When you go for USPHS - when do you get your physical?

Published

I know when going for active duty you go to the MEPS/physical pretty early on in your application process. If you go USPHS, when and where do you go for your physical?

Thanks!

Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

@charming46, yes, about 6 months before my tour is done (3 years) they are going to review my file again and then make a decision based on that. If everything is fine, then Im good to go, to serve without any restrictions. If not, then I am not really sure, I think there is some way to extend if I remember correctly for more time. I didnt put much thought into it, I was SO anxious to get in and I knew I'd have my issue resolved. I have resolved it already, (anemia) so hopefully I'll be good to go!

@viper, I've been MIA on here lately, but glad to see things have gone so well for you!!! Ive been wearing my BDUs as of about 2 weeks ago, and they are sooooo much more comfortable! Get ready for tons of questions and weird looks, lol! Its literally an everyday thing for me, now Ive gotten used to it but it can be a pain when youre in a rush, haha. Ive been reading the latest posts, and fyi: I didnt have to meet with an investigator or anything, although I thought I would. They just sent out these survey things to people I listed on my equip in the mail. That was all. I dont even think it mattered much because the letters came AFTER I got my security clearance, so go figure!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

BSN317...thanks for the insight...question...how long did your background check take after you submitted your sig. forms?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Med Surg, ER.

How does the level 1-4 work on the PFT? I'm trying to guage myself on the grading scale and I don't know how to use it...Or is using the presidential fitness program better?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

Mine took about 60 days or so; but I had never had a security clearance before. @viper, the level one is the minimum that youre required to achieve; the standards seem to be a bit more lax than the other services. I dont know much about the presidential challenge, I never tried it; but I hear its a popular choice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Med Surg, ER.

I hope it doesn't take 60 days, I'm supposed to start in APR. I wish I could expedite the process...Its hard to stay motivated when you keep seeing the pending under the last thing holding up your application. Its wierd that my first day won't be starting to get to work, but rather getting my ID cards set up...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thx BSN....I agree with Viper...I hope it does not take too long... I have completed the Professional and the Medical...and now just waiting on the background .....I am also supposed to start in Apr....but I and scheduled for TDY in late March.

I have not informed my current employer of anything......I am waiting on confirmation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

Yeah, just stay in touch..things seemed to get expedited once I had a job offer, so hopefully both of your security checks will get pushed through as well. Im sure mine did if I got the clearance BEFORE they heard from my references,lol. Good luck to both of you, and welcome!!!

PS I let my employer know it was a possibility that I'd be leaving, but I didnt know exactly when, and they worked well with me so I wasnt just springing it on them. I literally had like only a 10 day window of when it became "official" and when I had to leave for OBC. ( I went there first)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@ BSN317 Thanks for the insight. With only a 10 day window...how did you manage your household goods? My TDY is scheduled to begin in late March, but my clearance has not been completed. I have received HR docs (direct deposit, SGLI, Oath, etc.)....I am wondering if everything will be completed b4 the TDY date and if there will be a 10-14 day window for me to get everything packed, shipped, and notify my current employer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

I didnt have to move actually. I secured a position near my hometown at an Army base, so I lucked out. Hopefully, they will get it done before them; it can be done! Have you been in contact with the security personnel? I believe her name was Helen, or something of that nature...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow yeah good for you! No I have not been

in touch with anyone in security yet. I was

kind of hoping I wouldn't have to meet with anyone lol

After you submitted your oath how long did it

take to get your orders?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

It was immediate! I didnt even get my HR paperwork until late...I submitted the oath via fax and they cut orders like the next day or two. It moved very quickly. Also, your clearance can be done and not reflect on the site quite yet...Im keeping my fingers crossed that yours gets done in time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey thanks for the assurance! I'm praying on it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion