Congratulations! You have just completed the first step in the commissioning process for consideration for an appointment as a United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Officer. Please read the information below carefully and follow the directions on how to submit your initial Application Packet. If you have not yet completed the prescreen questionnaire and received back a confirmation email please ensure that you take that important first step in the commission process here.
If you have previously served honorably as a United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Officer on active duty and are interested in the possibility of returning to service please contact the Division of Commissioned Corps Assignments within the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations directly at (240) 453-6125 and discuss your case with a Career Assignment Manager.
View Status of Application
Agencies Officers Serve
Be advised that due to recent changes the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations is now requesting complete application packets.
A complete application packet includes:
- Application for Appointment as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps PHS-50
- Reference Request for Applicants to the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps PHS-1813
- Official Transcripts from any post-secondary education that resulted in the granting of a degree
- A current CV/resume
- Copy of a current professional license, and/or board certifications (if licensed/board certified and/or if applicable).
- The last 3 officer or enlisted evaluations and if applicable a copy of a DD214 (member-4 copy) (For individuals that have current or have had previous uniformed service)
Please gather all references and transcripts before mailing off the application packet. Transcripts are required for any post-secondary education that resulted in the granting of a degree (i.e. Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate). Any education program that is currently being attended should provide the most current semester transcript that is available. Each reference and transcript should be sent in their original sealed envelopes to ensure the integrity of the information contained therein. We are aware that this is not always possible due to some institutional policies, and the preferences of the individuals writing references. However, all care should be taken to provide the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations with as complete an application packet possible at the time of submission, to ensure prompt service and timely review. In addition to the application, references, and transcripts, please include a current CV/resume, a copy of a current professional license, and/or board certifications (if licensed/board certified and/or if applicable). For disciplines that require residency or other professional training programs please include documentation of completion of such activities. Lastly, for individuals that have current or have had previous uniformed service, please provide the last 3 officer or enlisted evaluations and if applicable a copy of a DD214 (member-4 copy) or conditional release documents/separation orders. Mail (FedEx is recommended) the completed package to:
Office of Commissioned Corps Operations
Attention: Division of Commissioned Corps Assignments
1101 Wootton Parkway, Plaza Level, Suite 100
Rockville, Maryland 20852
As soon as we have your packet you will be contacted and we will begin processing your file. Your application will NOT be activated until we receive these forms by mail. Please allow at least 4 weeks between the time you mail your complete packet and when you contact the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations, Division of Commissioned Corps Assignments, about the status of your application.
Securing an assignment with the Commissioned Corps is a two-step process. The process described above is how you apply for the commission through our office, and you apply for the employment through the agencies in which you are interested. Please begin the first phase of the commissioning application process by completing the information outlined above. You will be notified and prompted when to begin the second phase of the process.
Download Application Forms
An electronic version of the application is being developed and will be available soon.
You may download and complete our current application forms.
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