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 La Jara often manage a broader range of orthopedic cases due to limited specialist access, requiring versatility in musculoskeletal care. The rural environment demands close collaboration with local providers and adaptability to resource constraints, making this position uniquely hands-on compared to urban centers.
While board certification is essential, additional orthopedic-focused credentials or experience are highly valued at Ives & Associates Inc. These qualifications demonstrate readiness to handle complex musculoskeletal conditions, enhancing patient outcomes in their rural clinic-based orthopedic team.
Physician Assistants in rural orthopedic roles can deepen clinical expertise, pursue leadership in multidisciplinary teams, or engage in community health initiatives. Such pathways support career growth while addressing local healthcare gaps, particularly in regions like La Jara where specialized care access is limited.
The San Luis Valley shows moderate demand for Physician Assistants, especially those skilled in orthopedics. Rural settings like La Jara often face recruitment challenges, offering candidates advantages such as less competition and opportunities to build strong community ties versus more saturated urban markets.
La Jara’s small-town layout means commuting is generally manageable, often by personal vehicle, given limited public transit. Physician Assistants should consider local weather impacts on travel and potential housing near the clinic to ensure consistent, timely patient care.
Ives & Associates Inc offers comprehensive benefits like generous PTO starting immediately, employee wellness programs, and on-site health facilities. These resources help Physician Assistants in La Jara balance demanding orthopedic caseloads with personal well-being in a rural healthcare environment.
Physician Assistants in orthopedic roles near La Jara can expect salaries between $110,000 and $120,000 annually. This range reflects regional demand, specialized skills required, and the comprehensive benefits package offered by employers like Ives & Associates Inc.
The role emphasizes a team-based approach, requiring seamless collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to devise and implement patient-centered treatment plans. This synergy ensures high-quality musculoskeletal care tailored for the rural La Jara community.
Unlike general medical practice assistants, Physician Assistants at Ives & Associates Inc provide advanced clinical assessments, diagnostic interpretations, and pre/post-operative management specifically in orthopedics, reflecting higher autonomy and specialized patient care in a rural setting.
Physician Assistants must hold a current Colorado license to practice. Those from other states can apply for licensure by endorsement, provided they meet Colorado’s certification, DEA registration eligibility, and controlled substance licensing requirements, enabling work in facilities like Ives & Associates Inc.
Find The Related Jobs
Crescent City Recruitment Group
Physician Assistant
La Jara, CO
Popular Searches for Physician Assistant