Students in health-related undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs can train alongside active duty officers during their school breaks as part of the Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program. Participants are paid, and receive health benefits, housing and travel allowances. Programs last between 30 and 120 days. Participants become inactive Public Health Service officers upon completing the program and can activate upon graduation. There is no obligation to join the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
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for student opportunities
In the Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program, students entering their final year of graduate school or professional training get paid while in school in exchange for committing to enroll in the USPHS Commissioned Corps upon graduation. Students receive the basic pay and allowances of an Ensign while in the program and are guaranteed a spot in the USPHS Commissioned Corps upon graduation. The service obligation is equal to twice the time sponsored.
Students within one year of receiving a degree in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary medicine, environmental health, engineering, speech-language pathology, audiology, research science, or occupational, physical, or respiratory therapy.
The same privileges and benefits given to Public Health Service officers.
Learn More by Contacting USPHS COSTEP
for student opportunities
The Indian Health Service (IHS) awards up to $40,000 in loan repayment to health professionals in exchange for at least two years of service in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Learn more
The CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Program provides federal loan repayment in exchange for two years of service practicing epidemiology in CDC or state/local health departments. The repayment amount is based on availability of funds. Learn more