The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps offers two excellent opportunities for students to serve their country while completing their education. If you are interested in a public health career, we encourage you to apply to the Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP) and the Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP). Both programs offer excellent benefits and are highly competitive.
If you have questions about COSTEP, please join our upcoming conference calls on the following dates and times (all times Eastern Standard):
September 10, 2010: 12 Noon
September 30, 2010: 2 PM
October 15, 2010: 3 PM
October 22, 2010: 10 AM
November 5, 2010: 1 PM
November 17, 2010: 12 Noon
December 7, 2010: 1 PM
December 17, 2010: 11 AM
December 21, 2010: 10 AM
December 29, 2010: 3 PM
NEW Call-in number: 866-705-5819
Passcode: 1633181
Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP)
Are you looking for an opportunity to meet leaders in public health, gain valuable professional experience, and be paid for your work while you complete your health-related education? Consider the JRCOSTEP. JRCOSTEP training and extern positions are available to students who have completed at least 1 year of study in a master's or doctoral program or at least 2 years of study in a professionally accredited baccalaureate program in specific health disciplines and meet other program requirements. In recent years most JRCOSTEPs are in a variety of fields such as environmental health, pharmacy, engineering, nursing, and dentistry.
JRCOSTEP participants work in the same exciting Federal agencies and programs as full Commissioned Corps officers do. Typical assignments in locations throughout the country vary from 31 up to 120 days during official school breaks. Most JRCOSTEP participants are hired for the summer months (i.e., June, July, August) but other opportunities may be available throughout the year. They are not obligated to serve in the Commissioned Corps after graduation, but may decide to serve an extended active-duty assignment after they complete their professional education. Click on JRCOSTEP testimonials to read a few firsthand accounts by program participants, and click on JRCOSTEP Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Applicants for JRCOSTEP who currently are in the next-to-last year of their professional education also may apply for SRCOSTEP.
Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP)
Are you looking for financial assistance to complete your education for a public health career? Consider the SRCOSTEP. SRCOSTEP training and extern positions are available to individuals who are enrolled as full-time students in certain accredited programs with at least 8 months of educational commitment remaining in the final year and who meet other program requirements. In recent years agencies have selected nurse, pharmacy, and physician assistant students. Applications are accepted from all Commissioned Corps eligible
areas of study. In return for financial assistance, SRCOSTEP participants agree to work for the Commissioned Corps after graduation. The service obligation is equal to twice the time sponsored; that is, for 9 months of financial support, a SRCOSTEP participant commits to 18 months of employment with the division or organization that provided the support. Click on SRCOSTEP Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Thank you for your interest in a program through which
you can serve your country while also completing your education and earning valuable work experience.