Does the Commissioned Corps have career counselors who can help me locate vacancies in my profession?
Yes. When you apply for a commission, you will be assigned a human resources specialist who will serve as your primary contact on all matters related to your application.
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How do I apply? Should I apply to the Commissioned Corps or to the agency or program where I wish to work?
Applying for a call to active duty as a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer involves two processes (see flowchart). You must apply for a Corps commission, and you must apply for jobs at agencies or with programs that accept Corps officers for assignments. You should pursue both processes simultaneously.
The Office of Commissioned Corps Operations, Division of Commissioned Corps Assignments (DCCA), will process your application for a Corps commission. Your actual job offer, however, will come from the agency or program to which you applied for a position. Our jobs database lists available positions, with search criteria such as profession, grade, and location.
All general duty Commissioned Corps application forms are available online. Applications for the Student Commissioning Program also are available online. If you have any problems with the online form, you may call the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations at 800–279–1605 for assistance.
Applicants who are on active duty in other uniformed services need to complete the General Duty Commissioned Corps application forms and provide additional information.
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Whom should I contact if I have questions about how to complete the application?
When you begin your application for a commission, you will be assigned a human resources specialist to contact with questions. Also, you may call the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations at 800–279–1605.
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How can I check the status of my application?
Once your application is submitted you will be able to log in and check the status of your application. You will be able to see where your application is in the process as well as obtain further instructions about what is needed to complete the process. View Status of Application
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How long does the application process take?
The application processing time varies due to a number of factors, such as the time it takes to receive official transcripts from institutions and to complete an initial background investigation. It is the aim of the Commissioned Corps and the selecting agencies to place qualified candidates in specific positions within 10 to 12 weeks.
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