Radiology recruiting is one of the most pressing challenges for healthcare leaders nowadays. Some U.S. regions have fewer than nine radiologists per 100,000 people. This shortage creates uneven access, stress, and burnout. If that's not enough, they also cause gaps in coverage that slow down medical imaging, affect patient care, and put financial strain on departments.
Since general recruiters typically fall short for specialized roles, many hospitals, imaging centers, and private practice groups now turn to dedicated search firms. Therefore, in this article, we'll guide you through the leading recruitment partners, what they offer, and how their services can help you build lasting stability.
But first, let's start with the types of recruitment solutions that you might need.
Types of Radiology Recruitment Solutions
As you probably know, recruitment and staffing agencies serve different purposes. Recruitment firms typically address long-term talent acquisition, while staffing firms focus on short-term coverage.
Many firms now offer both. So, here are the most common solutions you’ll evaluate when deciding how to strengthen your radiology team:
- Permanent placements (full-time hires): Ideal for stability. These direct-hire arrangements give you radiologists who can integrate into your team and support long-term diagnostic imaging needs.
- Locum tenens (temporary, urgent coverage): This option helps you cover sudden vacancies, seasonal peaks, or extended leaves. Many radiologists now combine this work with permanent roles, which expands the available talent pool. Medicus data from June 2025 shows that around 13,718 radiologists practiced this way. These number shows how important locum coverage has become for keeping departments running.
- Teleradiology and hybrid staffing models: These models provide coverage after hours or across state lines. They help you reduce turnaround times for imaging studies and help maintain consistent access to care.
- Allied imaging staff: This category includes MRI Technologists, CT Technologists, and Ultrasound Technologists. These roles are important for daily operations in hospitals and medical facilities, since they keep core diagnostic services running.
When you understand these options, it becomes clear how roles are filled and how they directly impact coverage, performance, and financial outcomes.
Now, you might be wondering what benefits these specialized firms offer. So, let's explore next.
Benefits of Working with Specialized Radiology Recruitment Firms
Unfortunately for health organizations, radiology staffing shortages remain a pressing challenge. In fact, 58% of health system leaders expect staffing gaps to influence future decisions.
But fear not, as specialized partners like AAG Health can help you close those gaps in ways general recruiters typically can’t.
Here are the key benefits you should weigh:
- Reduced downtime for imaging departments: Dedicated support helps you avoid delayed imaging studies that disrupt operations and revenue.
- Improved patient care continuity: Having the right radiology professional in place protects service quality and reduces risk.
- Streamlined HR processes and cost savings: A focused recruitment agency can cut time-to-fill and ease administrative workload.
- Access to vetted candidates with subspecialty skills: Coverage extends to areas such as Interventional Radiology and Pediatric Radiology, which are usually supported with credential verification.
- Expertise over generalist recruitment firms: Precision recruiting ensures specialized skills are matched to your organization’s needs. This is something generalist firms rarely deliver.
After knowing the benefits, let's go ahead and review the leading recruitment partners that can help you with the radiology shortage we're facing today.
TL;DR: Top Radiology Recruitment Firms
- AAG Health: AAG Health builds radiology pipelines with credentialed specialists available nationwide. Our recruiters handle licensing, credentialing, and placement so your department avoids costly delays and stays focused on patient care.
- Radiology Recruiting: It operates on a contingency model, using a database of radiology candidates for permanent, locum, and teleradiology roles.
- Trinity Medical Consultants: Trinity focuses on permanent radiologist recruitment across the U.S. It relies on its candidate database and consultants with radiology hiring experience.
- MedMark International: MedMark recruits radiologists as part of a wider practice. It uses a large physician database and offers confidential searches with international reach.
- AMN Healthcare: AMN provides radiology and technologist staffing nationwide through multiple divisions.
Top 10 Radiology Recruitment Firms
The right partner can determine how well your department performs. Here are the firms that specialize in radiology and give you access to qualified healthcare professionals and solutions that support long-term stability across diverse medical facilities.
1. AAG Health
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Radiology is one of the toughest areas to staff. Imaging volumes keep rising, subspecialists are in short supply, and every unfilled role adds pressure on already overworked teams. We started Alpha Apex Group Health to fix that.
We don’t rely on endless contingency searches or short-term locums.
Instead, we built a proprietary platform that brings in 400+ candidate inquiries every day. That gives us reach across radiology subspecialties (from neuroradiology to cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal, and interventional).
It also means we can place faster. While most firms take 120+ days to complete a search, we average 55–90 days. On exclusive searches, our success rate is 80%.
We realize that staying power matters as much as speed. That’s why we back placements with a 90-day replacement guarantee. Clients who work with us exclusively also save 50–70% compared to locum-first models, while gaining the continuity of care that patients deserve.
We know radiologists read over 100 studies a day under immense pressure. Our job is to make sure hospitals don’t add staffing gaps to that burden.
Industries:
Hospitals, Imaging Centers, Private Practices, Multi-Site Healthcare Systems
Key Services:
- Executive and leadership search for radiology directors and department heads.
- Physician recruiting for radiologists and subspecialists (permanent and locum tenens).
- Allied imaging staff, including technologists in MRI, CT, and ultrasound.
- Compliance and credential verification covering licensing and board certification.
- Nationwide network of recruiters mobilized quickly for both urgent and planned needs.
Why Work with AAG Health:
You deserve radiology staffing solutions that actually solve your problems fast, with the right candidates, and cost-effectively. At AAG Health, you get speed, quality, and credentialed specialists ready when and where you need them. Most importantly, you gain a partner who strengthens your imaging teams and positions you for long-term success.
2. Radiology Recruiting
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Radiology Recruiting presents itself as a niche firm with 18 years of focused experience only on radiology and a database that has led to just over 1,100 placements nationwide. They promote an ‘efficient’ process focused on moving candidates quickly from database to placement.
In addition, they work on a contingency model, so payment happens only when a placement goes through. Overall, their offer centers on a narrow focus and database access rather than full workforce support.
Industries:
Hospitals, Medical Centers, Outpatient Imaging Facilities, Private Practices
Key Services:
- Permanent recruitment for generalist and subspecialty radiologists.
- Locum tenens and night-reader coverage.
- Teleradiology roles for after-hours or remote coverage.
- Contingent search model with contract mediation support.
Why Work with Radiology Recruiting:
Radiology Recruiting offers contract mediation as part of its process. With experience in thousands of radiologist agreements, the firm helps prevent delays and candidate drop-off.
3. Trinity Medical Consultants
Trinity Medical Consultants, headquartered in Austin, Texas, focuses exclusively on permanent radiologist recruitment across the United States. The firm connects physicians with organizations seeking long-term hires and supports placements with what it describes as an extensive candidate database. Its consultants emphasize building stable matches that benefit both employers and physicians.
The firm reports that its placement process generally takes several weeks from start to finish. In contrast, AAG Health delivers initial CVs within 72 hours of engagement. Beyond recruitment, Trinity also provides guidance on market conditions, compensation benchmarks, licensure requirements, and board certification standards.
Industries:
Hospitals, Medical Facilities, Private Practices, Academic Institutions
Key Services:
- Permanent physician recruitment for generalist and subspecialty radiologists.
- Consulting on hiring strategies for radiology departments.
- Market data on radiologist salaries, regional trends, and legislative shifts.
Why Work with Trinity Medical Consultants:
Trinity focuses only on permanent radiologist recruitment and offers a simple service agreement that has been reviewed by radiology practice attorneys. Their consultants all hold at least a bachelor’s degree and bring several years of experience in radiology recruitment.
4. MedMark International
MedMark International has operated since 2002 as a physician search firm that places doctors across many specialties, including radiology. The company points to a database of more than 600,000 licensed physicians, though such a wide scope may suggest less focus on radiology compared to other specialized firms.
Their recruiters use research on candidate training and client needs to prepare shortlists for review. MedMark also describes its process as partnership-based, with continued contact after a placement is completed.
Industries:
Hospitals, Medical Centers, Multi-Specialty Practices, Academic Institutions
Key Services:
- Permanent physician search in radiology and related fields.
- Leadership placement for department chairs, directors, and senior faculty.
- Market intelligence on compensation and workforce trends.
- Confidential recruitment processes with global candidate outreach.
Why Work with MedMark International:
MedMark focuses on physician search across many specialties and includes radiology as one of its practice areas. The firm maintains a database of licensed physicians and also handles confidential leadership searches. Its network extends across the U.S. and international markets, which can give you access to candidates in different settings.
5. AMN Healthcare
AMN Healthcare covers both physician and technologist needs under one roof. The company has been in the field for more than 40 years, supports over 10,000 clients each year, and reports working with more than 2 million clinicians nationwide.
Its divisions include Merritt Hawkins for permanent physician search and Staff Care for locum tenens. This can give you access to a range of roles, including imaging technologists. The firm follows a broad, high-volume model. For radiology groups, that can mean less specialization in candidate matching or market-specific guidance.
Industries:
Hospitals, Imaging Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Urgent Care Facilities, Diagnostic Labs
Key Services:
- Rapid-response crisis coverage, including strikes or unexpected surges.
- Workforce management support for medical facilities with multi-site operations.
- Dedicated 24/7 clinical support teams to assist during onboarding and placements.
Why Work with AMN Healthcare:
AMN Healthcare provides nationwide coverage through multiple divisions that handle both physician and technologist roles. The company also offers around-the-clock support for clients with ongoing staffing needs.
6. CHG Healthcare
CHG Healthcare works through its brands, CompHealth and Weatherby, to recruit radiologists for permanent roles across the U.S. The company has been in the market for more than 40 years and uses a large physician database to manage long-term placements, while also covering locum and telemedicine needs.
However, its own 2023 State of Locum Tenens Report showed 44% of clients felt neutral and 12% reported negative experiences with locum physicians. Its model extends across every radiology subspecialty and allied imaging staff.
In one case study, CHG reduced credentialing time from 112 to 90 days, but this still falls within the industry’s 90-180-day average. Overall, these results suggest CHG typically delivers outcomes that feel closer to average than exceptional. CHG promotes technology-driven matching and 24/7 recruiter support.
Industries:
Hospitals, Medical Facilities, Outpatient Clinics, Imaging Centers, Academic Health Systems
Key Services:
- Permanent and locum tenens radiologist placement.
- Allied Imaging professional placement.
- Telemedicine and remote support as supplemental coverage.
- Market intelligence and 24/7 recruiter support.
Why Work with CHG Healthcare:
CHG Healthcare combines one of the largest provider networks in the U.S. with a consultative, technology-backed approach. For radiology, this means access to locum tenens, permanent, and even telehealth staffing options supported by a partner-style model rather than a transactional vendor.
7. HealthTrust Workforce Solutions (HWS)
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions (HWS) is part of HCA Healthcare, the largest hospital system in the U.S. This gives you direct access to radiology openings across more than 1,500 hospitals and medical facilities.
HWS covers more than physicians. Its recruiters place radiology technologists, imaging managers, and interim leaders, all drawn from a large pre-screened pool. According to the company, it has impacted 28,000+ clinicians and connected professionals to more than 200,000 jobs nationwide. Its Joint Commission certification covers compliance and basic staffing standards, while the main advantage of HWS is scale and speed.
Industries:
Hospitals, Imaging Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Academic Health Systems
Key Services:
- Permanent radiology placements across HCA’s national network.
- Radiologic technologist and allied imaging recruitment.
- Interim leadership for imaging departments.
- Locum and per diem staffing as supplemental support.
Why Work with HealthTrust:
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions gives organizations access to a large candidate pool with the backing of HCA Healthcare. The firm focuses on placements at scale and supports clients that need coverage across multiple sites.
8. Hunter Recruiting
Hunter Recruiting focuses on direct-hire and remote radiologist placements that integrate fully into your team. The firm also manages behind-the-scenes tasks such as multi-state licensing requirements, credentialing, malpractice coordination, and PACS/EHR onboarding, to ensure permanent hires can integrate quickly.
The firm operates as a generalist recruiter across multiple industries, including fields outside healthcare. That broader focus may mean less attention to radiology pipelines compared to niche firms like AAG Health, which specialize fully in this area.
Even so, the company points to strong performance outcomes. The firm averages 45 days to fill a role, with 99% of placements staying 3+ years and 98.7% meeting or exceeding requirements.
Industries:
Hospitals, Medical Centers, Imaging Centers, Private Practices, Multi-Site Systems
Key Services:
- Direct-hire placement of remote radiologists (all subspecialties, including Diagnostic Radiology).
- End-to-end compliance (multi-state licensure, malpractice, onboarding).
- Dedicated coverage models (nights/weekends) with one-client exclusivity.
- PACS/EHR integration support and start-date coordination.
Why Work with Hunter Recruiting:
Hunter Recruiting focuses on direct-hire remote models with compliance support for multi-state practice. Their placements are structured as embedded roles, where radiologists integrate into client teams instead of rotating through short-term coverage.
9. All Medical Personnel
All Medical Personnel (AMP) has been in the recruitment field since 1990 and has supported hospitals and healthcare institutions in all 50 states. With recognition among the largest staffing firms in the U.S., AMP offers broad services ranging from locum tenens to temp-to-hire and permanent hires. Its radiology reach covers both board-certified physicians and allied professionals, such as MRI, CT, and radiology technologists.
It gives you access to a large, nationwide pool. This breadth can be useful when you need immediate coverage, but it comes with trade-offs. Large firms like AMP often operate at scale, which can make smaller clients feel like just another account. By contrast, AAG Health takes a more hands-on approach, with recruiters dedicated to radiology and long-term client relationships.
Industries:
Hospitals, Imaging Clinics, Medical Centers, Multi-Site Healthcare Systems
Key Services:
- Nationwide permanent radiology placements
- Temp-to-hire contracts for imaging staff
- Locum tenens radiologists and allied health coverage
- Credentialing, payroll, and compliance support
Why Work with All Medical Personnel:
AMP provides national reach and a wide candidate pool for organizations seeking scale. The firm also offers a discount model where, for every 20 days (160 hours) a locum works, clients receive $2,000 off the permanent placement fee, with savings reaching up to $12,000.
10. Kaye/Bassman International Corp. (KBIC)
Kaye/Bassman International Corp. (KBIC) is a Texas-based executive search firm with more than four decades of experience in healthcare recruitment. The company is best known for its work in academic radiology, where it helps universities and health systems hire department chairs, division chiefs, and senior faculty.
Over 10,600 searches have been completed through its network. Many of these involve institutions where both clinical skill and academic background are treated as equally important in the hiring process. Still, there are trade-offs with a boutique model.
Their focus on academic medical centers and university hospitals gives them credibility in research-driven environments. For private practices or community hospitals, however, that heavy academic orientation may feel less relevant. This is because their processes are built more around research and residency programs than day-to-day staffing needs.
Industries:
Academic Medical Centers, University Hospitals, Large Healthcare Systems, Private Practices
Key Services:
- Executive search for radiology chairs, division chiefs, and directors.
- Faculty and program director recruitment for radiology departments.
- Customized searches for hospital and academic leadership roles.
Why Work with KBIC:
KBIC focuses on academic radiology leadership roles and has long-standing connections with universities and teaching hospitals. The firm manages searches for department chairs, division chiefs, and senior faculty. This gives organizations access to candidates with both clinical and academic backgrounds.
How to Choose the Right Radiology Recruitment Partner
As you may know, selecting the right partner depends on more than filling a vacancy. You need speed to avoid costly downtime, candidate quality to sustain patient care, and subspecialty expertise to cover gaps in areas such as interventional or diagnostic radiology.
You have to look at how strong credentialing and compliance systems protect you from legal or financial risks. Also, how nationwide reach gives you access to scarce talent in competitive markets.
In the end, your choice comes down to whether you want a long-term partner who fits into your workforce strategy or a one-off solution to handle immediate coverage problems.
Strengthen Your Radiology Department Through AAG Health
The success of your radiology department depends on having teams that deliver consistent patient care without costly gaps. Every delay in hiring the right specialist can slow your reads, frustrate staff, and impact revenue. That’s why we built AAG Health with a radiology-first focus.
Our consultative approach means we don’t just fill jobs, but we design strategies that protect compliance, streamline credentialing, and support long-term growth. With us, you gain a partner committed to helping your imaging teams thrive.
Connect with AAG Health today, and let’s build the stable, high-performing radiology workforce your organization deserves.
FAQs
What are the top healthcare recruiting firms?
AAG Health ranks among the top healthcare recruiting firms with its radiology-first focus and nationwide network of credentialed specialists. Other recognized names include AMN Healthcare, CHG Healthcare, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, and All Medical Personnel. Each firm offers broad services, but AAG Health stands out for its speed, subspecialty expertise, and dedicated radiology pipelines.
Is there a shortage of radiology techs?
Yes. The U.S. is experiencing a shortage of radiology technologists, particularly in MRI, CT, and ultrasound. Factors include rising imaging demand, retirements, and limited training program capacity.
Is radiology difficult?
Radiology is demanding because it requires mastery of anatomy, physics, and broad medical knowledge. The training path (college, medical school, residency, and board exams) is long and rigorous. Day-to-day work also carries a high cognitive load, since radiologists must interpret complex studies quickly and accurately.
Is radiology competitive in the US?
Yes. Radiology residencies remain competitive due to strong job prospects, high compensation, and attractive work-life balance. Even with some shifts in applicant volumes, the field continues to draw highly qualified candidates.
What are the advantages of radiology?
Radiology improves outcomes by allowing early, non-invasive diagnosis and treatment. It also supports minimally invasive options, such as interventional procedures, which can reduce surgical risks and recovery times.
What is the difference between a radiologist and a radiology technologist?
A radiologist is a physician who interprets images and guides treatment decisions. A radiology technologist performs the scans (operating CT, MRI, or X-ray equipment) so the radiologist can deliver the final diagnosis.
