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
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
La Jara, CO, has a growing need for Physician Assistants skilled in orthopedics due to limited rural healthcare providers. Positions like those at Washington Defense attract candidates with specialized musculoskeletal experience, making competition moderate but favoring those with orthopedic backgrounds and Colorado licensure.
Holding a current Colorado license as a Physician Assistant and eligibility for controlled substance and DEA registrations significantly boost employability. Certifications such as BLS and board certification are essential, especially for orthopedic roles, aligning with the state's healthcare compliance and rural clinic demands.
Washington Defense emphasizes hands-on orthopedic care in rural clinics, offering unique exposure to musculoskeletal conditions unlike urban practices. Their comprehensive benefits and on-site health center foster a supportive environment, setting them apart by combining specialized care with strong employee wellness programs.
Physician Assistants at Washington Defense can expect pathways into leadership roles within orthopedics, supported by tuition reimbursement and continuing education benefits. The rural setting also offers broad clinical responsibilities, enhancing skills valuable for future specialization or managerial positions.
The $110,000 to $120,000 salary range offered in La Jara for Physician Assistants aligns well with Colorado's rural market rates, which can be slightly lower than urban averages. Coupled with robust health benefits and retirement plans, it's a competitive compensation reflecting the specialized orthopedic role.
Physician Assistants working rurally often manage a wider range of musculoskeletal conditions with limited specialist resources, requiring strong diagnostic skills and patient coordination. They balance outpatient care, imaging interpretation, and education, often acting as primary orthopedic providers within challenging geographic constraints.
Yes, Washington Defense offers tuition reimbursement and continuing education benefits, enabling Physician Assistants to maintain certifications and expand orthopedic expertise. This support reflects their commitment to professional development within rural healthcare environments.
La Jara’s lower cost of living compared to urban Colorado areas enhances the value of the offered salary, allowing Physician Assistants to enjoy a balanced rural lifestyle. Access to outdoor recreation and community amenities complements job satisfaction for healthcare providers in this region.
At Washington Defense, Physician Assistants focus intensely on outpatient orthopedic care within a rural demographic, managing injuries and coordinating with specialists. This role demands versatility, blending clinical evaluation with patient education in a setting where access to specialty care is limited.
Aspiring Physician Assistants aiming for orthopedic careers in Colorado should pursue accredited PA programs with orthopedic rotations or certifications. Familiarity with Colorado licensure requirements and rural health challenges enhances readiness for roles like those at Washington Defense.
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