Physician Assistant
Make a Lasting Impact in Rural Orthopedics
San Luis ValleyHealth is seeking an experienced Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) to join our clinic-based Orthopedics team in La Jara, Colorado. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside orthopedic specialists and provide high-quality, hands-on musculoskeletal care to patients in a rural setting.
What You’ll Do:
Evaluate and manage patients with orthopedic injuries and conditions in an outpatient setting
- Collaborate closely with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to develop comprehensive treatment plans
Conduct pre- and post-operative visits and patient education
Order and interpret diagnostic imaging and lab tests related to orthopedic care
Support continuity of care by coordinating with primary care providers and other specialists as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
Current Colorado license as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant (or eligible)
Board Certified
- At least one year of PA experience.
Orthopedic experience preferred
Eligible for Colorado Controlled Substance License and Federal DEA Registration
BLS Certification
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
- Salary range of 110,000 to 120,000
Full medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost copays and deductibles
Generous Paid Time Off and Sick Leave – with accruals starting day one
403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match after one year
Free life and disability insurance (plus affordable supplemental coverage options)
On-site 24-hour Employee Health Center
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education benefits
Employee Assistance Program with free counseling sessions
Exclusive discounts on cell phone plans, ski passes, fitness memberships, and more
Freqently Asked Questions
Physician Assistants in La Jara, CO, especially in rural orthopedics, handle a wide range of musculoskeletal cases with limited immediate specialist access. This environment demands adaptability, close collaboration with orthopedic surgeons, and strong patient education skills, ensuring comprehensive outpatient care despite geographic challenges.
In Colorado’s rural clinics, beyond a valid Colorado PA license and board certification, possession of a DEA registration and a controlled substance license is crucial. BLS certification is standard, but orthopedic experience significantly enhances employability due to the region’s focus on musculoskeletal care.
Many Physician Assistants specializing in orthopedics pursue roles that blend direct patient care with surgical support, often advancing towards positions in specialized orthopedic clinics or hospitals. Gaining experience in diagnostics, pre/post-op care, and collaboration with physical therapists is key to long-term career growth.
Employers prioritize clinical proficiency in musculoskeletal evaluations, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and patient education. Effective communication with surgeons and primary care providers, plus the ability to navigate rural healthcare limitations, are equally important for Physician Assistants in these settings.
Tri-s Recruiters Inc provides robust benefits including a 403(b) plan with employer matching, tuition reimbursement, and access to an on-site 24-hour health center. Exclusive perks like discounted ski passes and fitness memberships reflect the local lifestyle, enhancing work-life balance in rural Colorado.
La Jara’s Physician Assistant market is moderately competitive due to its rural nature and specialized orthopedic focus. Factors such as regional healthcare needs, availability of licensed PAs, and the appeal of comprehensive benefit packages impact hiring rates and candidate demand.
Absolutely, the PA position entails close teamwork with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists, fostering integrated treatment plans. This multidisciplinary approach in a rural clinic ensures patients receive thorough care, improving recovery rates and continuity across outpatient and surgical phases.
Physician Assistants working in orthopedic roles around La Jara, CO, typically see salaries between $110,000 and $120,000 annually. This reflects the specialized skill set required and the rural location’s adjustments, combined with a strong benefits package that enhances overall compensation.
Tri-s Recruiters Inc invests in its Physician Assistants through tuition reimbursement programs and continuing education benefits. These initiatives encourage skill enhancement and board certification maintenance, vital for keeping pace with evolving orthopedic care standards in rural medical settings.
Unlike general medical assistant jobs, this Physician Assistant role demands advanced clinical decision-making, prescriptive authority, and surgical collaboration within orthopedics. Tri-s Recruiters Inc offers a specialized scope that leverages PA training, providing a higher level of autonomy and impact on patient care.
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