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, CO, often face shortages of Physician Assistants, making demand relatively high. Candidates with orthopedic experience, like those sought by Corps Partners, can expect less competition compared to urban centers, offering greater chances for impactful roles and community-focused healthcare delivery.
Holding a current Colorado license and eligibility for controlled substance and DEA registrations significantly boosts employability. BLS certification is typically required. Preference is often given to PAs with orthopedic experience due to local clinic needs, which aligns well with the Corps Partners opening in La Jara.
Working in rural orthopedics demands adaptability; PAs must manage a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues with limited immediate specialist access. Coordination with diverse healthcare providers and patient education are critical, requiring strong clinical judgment and communication skills to optimize patient outcomes.
Orthopedic PAs excel in musculoskeletal assessment, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and collaborating with surgeons and therapists. This specialization demands proficiency in pre- and post-operative care and patient education related to orthopedic conditions, setting them apart from generalist Physician Assistant positions.
Corps Partners emphasizes professional growth through tuition reimbursement and continuing education benefits, enabling PAs to enhance orthopedic expertise. Their 24-hour on-site health center and comprehensive benefits foster a supportive environment, encouraging long-term development in rural healthcare settings.
This position stands out by offering hands-on orthopedic care in a rural community, combined with extensive benefits like a 403(b) plan with employer matching and exclusive lifestyle discounts. The collaboration with orthopedic specialists in La Jara provides a specialized practice setting uncommon in typical PA roles statewide.
For this position, salary ranges between $110,000 and $120,000 annually, reflecting the specialized orthopedic skills required and the rural location. This competitive compensation aligns with Colorado PA market trends, balancing cost of living considerations and the demand for advanced practice providers.
PA programs that offer focused musculoskeletal training and clinical rotations in outpatient orthopedic settings equip students well for rural roles. Emphasis on hands-on patient evaluation, diagnostic procedures, and interdisciplinary team collaboration aligns closely with the job expectations at Corps Partners.
While orthopedic experience is preferred, Corps Partners also considers applicants with strong general PA backgrounds who are board certified and licensed in Colorado. The role values adaptability and a willingness to grow within orthopedic specialties, supported by on-the-job learning opportunities.
La Jara’s rural setting offers a quieter lifestyle with access to outdoor activities like skiing, which complements Corps Partners’ perks such as ski pass discounts. Generous paid time off and onsite health services further support a balanced professional and personal life for Physician Assistants in this community.
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