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
Practicing in La Jara involves managing a broad range of orthopedic cases with fewer specialists nearby, offering Physician Assistants more autonomy and community impact. The rural setting emphasizes hands-on care and collaboration with limited resources, which differs from the high specialization and larger teams in urban hospitals.
Beyond standard PA licensure and board certification, Colorado rural clinics often prefer candidates eligible for a controlled substance license and federal DEA registration. BLS certification is essential, and orthopedic experience can significantly boost your chances in specialized rural practices like San Luis Valley Health.
Orthopedic Physician Assistants can evolve into specialized clinician roles, join surgical teams, or move into education and consulting. Gaining experience in rural settings like La Jara can expand skills in musculoskeletal care, patient education, and interdisciplinary treatment planning, enhancing both clinical and leadership opportunities.
Orthopedic PAs handle patient evaluations, diagnostic test interpretations, and pre/post-operative management specifically for musculoskeletal issues. Unlike general medical assistants, they collaborate closely with surgeons and therapists, enabling comprehensive care coordination unique to orthopedic specialties.
Hire Horizons offers Physician Assistants competitive salaries with comprehensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement and 24-hour onsite health services. Their focus on rural orthopedics allows practitioners to develop specialized skills and make a significant community impact, setting it apart from typical healthcare staffing agencies.
Physician Assistants at Hire Horizons benefit from tuition reimbursement and continuing education allowances, ensuring they keep certifications current and advance clinical expertise. This support fosters professional growth, especially important in specialized fields like orthopedic care within rural Colorado.
Physician Assistants working in La Jara, Colorado, particularly in orthopedic roles, can anticipate salaries between $110,000 and $120,000 annually. This range reflects the specialized skills required and the rural healthcare market, offering competitive compensation alongside robust benefits.
Demand for Physician Assistants in San Luis Valley is strong due to limited specialists and growing rural healthcare needs. Candidates with orthopedic experience and Colorado licensure often encounter favorable hiring conditions, though competition can increase as more seek roles combining clinical autonomy with community service.
La Jara's rural setting means most Physician Assistants commute shorter distances compared to urban areas but may face seasonal weather challenges. The small community size and limited traffic often make daily travel manageable, enhancing work-life balance for healthcare professionals.
Physician Assistants in rural orthopedic teams play a vital role in timely diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care, directly improving patient recovery rates. Their collaboration with surgeons and therapists enables seamless care transitions, crucial for positive outcomes in underserved areas.
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