Instructor – Orthopedic Arthroplasty/Joint Replacement PA/NP
This is a unique opportunity to work in an academic and clinical Adult Orthopedic Arthroplasty/Joint Replacement Surgery practice. The position will be a full-time exempt (non-hourly) Instructor - Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner position in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. The employee will work in the Greater Denver Metropolitan area with coverage of UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital and UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic. The position is not eligible for tenure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operating room assist 2 days per week; clinic 2-3 days per week.
- Obtains detailed history and performs physical examinations on assigned patients; assesses and treats acute/chronic medical problems (focusing on the musculoskeletal system) and provides direct patient care to a specified patient population.
- Write prescriptions for medications, PT, OT, imaging studies, and DME as needed. Complete FMLA and other forms and school notes as needed.
- Assists in providing pre-op, intra-op and post-op care; writes appropriate orders, including those for narcotics and other scheduled drugs.
- Interacts with patients by phone, by Telehealth, and in-person.
- Coordinates the activities of patient care and support staff within the clinic.
- Work with the team to ensure smooth operation of the floor and clinic.
- Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
- Writes progress notes on patients' office and hospital charts indicating patient status and treatment procedures performed; maintains other records as required.
- Provides health education to patients and families; may train and supervise residents and fellows.
- Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
- Help develop written educational materials and treatment protocols for specific conditions and post-operative care.
- May assist in preparing and giving power point and poster presentations for educational purposes at institutional, local and national meetings.
- May perform clinical research related to specific conditions and assist in preparation of manuscripts for publication.
- Must become proficient in documentation and use of the current electronic medical record program and be an available resource to other health care providers.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
- Flexibility required as the nature of the position will change over time as one gains knowledge and experience with Orthopedic Arthroplasty/Joint Replacement conditions. The expectation will be for gradually more independence as confidence is gained.
- Locations of practice: UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital and UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic
- Perform in-patient care for patients such as rounding on post-op patients.
- Performs emergency lifesaving procedures in cases such as cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, massive hemorrhage, or similar emergencies.
- Notifies attending physician on call, house physician on call, or supervising physician regarding any unusual or unexpected events or problems requiring direct physician consultation.
Work Location: Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite in the Highlands Ranch area.
Why Join Us:
We are a department of nationally ranked orthopedic surgeons and our mission is to provide the highest quality, professional and innovative orthopedics care through the integration of comprehensive education and cutting-edge musculoskeletal research. We place a high level of importance on achieving and maintaining a diverse environment that fosters excellence and rewarding opportunities.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Minimum Qualifications:
- State of Colorado Certified Physician's Assistant or Inclusion on the State of Colorado Advanced Practice Registry as an Advance Practice Nurse
- Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistants
- CPR or BLS Certified
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience preferred. May be willing to train new graduate with previous hospital/orthopedic experience or exceptional qualities.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
- A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers. Questions should be directed to lindsey.renn@cuanschutz.edu.
Screening of Applications Begins: Immediately and continues until position is filled. Full consideration given to applications received by February 15, 2026.
Anticipated Pay Range: HIRING RANGE: $110,000 - $120,000. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement: The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process.
Background Check Statement: The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement: CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.