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 rural orthopedic settings like La Jara provide hands-on musculoskeletal care, often conducting evaluations and coordinating treatment plans alongside surgeons. Unlike general medical assistants, PAs have advanced training, enabling them to order diagnostic tests and manage complex orthopedic cases with greater autonomy.
Orthopedic-focused Physicians in rural areas can progress into leadership roles, such as clinical coordinators or regional healthcare directors. They may also expand into specialized procedures or telemedicine services, leveraging their expertise to improve access and quality of musculoskeletal care in underserved communities.
Yes, Physician Assistants must maintain a current Colorado state license and hold board certification. Additionally, eligibility for a controlled substance license and federal DEA registration is mandatory, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations essential for prescribing medications in rural orthopedic practices.
Stephens International Recruiting emphasizes placements that blend advanced orthopedic care with rural community needs. Their Physician Assistant roles incorporate collaborative work with specialists and provide comprehensive benefits, supporting professionals who are committed to improving health outcomes in less urbanized areas like La Jara.
Stephens International Recruiting offers access to specialized clinics in rural orthopedics, blending challenging caseloads with rich educational benefits like tuition reimbursement. This focus on niche placements allows Physician Assistants to deepen their expertise while enjoying robust support systems tailored to remote healthcare settings.
Physician Assistants in orthopedic roles around La Jara can anticipate salaries between $110,000 and $120,000 annually. This compensation reflects the specialized skills required and the rural setting, often supplemented by comprehensive benefits including health coverage and retirement plans.
La Jara's relatively lower cost of living compared to urban centers balances competitive salaries for Physician Assistants, fostering steady hiring demand. Rural clinics attract professionals seeking meaningful impact and work-life balance, with compensation packages aligned to local economic conditions.
Physician Assistants here often navigate limited specialist availability, requiring strong multidisciplinary collaboration. They must be adept at managing diverse musculoskeletal issues independently, while also addressing patient education and continuity of care in a geographically dispersed, rural patient population.
Employers prioritize a valid Colorado PA license, board certification, and at least a year of relevant experience, preferably in orthopedics. Additional credentials like BLS certification and eligibility for DEA registration enhance candidacy, reflecting the clinical rigor of rural outpatient orthopedic services.
This role is designed for close collaboration, where Physician Assistants work alongside orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to craft comprehensive treatment plans. Such teamwork ensures seamless pre- and post-operative care, optimizing patient recovery within the rural healthcare infrastructure.
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