Officers In Action
A Message from Chief Health Services Officer CAPT Bunnell
Becoming a health services officer in the USPHS Commissioned Corps
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Officers are encouraged to grow professionally within their agencies, with pay increases based on promotions and years of service.
Officers and their families receive medical and dental care at little or no cost through TRICARE. Coverage begins on the first day of service. Learn more
Officers are encouraged to expand their knowledge base and pursue professional opportunities across agencies throughout their tenure in the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
The USPHS Commissioned Corps offers a Basic Allowance for Housing, a tax-free amount to cover your rent or mortgage that is calculated by your rank/grade, duty station location, and dependent status.
The USPHS Commissioned Corps also provides a Basic Allowance for Subsistence, which offsets costs for officers’ meals and is adjusted based on the cost of food as measured by the USDA food cost index. (The Basic Allowance for Subsistence does not cover meals for officers’ family members.)
Public Health Service officers have access to the benefits provided in the Post-9/11 GI Bill after 90 days of active duty service, provided they have not used the benefits previously. Benefits include funding for tuition, housing, supplies, and more. Learn more
Public Health Service officers are enrolled in a Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan similar to a 401(k), and a retirement pension plan with benefits eligibility beginning after 20 years of service (each additional year of service garners 2.5%).
The USPHS Commissioned Corps offers a variety of jobs in rural, urban, tribal and international communities. Officers serve in 800 different locations across all 50 states and numerous foreign duty stations.
The Indian Health Service awards up to $50,000 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 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers select medical professionals $60,000 in loan repayment in exchange for two years of service at a community-based site in a high-need health professional shortage area. Recipients must apply to and accept a position at an NHSC site. 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
