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Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Rochester, MN

Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$17

$68

$73

How much do orthopedic nurse practitioner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for orthopedic nurse practitioner in Rochester, MN is $68.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.65 and $68.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an orthopedic nurse practitioner?

An Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner is a specialized advanced practice nurse who provides care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions, such as bone fractures, arthritis, and sports injuries. They perform assessments, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often assist in surgeries or rehabilitation. Orthopedic NPs work closely with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to manage both acute and chronic orthopedic issues. Their role also includes educating patients about injury prevention, recovery, and healthy lifestyle choices to promote musculoskeletal health.

What does an orthopedic nurse practitioner do?

As an orthopedic nurse practitioner, you perform a number of duties related to orthopedic care and assessment. You help evaluate and treat patients who have orthopedic issues or have recently undergone orthopedic surgery or other procedures. Along with physicians, surgeons, or other clinical practitioners, you develop a plan of care, prescribe medicine, such as pain medication, and conduct follow-up meetings with your patient. As a nurse practitioner, you also have administrative responsibilities, such as filling out medical histories, filing insurance paperwork, and supervising other nurses and clinical aides on your shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an orthopedic nurse practitioner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner, you need advanced clinical knowledge in musculoskeletal health, orthopedic assessment skills, and an MSN or DNP degree with nurse practitioner certification, often with a specialty focus in orthopedics. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), diagnostic imaging systems, and orthopedic-specific tools is typically required. Strong communication, patient education abilities, and collaborative teamwork are essential soft skills for building trust and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. These competencies are vital for delivering specialized care, supporting surgical teams, and improving patients’ mobility and quality of life.

What are some common challenges faced by orthopedic nurse practitioners in their day-to-day work?

Orthopedic nurse practitioners often encounter challenges such as managing a high patient volume with diverse musculoskeletal conditions, balancing acute injuries with chronic orthopedic issues, and keeping up with advances in surgical procedures and rehabilitation protocols. They must also coordinate care with surgeons, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Adapting to the fast-paced and sometimes physically demanding environment of orthopedic clinics or hospital units is also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner vs Orthopedic Physician Assistant?

AspectOrthopedic Nurse PractitionerOrthopedic Physician Assistant
CredentialsMaster's degree in nursing, RN license, certification as an NPMaster's or bachelor's degree, PA certification, NCCPA certification
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, outpatient orthopedic centersHospitals, clinics, surgical centers
Roles & ResponsibilitiesDiagnose, treat, and manage orthopedic conditions; perform procedures; patient educationAssist in surgeries, diagnose, treat, and manage orthopedic issues; perform procedures

Both roles work in similar settings and require advanced certifications, but Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners focus on patient care and education, while Orthopedic Physician Assistants often assist in surgeries and procedures. Understanding these differences helps patients choose the right provider for their orthopedic needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner jobs in Rochester, MN?

The most popular types of Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner job openings:

Infographic showing various Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,086 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Orthopedic Spine

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Rochester, MN • On-site

$117.52 - $163.99/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform independent evaluations and workups, and manage non-operative spine conditions.

  • Lead the triage process, conduct telehealth visits, communicate with patients, and perform in-person clinical visits to ensure timely and effective patient care.

  • Provide in-patient interactions with post-operative spine patients.


Mayo Foundation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre‑Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Responsibilities

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery is ranked amongst the top Orthopedic Departments nationwide. This unique position in Orthopedic Spine Surgery at the Mayo Clinic allows the NP or PA to work collaboratively with an experienced multidisciplinary care team including spine surgeons, residents/fellows, in‑patient and outpatient allied health staff. The NP or PA will perform independent evaluations and workups, as well as following established patients with the goal of independently managing non‑operative spine conditions and facilitating access for surgical patients to the spine surgeon service(s) you support.

This role will foster patient access via leading the triage process, conducting telehealth visits, directly communicating with patients (in response to patient messages and/or follow‑up of imaging/studies/treatment prescribed) and traditional in‑person clinical visits, all to ensure we are meeting the needs of our patients with spinal conditions in a timely and effective fashion while improving the efficiency of our spinal care delivery.

This position will also provide in‑patient interactions with post‑operative spine patients. This unique role will allow a diverse mix of outpatient and inpatient experiences, as well as autonomous and team‑based clinical work. The selected candidate will join a highly productive complex spine surgery care team. There is potential to participate in research, publications and education depending on the needs of the Department. At this time, after‑hours, weekend availability will not be required. This is a clinical role without intra‑operative duties.

Qualifications

Masters prepared graduate of an accredited school of nursing and Nurse Practitioner program. Must have current Minnesota RN license and certification as a FNP, ACNP or ANP.

Or graduate of accredited Physician Assistant program with current PA certification by NCCPA and registration as a PA by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice.

Candidate must be eligible for DEA registration.

Experience working as a health care provider within orthopedics/spine is preferred.

Completion of BLS course required and ACLS preferred. One to two years of clinical and/or surgical experience preferred. Spine specific training will be provided.

Ability to work in a team‑based atmosphere providing non‑operative spine care independently while closely working with surgeons and surgical colleagues to efficiently facilitate surgical patients. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are essential for effective interactions with patients, family members, and colleagues in multiple disciplines. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential.

External candidates: to be considered for this position please upload 2‑3 letters of reference to your online application.

New graduates: letters of reference must be from clinical preceptors.

Mayo Clinic employees: to be considered for this position please upload 3 most recent performance evaluations to your online application.

Compensation

Annual salary range: $117,520.00 - $163,987.20.

Schedule

Full time, Monday through Friday.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the 'EOE is the Law'. Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization.

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