Joseph Olivarez has been with Swift Institute since September 2004. He received his certificate in PA studies in 1995 from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, in Pomona, CA.
Joseph started his career in medicine in 1985 as a Navy corpsman. He spent four years in the Navy working as a surgical technologist. Upon his honorable discharge, he continued working as a surgical technologist while pursuing his degree at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California. Since becoming a PA, Mr. Olivarez has worked with both orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons. He has assisted with thousands of spine surgeries throughout his career.
Joseph has remained active in the education and governance of physician assistants. He serves as PA Supervisor at Swift Institute and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. He also serves on the Community Faculty Advisory Board for the University of Nevada School of Medicine and was appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo in September 2023 to the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners. Previously, he served as a clinical preceptor for Western University, Samuel Merritt College Physician Assistant Program, and Touro University Primary Care Physician Assistant Program. Mr. Olivarez has received special recognition for achievements and knowledge of surgery and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. He is also a Fellow member of the Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants and the Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants.
In his spare time, Mr. Olivarez enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. He is also an avid cyclist.
