Markets
Where we place orthopedic PAs
In short
FirstAssistPA places orthopedic physician assistants, permanent and 3 to 6 month contract, in California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Colorado, New York City and Pennsylvania. Your first placement is free, and if you aren't happy with the PA we place, we find a replacement at no cost. PAs never pay a fee. Each page below covers the local hospitals, the state's PA rules and, where we have verified data, pay.
California
A PA needs a full California license: California is not in the PA Licensure Compact and has no general temporary license. Since January 1, 2026 a physician may supervise up to eight PAs.
Los Angeles
Multi-site groups and sports practices across LA County, four adult Level I trauma centers.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringThe San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco, the Peninsula and Palo Alto, San Jose and the East Bay. PA pay well above the California median.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringSan Diego
From La Jolla and Hillcrest to North County. Three adult Level I trauma centers.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringSanta Barbara and Ventura
Santa Barbara, Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Santa Maria. A smaller local pool, so searches often recruit from outside.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringPalm Springs and the Coachella Valley
Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indio. Winter season coverage fits a 3 to 6 month contract.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringLake Tahoe and the Sierra
South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Mammoth. Ski-season injuries make a 3 to 6 month contract a natural fit.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringThe California Central Coast
San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Salinas and Santa Cruz. Small towns, wide searches.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringNevada
A PA needs a Nevada license (Nevada is not in the PA Licensure Compact). Nevada PAs practice under physician supervision, with a limit of three PAs per physician unless the Board approves more.
Arizona
A PA needs an Arizona license today. Arizona has joined the PA Licensure Compact, which projects compact privileges in early 2027. Arizona PAs with fewer than 8,000 certified clinical hours work under a supervision agreement, with up to six PAs working at the same time per supervising physician.
Colorado
A PA needs a Colorado license today. Colorado has joined the PA Licensure Compact, which projects compact privileges in early 2027. Colorado PAs work under collaborative agreements, which stay supervisory until the PA has 5,000 practice hours.
New York
A PA needs a New York license (New York is not in the PA Licensure Compact). New York PAs practice under physician supervision, with a limit of six PAs per physician in private practice and no numeric limit in hospitals.
Pennsylvania
A PA needs a Pennsylvania license (Pennsylvania is not in the PA Licensure Compact). Pennsylvania PAs practice under a written agreement with a supervising physician, up to six PAs per physician, and a PA new to a specialty needs 100% chart countersignature for 12 months.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the Main Line and Bucks County. Four adult Level I trauma centers in the city.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringPittsburgh
Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. Three adult Level I trauma centers in the city.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringErie and northwest Pennsylvania
Erie, North East, Meadville and Edinboro. UPMC Hamot is the region's accredited Level II trauma center.
Ortho PA jobs and hiringSomewhere else? We place orthopedic PAs across the US and add places as we grow. Ask anyway: hello@firstassistpa.com.