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
Possessing orthopedic experience significantly enhances a Physician Assistant's ability to manage musculoskeletal conditions in La Jara’s rural setting, where specialized resources may be limited. It enables more precise patient evaluations, seamless collaboration with orthopedic surgeons, and informed treatment plans tailored to community needs.
In Colorado, Physician Assistants must hold a valid state license and be board certified. Additionally, eligibility for a Colorado controlled substance license and federal DEA registration is essential, especially in rural areas like La Jara, where independent medication management is crucial due to limited specialist access.
Physician Assistants with rural orthopedic expertise often progress into leadership roles within community health, specialize further through advanced certifications, or transition into academic positions training others, leveraging their unique experience addressing healthcare disparities in underserved regions.
Toni Group, LLC fosters a collaborative environment where Physician Assistants work closely with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists, supported by comprehensive benefits and resources designed to enhance hands-on musculoskeletal care, ensuring both professional growth and high-quality patient outcomes.
Physician Assistants at Toni Group, LLC enjoy generous paid time off starting day one, access to a 24-hour onsite health center, and exclusive discounts on local amenities like ski passes and fitness memberships, all tailored to support well-being in the scenic rural Colorado environment.
Physician Assistants specializing in rural orthopedics around La Jara typically earn between $110,000 and $120,000 annually. This competitive salary reflects the specialized skills required and the challenges of delivering comprehensive musculoskeletal care in a rural clinic setting.
The San Luis Valley shows a growing need for Physician Assistants skilled in orthopedics due to limited specialist availability in rural clinics. This demand emphasizes the value of providers capable of managing complex musculoskeletal cases and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
La Jara’s relatively low cost of living compared to urban centers means Physician Assistants can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on salaries ranging from $110,000 to $120,000, with the added benefit of comprehensive healthcare and retirement plans enhancing financial security.
Unlike medical assistants, Physician Assistants in rural Colorado possess advanced clinical training allowing independent patient evaluations, diagnostic ordering, and treatment planning, especially in specialties like orthopedics, making them integral to delivering comprehensive care in underserved communities.
While both roles involve musculoskeletal care, Physician Assistants in orthopedics often focus on outpatient injury management and rehabilitation collaboration, whereas surgical Physician Assistants typically assist directly in operative procedures and perioperative care.
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