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

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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!

@ visakapsi...I just bought these items yesterday at the exchange.

khaki slack - $65.50

khaki shirt - $43.50

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Wow...that's a little pricey.....what about your insignia (bars, etc.)

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Not too bad on those...ranges from $3 to $18. The shoes was pricey too.

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Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

Definitely EXPENSIVE, and the 250 uniform allowance barely scratches the surface for all the uniforms youll need. BTW, if any one needs BDUs, I have about 3-4 sets BRAND NEW but theyre too big. Theyre size medium long in both the tops and bottoms. A co worker gave them to me, since Army doesnt wear them anymore. Maybe someone can use them. PM me if so!!! :)

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Hey I've been reading your conversation here. I've been really interested in the USPHS for a couple months now but just curious about a few things. Just wanted to see if anyone here could give any input on these questions:

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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@Serving Christ

1. My liason is a LCDR...she started out working for the FDA and is currently working for the CDC...so you are not restricted to one agency. Sorry w/o speculation, I cannot answer the other parts of your question.

3. Parts of Alaska are considered remote/hardship assignments.

@ Everyone

My CAM told me today that my clearance has been completed and approved! She is going to give my paperwork to the HR specialist on Monday...I should receive my orders shortly there after. I took you guys advice and push back my TDY/report date by 2 weeks. I will use that time to find housing, visit family, and tie up things before I move across country.

After receiving your orders how look does it take to have your information put in the DEERS system so that you can get your IDs...I have 4 dependents

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