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
Orthopedic experience greatly enhances a Physician Assistant’s ability to manage musculoskeletal injuries common in rural La Jara. Familiarity with injury patterns and treatments improves patient care quality, helping bridge specialist shortages in this region and fostering stronger collaboration with orthopedic surgeons.
Physician Assistants here actively liaise with primary care providers, surgeons, and therapists to ensure a continuous care pathway. This coordination is vital in rural settings, preventing treatment gaps and supporting comprehensive musculoskeletal management tailored to local community needs.
Orthopedic Physician Assistants in Colorado often advance by gaining certifications, pursuing specialized training, or transitioning into leadership roles within rural health networks. Continuous education opportunities, like those offered by employers such as Career Development Partners, support this upward mobility.
Besides standard Colorado licensure and BLS certification, Physician Assistants in La Jara must obtain a controlled substance license and DEA registration due to prescribing responsibilities. These credentials ensure practitioners meet both state and federal regulatory standards for medical practice.
Career Development Partners emphasize rural orthopedic care, offering hands-on experience alongside specialists with competitive salaries and robust benefits like tuition reimbursement. Their commitment to employee wellness and local community impact sets them apart in Colorado’s healthcare job market.
The company provides comprehensive continuing education benefits, including tuition reimbursement and free counseling services, fostering skill enhancement and mental wellness. These programs help Physician Assistants stay current with best practices while balancing work-life demands in rural healthcare.
Applicants can anticipate an annual salary range between $110,000 and $120,000, reflecting local market rates for experienced Physician Assistants with orthopedic expertise. This compensation is complemented by full medical coverage and generous paid time off, enhancing overall employment value.
La Jara’s rural geography means longer travel distances and limited public transportation options. Physician Assistants often rely on personal vehicles, so proximity to the clinic and road conditions can significantly influence daily commute times and work-life balance.
Demand for Physician Assistants in San Luis Valley remains steady due to healthcare provider shortages in rural areas. While fewer applicants apply compared to urban centers, candidates with orthopedic and rural healthcare experience enjoy favorable hiring prospects.
Physicians typically hold broader diagnostic authority and surgical privileges, while Physician Assistants provide hands-on patient management under supervision. Both require strong musculoskeletal knowledge, but Physician Assistants focus more on collaborative treatment and follow-up in outpatient settings.
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