SCO Advanced Practice Provider

Southern California Orthopedic Institute; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage for you and yourFamily

Competitive pay

Vacation days

Wellness plan & gym discounts

Job summary

Southern California Orthopedic Institute is seeking a motivated Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join a busy sports medicine orthopedic practice alongside a fellowship-trained surgeon.

The APP will evaluate sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions, order tests, and provide non-operative care while participating in surgical planning and postoperative follow-up. A collaborative physician-APP model with strong patient education is essential.

Qualifications

• Current PA-C or NP certification and licensure in the state of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited PA or NP program.
• Current national certification and eligibility for applicable state licensure.
• Current DEA registration or eligibility, as required.
• BLS certification.
• Prior experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency medicine, or a related specialty preferred.
• New graduates with strong orthopedic/sports medicine interest may be considered based on clinical training and experience.
• Excellent clinical assessment, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative physician-APP model.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate new and established patients with orthopedic and sports medicine conditions.
• Obtain comprehensive histories and perform focused musculoskeletal examinations.
• Develop differential diagnoses and treatment plans in collaboration with the orthopedic surgeon.
• Order and interpret diagnostic studies, including X-rays, MRI, CT, and lab testing.
• Provide non-operative management of sports and orthopedic injuries, including rehabilitation, activity modification, medications, and injections as appropriate.
• Perform selected office-based procedures within the APP's training, certification, and state scope of practice.
• Assist with preoperative evaluations, surgical planning, and patient education.
• Provide postoperative follow-up care, including wound checks and rehabilitation management.
• Coordinate care with therapists, athletic trainers, primary care providers, and other healthcare team members.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with the supervising/collaborating orthopedic surgeon regarding patient care and treatment plans.
• Document patient encounters accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in surgical cases and/or hospital responsibilities as appropriate to the practice and APP's experience.
• Support the surgeon with efficient clinic flow and continuity of care.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Orthopedics knowledge

Sports medicine

Education

PA-C certification

NP certification

State licensure

DEA registration

BLS certification

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually

About Company:

Southern California Orthopedic Institute is the preferred expert for diagnosing and treating bone, joint, and muscle injuries and conditions as well as musculoskeletal and spinal disorders in adults and children.

Our Mission

To provide comprehensive musculoskeletal and supporting services in a manner that demonstrates compassion, value and superior service for every patient encounter while promoting organizational unity and operational efficiency.

Why work for us?

• Competitive pay which matches your abilities and experience
• Health coverage for you and your family
• Generous number of vacation days per year
• A robust wellness plan and health club discounts

Advanced Practice Provider (PA/NP) – Sports Medicine Orthopedics

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and clinically skilled Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join a busy sports medicine orthopedic practice and work closely with a fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon.

The APP will provide comprehensive evaluation and management of patients with sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and orthopedic disorders, working collaboratively with the surgeon to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an APP interested in sports medicine, orthopedics, and an active clinical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate new and established patients with orthopedic and sports medicine conditions.
• Obtain comprehensive histories and perform focused musculoskeletal examinations.
• Develop differential diagnoses and treatment plans in collaboration with the orthopedic surgeon.
• Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies, including X-rays, MRI, CT, and laboratory testing.
• Provide non-operative management of sports and orthopedic injuries, including rehabilitation, activity modification, medications, and injections as appropriate.
• Perform selected office-based procedures within the APP's training, certification, and state scope of practice.
• Assist with preoperative evaluations, surgical planning, and patient education.
• Provide postoperative follow-up care, including wound checks, suture/staple removal, progression of activity, and rehabilitation management.
• Coordinate care with physical therapists, athletic trainers, primary care providers, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return-to-play/activity recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with the supervising/collaborating orthopedic surgeon regarding patient care and treatment plans.
• Document patient encounters accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in surgical cases and/or hospital responsibilities as appropriate to the practice and APP's experience.
• Support the surgeon with efficient clinic flow and continuity of care.

Clinical Focus

The practice primarily manages patients with conditions such as:

• Sports-related injuries
• Knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and elbow injuries
• Ligament and tendon injuries
• Meniscal and cartilage disorders
• Fractures and other acute orthopedic injuries
• Osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions
• Postoperative orthopedic care
• Return-to-sport and return-to-activity management

Qualifications

• Current Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification and licensure in the state of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited PA or NP program.
• Current national certification and eligibility for applicable state licensure.
• Current DEA registration or eligibility, as required.
• BLS certification.
• Prior experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency medicine, or a related specialty preferred.
• New graduates with strong orthopedic/sports medicine interest may be considered based on clinical training and experience.
• Excellent clinical assessment, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative physician-APP model.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is energetic, clinically confident, and passionate about helping patients return to their desired activities. The successful APP will demonstrate strong orthopedic examination skills, sound clinical judgment, excellent patient communication, and a willingness to work as an integral member of a high-performing sports medicine team.

Position Highlights

• Direct collaboration with a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon.
• Diverse sports medicine and orthopedic patient population.
• Opportunity to develop expertise in both operative and non-operative orthopedic care.
• Strong emphasis on patient education, rehabilitation, and return to activity.
• Collaborative, team-oriented practice environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience.

Physical and Professional Requirements

The position requires the ability to perform clinical examinations, assist with procedures and surgical cases as applicable, and maintain an active clinical schedule. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, therapists, athletic trainers, and other healthcare professionals.

Employment Type: Full-time
Specialty: Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Position: Physician Assistant (PA-C) / Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Reports To: Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon