What Is Medical Solutions?
Medical Solutions was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. The company has grown to become one of the largest healthcare staffing firms in the United States, placing thousands of travel nurses, allied health professionals, and other healthcare workers in assignments across all 50 states. Medical Solutions operates as a traditional staffing agency, serving as the employer of record for its travelers.
The company’s approach emphasizes building long-term relationships with travelers and facilities. Medical Solutions assigns dedicated recruiters to each nurse, manages the credentialing and compliance process, coordinates housing (both agency-provided and stipend options), provides benefits, and handles payroll. The company has been recognized multiple times on the SIA Largest Staffing Firms list and has earned positive ratings from industry surveys.
Key features of Medical Solutions include: dedicated recruiters with a reputation for being responsive and knowledgeable; competitive pay packages with a transparent breakdown when discussed with a recruiter; comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), and life insurance; housing coordination services; a traveler loyalty program; a mobile app for browsing assignments and managing documents; and clinical support available throughout assignments.
Medical Solutions covers a broad range of nursing specialties as well as allied health positions including respiratory therapy, surgical technology, and some therapy disciplines. Their facility network is extensive, though like all single agencies, it represents only a portion of the total market.
What distinguishes Medical Solutions from some competitors is their reputation for consistency. While larger agencies can feel impersonal and smaller ones may have resource limitations, Medical Solutions occupies a productive middle ground: large enough to offer good selection and benefits, small enough to maintain service quality.
Why Nurses Look for Medical Solutions Alternatives
Based on common feedback from travel nurses and healthcare professionals, here are the most frequently cited reasons people search for a Medical Solutions alternative:
Limited upfront pay visibility
Like most traditional agencies, Medical Solutions typically requires you to engage with a recruiter before seeing the full pay package for a specific contract. While their recruiters are generally forthcoming about compensation, the process of calling, discussing, and waiting creates friction that modern platforms have eliminated. When you’re evaluating multiple contracts, this recruiter-mediated approach to basic pay information is inefficient.
Single-agency inventory constraint
Medical Solutions has an extensive facility network, but it’s still just one agency’s network. There are hospitals and healthcare systems where Medical Solutions doesn’t have a staffing agreement, or where another agency has a more favorable bill rate. By relying on Medical Solutions exclusively, you may be missing better-paying or better-fitting contracts available through other agencies.
Recruiter dependency for market intelligence
Your understanding of the market (which states pay the most for your specialty, how rates are trending, whether an offer is competitive) is filtered through your recruiter. While Medical Solutions recruiters are knowledgeable, you’re still relying on one person’s perspective rather than having direct access to market data you can analyze yourself.
Bill rate and margin opacity
Medical Solutions, like all traditional agencies, doesn’t typically disclose the bill rate they receive from facilities or the margin they retain. This information asymmetry means you can’t independently verify whether your compensation is fair relative to what the facility is paying. You’re trusting that the agency is sharing a reasonable portion of the bill rate with you.
Onboarding timeline
Some nurses report that Medical Solutions’ credentialing and onboarding process, while thorough, can be slower than desired. When you’re between contracts and every week of downtime costs you potentially thousands in lost income, a slow onboarding process has a real financial impact.
Limited self-service tools
Medical Solutions’ app and online portal provide some self-service functionality, but the platform is designed around the recruiter relationship rather than independent searching. Nurses who want to browse, compare, and apply to contracts on their own terms may find the experience limiting compared to platforms built for self-directed users.
Medical Solutions vs MedNomadJobs: Feature Comparison
Here's a side-by-side comparison across the dimensions that matter most to travel healthcare professionals.
| Feature | Medical Solutions | MedNomadJobs |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Transparency | Through recruiter; not always on listings | Actual weekly pay with full breakdown on every listing |
| Job Volume | Large single-agency network | Multi-agency coverage with verified listings |
| Recruiter Quality | Strong reputation; dedicated recruiters | Self-directed; no recruiter dependency |
| Specialties Covered | Nursing, allied health, some therapy | Nursing, allied health, therapy, imaging, lab |
| Benefits Package | Comprehensive (insurance, 401k, loyalty) | Through the hiring agency for each contract |
| Housing Coordination | Agency housing + stipend option | Stipend details shown; housing self-arranged |
| Application Speed | Recruiter-mediated process | Direct online application in minutes |
| Market Analytics | Through recruiter only | Self-service salary analytics and market data |
| Multi-Agency Comparison | Single agency only | Compare across multiple agencies |
| Contract Lengths | 4–26 weeks | 4–26 weeks across all categories |
| 24/7 Support | Clinical support available | Through the hiring agency |
| Cost to Nurses | Free | Freemium (free basic, Pro from €4/wk) |
indicates the stronger option for that feature.
Where MedNomadJobs Wins Over Medical Solutions
Instant Pay Transparency on Every Listing
MedNomadJobs shows the actual weekly pay with a complete component breakdown on every listing. No phone call, no recruiter conversation, no waiting. You see the taxable hourly rate, housing stipend, meals and incidentals, and bonuses before you even create an account.
This is fundamentally different from the Medical Solutions experience, where learning a contract’s pay typically requires engaging with a recruiter. The efficiency gain is enormous: you can evaluate 30 contracts on MedNomadJobs in the time it takes to discuss three with a Medical Solutions recruiter. For busy professionals making time-sensitive decisions between contracts, this speed matters.
Multi-Agency Competitive Marketplace
MedNomadJobs aggregates verified contracts from multiple agencies, creating a competitive marketplace where agencies compete for your application. This competition naturally pushes rates higher than what any single agency can offer.
With Medical Solutions, you see their rates and you can try to negotiate. With MedNomadJobs, you see the market and choose the best offer. The difference in approach translates to real money, often $100–$400 more per week when the competitive market price exceeds what a single agency would have offered on its own.
Complete Healthcare Discipline Coverage
MedNomadJobs provides dedicated search experiences for travel nursing, allied health, therapy, imaging, and lab positions. Each discipline has its own landing pages, specialty filters, and market data. This comprehensive coverage means every type of travel healthcare professional gets a first-class search experience.
Medical Solutions covers nursing and some allied health, but the depth and breadth of coverage for non-nursing disciplines is stronger on MedNomadJobs.
Self-Service Market Intelligence
MedNomadJobs’ analytics tools put market data directly in your hands. See average pay by specialty and state, track trends, and benchmark offers against the current market. Make strategic decisions about where to work and what to accept based on real data, not one recruiter’s opinion.
This is especially powerful when evaluating offers: you can instantly see whether a Medical Solutions contract is competitive or whether better options exist elsewhere.
Freedom to Choose the Best Agency Per Contract
MedNomadJobs doesn’t lock you into a single agency’s ecosystem. For each contract, you can choose the agency that offers the best combination of pay, benefits, and support. Maybe Agency A has the best rate in California while Agency B offers better benefits for a Florida assignment. MedNomadJobs gives you this flexibility; Medical Solutions requires you to work within their system exclusively.
Where Medical Solutions Still Has an Edge
We believe in giving you the full picture. Here's where Medical Solutions maintains advantages over MedNomadJobs:
Established Reputation and Consistency
Medical Solutions has over two decades of experience in healthcare staffing and a reputation for reliable, consistent service. They’ve weathered market cycles and industry changes while maintaining nurse satisfaction. For nurses who value working with a proven, stable company, Medical Solutions’ track record is reassuring.
Strong Benefits and Loyalty Program
Medical Solutions offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), and life insurance. Their loyalty program rewards repeat travelers with additional perks and financial incentives. For nurses who take multiple contracts per year, the cumulative value of these programs is meaningful.
Dedicated Recruiter Relationship
Medical Solutions’ recruiters are generally well-regarded for their responsiveness and market knowledge. For nurses who prefer having a dedicated advocate who knows their preferences and proactively sends relevant opportunities, this personal relationship has genuine value, especially for first-time travelers navigating the industry.
Pay Comparison: Medical Solutions vs MedNomadJobs
Average weekly pay ranges across popular travel healthcare specialties. Ranges reflect typical contract pay packages including stipends.
| Specialty | Medical Solutions | MedNomadJobs |
|---|---|---|
| ICU / Critical Care | $2,600 – $3,500/wk | $2,800 – $3,600/wk |
| Emergency Room (ER) | $2,300 – $3,300/wk | $2,600 – $3,400/wk |
| Operating Room (OR) | $2,500 – $3,100/wk | $2,700 – $3,200/wk |
| Med-Surg / Telemetry | $1,900 – $2,600/wk | $2,100 – $2,700/wk |
| Labor & Delivery | $2,300 – $3,000/wk | $2,500 – $3,100/wk |
| NICU | $2,200 – $2,900/wk | $2,400 – $3,000/wk |
| Physical Therapy | $1,700 – $2,300/wk | $2,000 – $2,500/wk |
| Respiratory Therapy | $1,600 – $2,200/wk | $1,800 – $2,300/wk |
Pay ranges are approximate and based on market data as of March 2026. Actual pay varies by location, facility, and agency.
Medical Solutions has a reputation for competitive pay within the traditional agency space. Their packages are generally considered fair, and nurses who’ve worked with multiple agencies often rank Medical Solutions’ rates favorably compared to other single agencies.
However, “competitive among single agencies” may still fall short of what a multi-agency marketplace produces. When agencies compete for the same nurse on MedNomadJobs, the competitive pressure tends to push rates above what any individual agency would offer unilaterally. The difference isn’t always dramatic for every contract, but across a year of travel nursing, consistently finding the best available rate can add $5,000–$15,000 to your annual income.
MedNomadJobs’ detailed pay breakdowns also help you optimize beyond just the weekly number. By seeing the stipend-to-hourly ratio, you can choose contracts that maximize your tax-free income, further increasing your actual take-home pay.
Live Market Data on MedNomadJobs
Unlike static job boards, MedNomadJobs uses cutting-edge technology to constantly scan the web for travel healthcare contracts. Each listing goes through manual curation to ensure accuracy. Here's a snapshot of what's available right now:
225
$1,985
18
Top Paying Specialties Right Now
| Specialty | Avg Weekly Pay | Open Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Cath Lab | $3,037/wk | 1 |
| Operating Room | $2,651/wk | 5 |
| Mammography Technologist | $2,566/wk | 1 |
| Labor & Delivery | $2,449/wk | 7 |
| Ultrasound Technologist | $2,246/wk | 5 |
| Interventional Radiology Tech | $2,234/wk | 11 |
| Dialysis | $2,212/wk | 1 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $2,170/wk | 6 |
| Physical Therapist | $2,151/wk | 19 |
| Psychiatric | $2,150/wk | 8 |
Data updated automatically. Reflects currently active listings on MedNomadJobs. View full market analytics →
While we offer the most recent listings for free, we charge a small fee to maintain the site, keep our scanning technology running, and continue manually curating every listing for accuracy. Pro plans start from just €4/week, and you can cancel anytime.
Who Should Choose MedNomadJobs Over Medical Solutions?
Best for: Nurses Who Want Market Visibility
If you’re a Medical Solutions traveler who wonders whether you’re getting the best rates, MedNomadJobs answers that question definitively. See the full competitive market and know exactly where Medical Solutions’ offers stand.
Best for: Self-Directed Career Managers
If you treat travel nursing as a business and make strategic decisions about where to work, MedNomadJobs’ data tools and multi-agency marketplace give you everything you need to optimize your career without depending on a recruiter’s recommendations.
Best for: Allied Health and Therapy Professionals
MedNomadJobs’ dedicated coverage of therapy, imaging, lab, and allied health positions provides a more comprehensive experience for non-nursing healthcare travelers.
Best for: Efficiency-Focused Travelers
If you hate playing phone tag with recruiters and want to find your next contract fast, MedNomadJobs’ instant pay transparency and direct application process eliminates hours of unnecessary communication.
What Nurses Say About Medical Solutions vs MedNomadJobs
Medical Solutions enjoys solid sentiment among travel nurses. The most common praise focuses on fair pay, responsive recruiters, and a company that follows through on promises. Nurses who have had bad experiences with larger or less reputable agencies often describe Medical Solutions as a reliable, trustworthy partner.
Criticisms tend to focus on the inherent limitations of the single-agency model rather than specific company failures. Nurses wish they could see pay upfront without calling, wish they had access to a broader set of contracts, and wish they could independently verify whether Medical Solutions’ rates are the best available. These aren’t complaints about Medical Solutions being bad. They’re frustrations with the traditional agency model itself.
Nurses who add MedNomadJobs to their toolkit consistently describe it as eye-opening. Comments like “I didn’t realize how much I was leaving on the table” and “I love being able to see every option instead of just what one agency shows me” are common. Many continue to maintain their Medical Solutions relationship while using MedNomadJobs as their primary search and benchmarking tool.
How to Get Started with MedNomadJobs
Switching to (or adding) MedNomadJobs is simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Create your MedNomadJobs account
Visit MedNomadJobs.com and sign up in under two minutes. Browse the most recent listings for free, and upgrade to Pro from just €4/week for full access to all jobs, detailed pay breakdowns, and instant alerts.
Benchmark your current offers
Compare the contracts your Medical Solutions recruiter presents with similar positions on MedNomadJobs. Note any pay differences and use this data to make informed decisions.
Explore markets you haven’t considered
Use MedNomadJobs’ analytics to discover which specialties and states currently offer the best compensation. Your Medical Solutions recruiter may not present opportunities outside their strongest markets.
Apply when you find better options
If MedNomadJobs surfaces contracts that outperform Medical Solutions’ offers, apply directly and expand your agency relationships.
Maintain your Medical Solutions relationship
There’s no need to cut ties. Use Medical Solutions for its strengths (benefits, recruiter support) and MedNomadJobs for market visibility and competitive rates.
Make data-driven decisions
Let MedNomadJobs’ transparent data guide your contract choices rather than relying solely on one recruiter’s perspective on what’s available and competitive.
Other Medical Solutions Alternatives Worth Considering
While we believe MedNomadJobs is the best overall alternative to Medical Solutions, here are a few other platforms worth exploring:
Vivian Health
Vivian Health aggregates from dozens of agencies for maximum volume. Best for seeing every available listing, though with trade-offs in accuracy and recruiter spam.
Host Healthcare
Host Healthcare is a similarly well-regarded mid-sized agency known for excellent recruiter quality. A good alternative within the traditional agency model.
Aya Healthcare
Aya is one of the largest agencies with the broadest single-agency facility network. Offers comprehensive benefits but with more variable recruiter experiences than Medical Solutions.
FlexCare Medical Staffing
FlexCare’s S1NGLE pay package model offers unusual transparency for a traditional agency. Worth considering if you value knowing exactly how your compensation is calculated.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Solutions vs MedNomadJobs
Is MedNomadJobs a staffing agency like Medical Solutions?+
No. MedNomadJobs is a curated job board showing verified contracts from multiple agencies. You choose which agency to work with for each contract, rather than being limited to one company’s offerings.
Can I see pay without calling a recruiter on MedNomadJobs?+
Yes. Every listing shows the actual weekly pay with a full breakdown of hourly rate, stipends, and bonuses. No phone call, no account, no personal information required to see what contracts pay.
Is Medical Solutions’ pay competitive with MedNomadJobs listings?+
Medical Solutions is generally competitive among single agencies. However, MedNomadJobs’ multi-agency marketplace often surfaces higher rates because agencies compete for your application. Use MedNomadJobs to benchmark Medical Solutions’ offers.
Does MedNomadJobs offer benefits?+
Benefits come from the agency you work with for each contract, not from MedNomadJobs. Many agencies listed offer competitive benefits. Compare the total package (pay plus benefits) when making decisions.
Can I use both platforms simultaneously?+
Yes, and many nurses do. There’s no exclusivity requirement. Use Medical Solutions for its strengths and MedNomadJobs for market visibility and competitive rates.
Does MedNomadJobs cover the same specialties?+
MedNomadJobs covers nursing, allied health, therapy, imaging, and lab positions with dedicated search pages for each. Coverage is generally broader than Medical Solutions, especially for non-nursing disciplines.
How much does MedNomadJobs cost?+
MedNomadJobs offers a freemium model. Browse recent listings for free, or upgrade to Pro from €4/week for full access to all jobs, pay breakdowns, housing stipends, salary filters, and instant alerts. You can cancel anytime.
How does MedNomadJobs verify its listings?+
MedNomadJobs works directly with agencies to verify listings are active, accurate, and include complete pay information. Filled positions are removed promptly and pay is confirmed before publication.
What if I need recruiter support during an assignment?+
On-assignment support is provided by the agency for your specific contract. Before accepting, ask the agency about their support structure. Many agencies offer dedicated points of contact and 24/7 support lines.
Should I stop using Medical Solutions if I start using MedNomadJobs?+
Not necessarily. Many nurses get the best results by maintaining agency relationships while using MedNomadJobs for market intelligence. The key is having visibility into the full market so you always know your options.
Final Verdict: Medical Solutions vs MedNomadJobs
Medical Solutions is a solid, reputable traditional agency that has earned its positive reputation through consistent service and competitive pay. If you value a dedicated recruiter relationship and comprehensive benefits from an established company, Medical Solutions is a good choice within the traditional model.
However, the traditional model itself has limitations that MedNomadJobs addresses: instant pay transparency, multi-agency competitive pricing, self-service market analytics, and the freedom to choose the best agency for each contract. These aren’t incremental improvements. They represent a fundamentally different approach to the travel healthcare job search.
For nurses ready to take control of their career with full market visibility, MedNomadJobs is the stronger platform. For those who prefer the comfort of a recruiter relationship, using both platforms together gives you the best of both worlds.
Related Resources
Travel Nurse Salary Guide
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Housing Stipend Guide
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Market Analytics Dashboard
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Compact License States
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Highest Paying Travel Nurse Jobs
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Best States for Travel Nurses
Compare states by pay, demand, cost of living, and license requirements.
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