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
Rural regions such as La Jara often experience a higher demand with fewer applicants for Physician Assistant roles, particularly in specialties like orthopedics. This dynamic can expedite hiring processes and may offer unique opportunities to engage deeply with community-focused healthcare practices.
Physician Assistants aiming to excel in La Jara's rural clinics benefit from honing musculoskeletal assessment techniques, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and collaborating effectively with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to manage outpatient orthopedic cases.
Beyond the standard Colorado PA license and board certification, professionals in this region must secure a Colorado controlled substance license and federal DEA registration, ensuring compliance for prescribing medications within orthopedic and outpatient care.
Schuback Search Associates focuses on placing Physician Assistants in roles that emphasize rural orthopedic care, offering hands-on patient management alongside specialists, which might contrast with agencies prioritizing urban hospital placements or broader clinical duties.
This company offers a comprehensive benefits package including full medical, dental, vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and unique perks like discounts on ski passes and fitness memberships, enriching the professional and personal life balance for Physician Assistants.
Physician Assistants in La Jara can anticipate earning between $110,000 and $120,000 annually, which aligns competitively with Colorado’s rural healthcare salaries, factoring in cost of living and the specialized orthopedic focus of the position.
A frequent misunderstanding is that rural PA positions are less complex; however, these roles demand high autonomy, broad diagnostic acumen, and close collaboration with surgeons, often requiring more versatile clinical skills than urban counterparts.
Career growth can stem from gaining specialized certifications, expanding procedural competencies, engaging in community health initiatives, and building strong interdisciplinary relationships to enhance patient care continuity in rural settings.
Limited specialist availability and geographic barriers in rural areas require PAs to be proactive communicators, adept at managing patient follow-ups, and resourceful in coordinating comprehensive treatment plans across dispersed healthcare providers.
Yes, Schuback Search Associates supports ongoing professional development through tuition reimbursement and access to continuing education benefits, encouraging Physician Assistants to stay current with orthopedic advancements and clinical best practices.
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