SCO Advanced Practice Provider

Southern California Orthopedic Institute•Bakersfield, CA

74d•$100,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 is 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. We are seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join our sports medicine practice with a focus on pain management and comprehensive musculoskeletal care. The APP will work closely with our Pain Management Specialist and multidisciplinary team to evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients experiencing acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. This role emphasizes evidence-based, non-operative treatment strategies, patient education, functional restoration, and appropriate use of procedural interventions within the APP's training, credentialing, and scope of practice.

Requirements

Current Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) license and national certification.
Graduate of an accredited PA or NP program.
Current state licensure and prescriptive authority, as applicable.
Current BLS certification.
DEA registration or eligibility, as applicable.
Strong clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.
Excellent communication and patient education abilities.
Ability to work collaboratively with physicians and a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Nice To Haves

Experience in sports medicine, orthopedics, pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation, emergency medicine, or a related specialty preferred.
Experience with musculoskeletal evaluation and procedures preferred.
Experience with musculoskeletal ultrasound and image-guided procedures is highly desirable but not required if the candidate demonstrates a strong interest and willingness to develop these skills.

Responsibilities

Evaluate new and established patients presenting with acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Obtain detailed medical histories and perform comprehensive physical and musculoskeletal examinations.
Develop differential diagnoses and individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the sports medicine physician.
Review and interpret diagnostic imaging and laboratory studies as appropriate.
Diagnose and manage common sports medicine and musculoskeletal pain conditions.
Develop multimodal treatment plans incorporating medication management, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, activity modification, and other appropriate interventions.
Perform appropriate office-based and musculoskeletal procedures based on training, experience, credentialing, and state scope of practice.
Provide and/or assist with ultrasound-guided injections and other interventional treatments as appropriate.
Provide pre-procedure evaluation, informed consent, patient education, and post-procedure follow-up.
Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust care plans based on patient response and functional progress.
Counsel patients regarding pain management strategies, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return to activity.
Coordinate care with physical therapists, athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons, primary care providers, and other specialists.
Identify patients requiring additional diagnostic evaluation, surgical consultation, or referral to other specialists.
Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive electronic medical record documentation.
Participate in clinical quality improvement and practice development initiatives.
Maintain a high standard of patient safety, professionalism, and confidentiality.