are working to fill essential roles across the sector.

The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) projects a shortage of more than 260,000 registered nurses (RNs) — the largest segment of the health care workforce — by 2028, while the supply of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is expected to meet just 83% of demand that same year.

Retention is another critical piece of the puzzle. Turnover remains a challenge for many health care organizations, with rates of around 18% across all roles, according to Press Ganey’s 2025 Healthcare Employee Experience report. High turnover can have multiple adverse outcomes, disrupting day-to-day operations and increasing costs for both patients and providers.

HR departments help organizations respond to these challenges in practical ways:

Workforce planning for hard-to-fill roles and long-term staffing needs
Retention efforts that support employee engagement and workplace continuity
Compliance oversight related to issues such as privacy and workplace safety

Compliance is particularly important in health care. HR teams help oversee requirements tied to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), among other laws, while also promoting policies that shape the employee experience.

Human Resources Jobs in Health Care

Human resources within health care organizations encompasses a range of roles, from employee-facing positions to executives who help shape workforce strategy. Growing demand for medical services — and the clinicians who perform them — will also contribute to an increased need for HR professionals who can help organizations build and manage an effective workforce.

Below are some common HR roles in health care.

Human Resources Specialist

HR specialists often handle HR departments’ day-to-day work. They may recruit, screen and interview prospective hires, helping organizations identify qualified candidates. They often handle training and payroll processing. Some specialists may focus on a particular area of HR, such as recruitment or training, while others manage a broader range of HR responsibilities.

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Compensation and benefits managers oversee programs related to employee pay and benefits. They help plan, develop and manage compensation structures, ensuring that pay practices comply with federal and state regulations. In health care, these professionals are instrumental in helping organizations stay competitive in hiring — a key advantage in such a high-demand sector.

Compliance Officer

Health care is a highly regulated field, with laws and rules that are constantly changing, and violations can cost health systems tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. Compliance officers ensure that organizations follow applicable laws and regulations, as well as internal policies. They develop and enforce compliance plans, organize staff training, perform internal audits and investigate possible violations.

Chief Human Resources Officer

A chief human resources officer (CHRO) directs an organization’s HR strategy and operations, encompassing everything from talent management — recruitment, compensation, training and development — to workplace culture. In health care, a CHRO aligns HR strategy with both the needs of the organization and the people responsible for delivering care.

Trends Shaping the Future of HR in Health Care

As health care workforce needs evolve, HR teams are adapting how they hire, support employees and deploy new technology. Several emerging trends are shaping what human resources in health care may look like in the coming years.

Greater Emphasis on Skills-Based Hiring

Ongoing staffing shortages and changing care models are prompting HR departments to refine how they hire. Rather than focusing solely on experience or credentials, health care organizations are increasingly prioritizing specific skills and competencies when hiring and developing employees. This approach can help employers better align the capabilities of their workforce with patient demand.

Responsible AI Adoption

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming health care in numerous ways, including in HR, where it’s impacting areas such as scheduling, recruiting and workforce analytics. Used thoughtfully, these tools can help HR teams streamline operations and respond more quickly to staffing needs. At the same time, health care organizations need to approach AI carefully, using human oversight to evaluate AI outputs and guide decision-making.

Workforce Well-Being

Employee well-being is also becoming a larger priority. Burnout continues to affect many health care workers, so HR professionals are increasingly focusing on support strategies that address mental and physical stressors, including providing access to benefits that address these issues. Creating a positive workplace culture in which employees feel supported can reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction, ultimately improving the patient experience.

Why Human Resources in Health Care Matters

In health care, human resources plays an essential role in helping organizations build and maintain an effective workforce in a changing industry. As demand rises, more HR professionals will be needed to help health care organizations navigate staffing needs and support their workers.

If you’re interested in taking on a health care leadership role, explore App State Online’s BS in Health Care Management program. The 100% online program can help you develop the skills and expertise needed to become a leader in this dynamic field. We offer multiple start times and flexible scheduling, allowing you to complete the program at the time and pace that suits your busy life.

Learn how App State Online can help you prepare for a career in health care management.

Recommended Readings

Health Care Management Technology: Tools and Tips

Understanding Rural Health Disparities and How to Combat Them

4 Health Care Administration Careers for Graduates to Consider

Sources:

ADP, Key HR Trends Transforming Health Care in 2026

American Medical Association, HIPAA Violations and Enforcement

American Medical Compliance, The Role of Compliance Officers in Healthcare Organizations

Health Resources and Services Administration, Nurse Workforce Projections, 2023-2038

Indeed, How to Become a Compliance Officer in Healthcare

NSI Nursing Solutions, 2025 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report