USPHS

viper16731 · Jul 14, 2009

Is it just me or is it imposible to find people who are currently in the USPHS? I have a buddy of mine who is going into the mental health corps on military bases. I also have started the process also (i.e getting all the required paperwork). I learned something from my buddy who just completed the process. As a FYI for people interested in joining, you can get your physical at MEPS but you still will need to get a UA and a CBC somewhere else though. I would like to find someone else who has been in the USPHS who can tell me how it is (not all negative though).

Thanks.

chesrae · Jul 17, 2009

I have just recently gone on active duty with USPHS assigned to the BOP. If anyone has questions about application or experience feel free to message me. I was commissioned under the SRCOSTEP program so i have been an officer for almost a year.

viper16731 · Jul 18, 2009

What is your life like as an officer? Do you have problems with finding housing where you're at? Do you like it?

chesrae · Jul 19, 2009

What is your life like as an officer? Do you have problems with finding housing where you're at? Do you like it?

Honestly, at my duty station the fact that I am a USPHS officer only means one thing: I wear the uniform. Other than that my employment and day to day activities are identical to a nurse hired directly by the BOP. I of course can't comment on what it is like at other agencies. The main difference that comes with being an officer is of course pay and promotion process and COMPLETELY different personnel systems.

The only bad thing about housing is that my spouse and I had to choose living arrangements from across the country since I had to report so soon after graduation.

Overall I definitely like it and would recommend the SRCOSTEP program to everyone. A quick tip: if you read official PHS policy you are not allowed to have other income during SRCOSTEP. But if you ask and can argue that the job is a valuable experience you can work. I made more money during school than I will for at least another year.

I have gotten some PMs from other people - as I just started posting I can't reply yet. Either post in this thread or wait for me to get my 15 posts.

cutiepie_318 · Jul 19, 2009

I have just recently gone on active duty with USPHS assigned to the BOP. If anyone has questions about application or experience feel free to message me. I was commissioned under the SRCOSTEP program so i have been an officer for almost a year.

Chesrae graduatng this december and thinking about joining USPHs. How is the application process and do I need to start now if im not graduating until this fall. Is it hard getting in, all help is greatly appreciated.

chesrae · Jul 19, 2009

Chesrae graduatng this december and thinking about joining USPHs. How is the application process and do I need to start now if im not graduating until this fall. Is it hard getting in, all help is greatly appreciated.

The short answer is yes start applying now.

Remember that I applied through SRCOSTEP which is different from applying directly like it sounds you will be doing.

This is the basic time line of my application process however.

December, 2007: Sent in my application

May, 2008: Selected by BOP

Summer of 2008: Spent a lot of time fulfilling medical requirements and background clearances.

August of 2008: Started my senior year of school

Also remember that you will essentially have to apply to two places once to USPHS and then to wherever you actually want to work. Don't be afraid to call and inquire about your status. Everything happens very slowly.

I do not think it is difficult to get in USPHS right now if you meet the requirements and are patient. They are quite desperate for people right now.

cutiepie_318 · Jul 19, 2009

Do you like working for them? What do u like the most and the least and do you have any advice for me as far as things I should be mindful of?

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2009

I think the USPHS is very interesting based on the wide # of different agencies that you could work for - and the amount of input or selection that you have to accept working by location and agency... this is more individual control or choice then you have in military branches. That being said I can only imagine a wide ranging type of environment based on where you are interested in working based on available slots. I'd look at the slots available from USPHS by agency/location of your interest and then try and narrow down feedback based on some agencies or locations you are interested in.

v/r

viper16731 · Jul 20, 2009

I really am happy that there are more people who I can communicate with openly. I am right now trying to get my packet together to send. I really am trying to get a mental health job with the military through the mental health initive. I think its ironic that they are still saying that it will take 6 months to complete the process, while I am currently working at the VA in Topeka, KS. I really want to get in the program because I already have about 4 years in the army so I need at least 16 years to get to retirement. Does anyone feel like they get looked down on while in uniform at their jobs? Is it as frustrating to get hold of others in command or in personel in the PHS? Does anyone know they calculate you rank when you come in?

Thanks again.

soso · Jul 20, 2009

I know it states there are many positions within USPHS but I am still finding that the majority of the positions are in Indian Health, BOP and Immigration Health. Is there anyone who has worked in agencies different from these?

rcjohnis · Jul 20, 2009

Hi chesrae,

Got got a job offer with FCC Tucson and they want me to start August 16th. The problem is with PHS. My CAM transferred in May and it is July and I don't have a replacement. PHS recieved my 1662, logged in but not on Management Info System so that I can see it. I have all my medical and school/professional paperwork in but no joy when I call. Any pointers?

Also being SRCOSTEP did you get a signing bonus? Is it something you have to ask to BOP for or is it up to PHS?

rcjohnis · Jul 20, 2009

BSN 317: that's great news! congrats. I actually had an interview with the BOP. They said they would let me know their decision in 2 weeks. keep my fingers crossed... But I didn't know you had to ask them about the bonus during the interview. my CAM was transfered out of PHS 1 month ago, and they still haven't given me a new CAM. can't believe it.. no help from them at all!!!
AWanderingMinstral: which school are you going to for your MPH?

goldensfo,

It sounds like we are in the same boat.