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
Practicing as a Physician Assistant in La Jara means engaging deeply with rural patient populations, often requiring broader musculoskeletal care skills and collaboration across fewer specialists. The environment emphasizes hands-on, community-focused orthopedic support, contrasting with urban centers where patient volume and specialization are higher.
In rural Colorado, board certification combined with orthopedic experience significantly enhances a Physician Assistant's profile. Certifications that emphasize musculoskeletal diagnostics and rural healthcare adaptability tend to be preferred, reflecting the unique demands of clinics like The Boland Group's practice in La Jara.
Physician Assistants specializing in orthopedics in smaller communities often evolve into pivotal clinical leaders, expanding responsibilities from patient management to coordinating specialized care. Continuous education and local networking can open pathways to supervisory roles or specialized procedural certifications in rural settings.
Salaries for Physician Assistants in rural Colorado, including La Jara, are shaped by local demand, specialist shortages, and licensing prerequisites. Positions like those at The Boland Group offer competitive pay, often ranging from $110,000 to $120,000, complemented by benefits that address rural living costs and professional growth.
The Boland Group emphasizes collaboration by involving Physician Assistants in comprehensive orthopedic patient management, including diagnostics, pre- and post-operative care, and interdisciplinary coordination. Their model promotes autonomy within a supportive setting, enabling PAs to impact rural musculoskeletal health substantially.
Physician Assistants at The Boland Group benefit from tuition reimbursement, continuing education, and a robust benefits package. The rural La Jara location supports a balanced lifestyle with generous paid time off and wellness discounts, fostering both career growth and personal well-being.
La Jara’s demand for Physician Assistants, especially with orthopedic expertise, remains strong due to limited rural providers. Candidates with relevant certifications and rural healthcare experience typically encounter favorable hiring prospects, reflecting a tight but opportunity-rich market in this Colorado region.
Physician Assistants in rural outpatient settings must navigate limited access to advanced imaging and specialist referrals, requiring thorough diagnostic skills and patient education. They often coordinate care across broader networks, balancing resource constraints with delivering comprehensive musculoskeletal treatment.
Securing a Colorado controlled substance license and DEA registration is critical, enabling Physician Assistants to prescribe necessary medications for orthopedic conditions. These credentials ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, enhancing patient care continuity in rural medical environments.
A day involves evaluating orthopedic injuries, managing pre/post-op visits, ordering diagnostic tests, and coordinating with specialists. Physician Assistants at The Boland Group engage in hands-on patient care that blends clinical expertise with community-oriented service, reflecting the rural healthcare setting.
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