United States Public Health Service

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Hi, this is my first post on here. I have read a few posts about the USPHS on here which has answered a few questions but I have a few more if there are any officers in the USPHS.

1. Once you're in the USPHS can you change from agency to agency? If I start out working for IHS and then later find a job with BOP can I switch to that job or do I need to stay with IHS? does it look better for promotions, advancement and just in general for your career in the USPHS to stay with one certain agency?

2. Is there a detailed map or list of places to serve/work? The only thing I can find on USPHS.com is a map with diamond shaped markers on it that just give a very general area of where you might work but doesn't state which city it's in or even close too.

3. I was told that by serving in a "remote location" will help with promotions and that even if you do it at the very beginning of your career with the USPHS it will still look good later on down the road. so first off is this true? and secondly is there a list of remote locations that qualify? The only place that I was told qualifies was an area in the northeast part of Arizona, I think it was the Navajo or Apache reservation but not sure. I would think that that can't be the only location that would qualify but can't find anything that gives me details.

4. I was told by the recruiter that the whole application process usually takes about a year. I'm okay with that but just wondering how many people apply and don't get accepted? just wondering what my chances are of getting in? is it one of those things where if you pass everything and qualify for the position then you'll probably be accepted or is it really competitive and hard to get in?

Thanks for any advice.

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