USPHS

lifeafter, it is! You rock!

the USPHS is so great as you can literally apply to jobs... and accept/decline at an individual level - unheard of in some other federal areas
.... i say this as a non-USPHS affiliated person btw.

I was wondering what the promotion schedule is like for USPHS Officers? I know that promotion selection is based on different criteria than the military branches, but is there a basic "life-cycle"? are promotions from o-1 through 0-3 basically a time served progression (these promotions are almost a given at set time intervals in the Army).

I have been doing some reading on various sites, and I am particularly interested in working with the Indian Health Services agency, but am concerned with the progression of rank in the USPHS. Because of its size, the Army has historically been the easiest branch to gain rank in (at least from the enlisted side). Because I have a limited number of years that I will be able to work before retirement, I would like to have the best chances of making rank as possible.

For this reason, and others, I have thought about joining the Army first. By the time my initial service obligation is finished, I should have achieved O-3. (as well as a specialty identifier). This would allow me to transfer to USPHS with more experience, and more income to support my family's needs in a remote location.

Also, what are the opportunities for additional education like in the USPHS? I would like to continue on to an advanced practice degree... is something that is likely to be assisted by the Commissioned Corps?

Thanks for any advice/information (or insight to USPHS life)..... so many choices
LA40

Hello! It is AWESOME to see such a lengthy thread about the USPHS. I submitted all of the necessary paperwork and I've been professionally cleared. SO, I have applied for a few positions and I am eagerly awaiting a response. Lifeafter40, the beauty of the USPHS is that you will earn the same income (I believe) regardless of where you are stationed. So, if the cost of living is really low, you're still going to earn the base salary that your rank entitles you to. The only difference (I believe) is the amount of money you receive for housing. I have applied for a position in a major urban area and the housing allowance is pretty high (like $2,500 per month) because the cost of living is so high. Good luck with your decision!

Hello AWanderingMinstral: how long did it take for you from submitting the paperwork to be professionally cleared? I submitted all paperwork 2 weeks ago but haven't heard anything back yet...
thank you.

goldensfo, I think it took my application approximately eight weeks to be cleared professionally.

Interesting thread.
I've been considering this, but will not get my BSN until Dec. 2010 (currently have ADN). I'm most interested in the health requirements, since I have a partial hearing loss (knowing this would disqualify me for military service). I will be waiting to speak to a recruiter about it, but it sounds interesting.

I'm in the process of getting my Medical forms together. I'll be graduating this May. I'm just curious if anyone knows what is the chance of getting an offer at IHS as a New Grad? I know USPHS takes new grads...

For anyone who's already working at USPHS, what was your interview process like?? how many interviews?

Thank you in advance!

If the fact that they are offering a $25K sign-on bonus in exchange for a four-year commitment is any indication, the USPHS is in desperate need of nurses. This is especially true for hard-to-fill positions with the IHS and BOP. With that said, I have found their recruitment efforts to be SERIOUSLY lacking. My medical forms were received eight weeks ago and still nothing has happened (and I'm young, active, and pretty healthy). At a certain point, I will have to withdraw my application and accept another opportunity.

... from my understanding the number of interviews will be based on how many slots you apply to and their need... as USPHS conducts interviews at the agency level and they make the choice to 'select' you after you meet the baseline requirements to enter the health service. Therefore you could theoretically apply to one IHS job and they happen to interview you and select you.. then that is one interview.

AWanderingMinstral: 8 weeks and no response? my gosh. I should have applied earlier...

also, I wasn't aware of the 25k sign-on bonus. Do I ask the CAM about this or it's too late to ask now?