Orthopedics Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner - UVMMC

Job Summary

The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation is seeking a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) to serve as an integral member of the orthopedic surgery team, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in an outpatient clinic setting. This role supports academic orthopedic surgeons and interdisciplinary team members in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal conditions across a diverse patient population.

In addition to core ambulatory responsibilities, the APP may be asked to assist in the operating room or to provide periodic coverage on the inpatient orthopedic unit.

Primary Goals and Expectations

• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based orthopedic care with a strong emphasis on patient safety, clinical outcomes, and patient experience
• Promote efficient clinic operations through effective patient flow management and coordination of care
• Contribute to an academic environment through collaboration with trainees, participation in quality improvement initiatives, and adherence to best practices
• Support continuity of care across outpatient, inpatient, and surgical settings
• Maintain productivity and documentation standards consistent with departmental and institutional expectations

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations, including history-taking, physical examinations, and formulation of differential diagnoses
• Order, interpret, and integrate diagnostic studies (e.g., radiographs, MRI, CT, laboratory tests) into clinical decision-making
• Develop and implement treatment plans for acute and chronic orthopedic conditions in collaboration with supervising physicians
• Perform in-office procedures as appropriate (e.g., joint injections, aspirations, splinting, casting, wound care)
• Provide preoperative education and postoperative follow-up care, including monitoring for complications and coordinating rehabilitation
• Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment options, and recovery expectations
• Document clinical encounters accurately and efficiently in the electronic health record

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in the operating room as needed, including patient positioning, sterile field maintenance, first or second assist duties (consistent with training and credentialing), and postoperative care coordination
• Provide coverage on the inpatient orthopedic service, including rounding, order management, discharge planning, and communication with consulting services

Minimum Qualifications

Nurse Practitioner (NP):

• Graduate of a Nurse Practitioner program (Master’s or Doctoral degree) approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing or national accrediting agency
• Maintains active licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and active, unrestricted licensure to practice as an Advanced Practice RN (APRN) by the Vermont Board of Nursing
• RNFA certification strongly recommended
• DEA registration (or eligibility)

Physician Assistant (PA):

• Successful completion of a Physician Assistant program at an institution accredited by ARC-PA (Accreditation and Review Commission on Education for the PA)
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Active, unrestricted licensure to practice as a PA by the Vermont Board of Medical Practice
• DEA registration (or eligibility)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, or musculoskeletal care
• Procedural skills relevant to orthopedic practice