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
Rural areas such as La Jara often face a shortage of qualified Physician Assistants, making demand relatively high. This scarcity means candidates with orthopedic experience and valid Colorado licensure have a stronger chance of securing roles with favorable benefits and community impact.
While general PA certification is mandatory, additional orthopedic-focused credentials or experience can significantly boost job prospects in La Jara’s healthcare settings, where specialized musculoskeletal care is in demand alongside collaboration with surgeons and therapists.
Physician Assistants in rural orthopedic clinics typically gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal injuries, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and interpreting diagnostic tests, fostering a comprehensive skill set tailored for rural healthcare dynamics.
Physician Assistants often enjoy flexible clinical roles with expanding responsibilities, especially in specialties like orthopedics. Their career growth can include advancing clinical expertise, pursuing leadership in outpatient settings, or transitioning into consultative roles, differing from Physicians’ trajectory.
Interstate Recruiters Corp focuses on matching Physician Assistants with roles that emphasize long-term career growth and comprehensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement. This strategy supports both job security and continuous skill enhancement within specialized fields like orthopedics.
Their Physician Assistant openings often highlight integration with specialized orthopedic teams and rural healthcare environments, offering not only competitive salaries but also unique perks such as on-site health centers and employee assistance programs, setting them apart locally.
The offered salary range in La Jara aligns well with Colorado’s rural PA compensation, often slightly higher than average due to demand and the specialized orthopedic focus. This pay scale reflects the importance of retaining skilled providers in less urbanized regions.
Communication gaps and resource limitations can complicate care coordination in rural areas. Physician Assistants must navigate scheduling, patient education, and follow-ups diligently to ensure seamless treatment continuity between multiple healthcare professionals.
Physician Assistants often conduct independent patient evaluations, order diagnostic tests, and manage treatment plans under orthopedic specialist supervision, enjoying a balanced autonomy that supports both patient care and collaborative practice in outpatient settings.
Interstate Recruiters Corp promotes environments valuing teamwork and continuous learning, which can enrich a Physician Assistant’s role by fostering supportive collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and therapists, while emphasizing work-life balance through generous benefits.
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