Public Health Training and Fellowships

If you are in college, have recently graduated, or are currently working in the public health arena, click here to learn more about the public health training and fellowship opportunities at CDC.

Service Fellowship for U.S. Citizens and Non-Citizens

Are you a talented scientist engaged in public health research, studies, training, or investigations? If so, you may qualify for one of our many fellowship programs. Contact the specific CDC organization for information about service fellowships.

Fellowship programs covered by Title 42, Public Health Service Act are open to U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Initial assignments are up to five years long and may be extended in five-year increments.

Fellowships are classified by education and experience:

Senior Service Fellow
Associate Service Fellow
Regular Fellow

CDC medical officers/physicians serve as advisors, consultants, and administrators. The results of their work are felt worldwide as they conduct cutting-edge medical research, collaborate with and/or provide specialized services to CDC partners, and institutionalize national and international health programs and scientific investigations. Qualifications for a medical officer are determined by the grade level of the position. Click here to view and/or print basic qualifications and grade levels required for medical officers at CDC.

How to Apply

Career opportunities for medical officers/physicians appointed under the civil service are posted at http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9hhs.asp, which includes detailed instructions on how to apply.

Civil Service Versus Commissioned Corps Career Path

Medical officers elect a career path at the CDC: Civil Service or Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Each path has its own pay structure, benefits, and career progression. A comparison chart is available on the PHS web site.

Commissioned Corps information is available at the PHS Web site.

Pay and Benefits (Civil Service Employees)

Medical officers receive a starting salary commensurate with their experience and salary history. Special allowances and incentives of up to $40,000 may be authorized based on the agency's need for the physician's skills, qualifications, credentials.

• Physicians Comparability Allowance (PCA) – The PCA is in addition to the physician's total salary and is based on the length of service agreement, board certification, creditable service as a federal physician, and grade level of the position.
• Physicians and Dentists Pay – Physicians and dentists below the GS-15 grade level who provide direct patient care services or services incident to patient care are eligible for physicians and dentists pay. This special pay takes into account experience level, agency need, the health care labor market, board certifications, accomplishments, and consideration of unique circumstances, qualifications, or credentials.
• Recruitment Incentive – A recruitment incentive of up to 50% of the employee's annual pay may be authorized for medical officers/physicians newly appointed to the federal service.
• Relocation Incentive – A relocation incentive of up to 50% of the employee's annual pay may be authorized for a current federal employee who must relocate to accept a medical officer/physician position in a different geographic area.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required for appointment to most federal positions unless otherwise noted in the job announcement.

Emerging Leaders Program

Are you a college graduate eager to make a contribution to the health and well being of the American public? Do you have a capacity for leadership and a keen interest in analysis and management? If yes, we have just the right opportunity for you.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Emerging Leaders Program is a comprehensive, two-year, full-time employment and career development program that is a stepping stone to careers in science, technology, public health, administration, and more. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are eligible for permanent placement in an HHS operating division/bureau. Click here for more information about the Emerging Leaders Program.

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Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program

Will you complete your master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree during this academic year? If yes, we invite you to explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program.

The PMF Program is a two-year, paid program designed to develop future leaders committed to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The program is highly competitive and candidates must be nominated by their graduate program’s dean, director, or chair. Upon successful completion of the program, fellows may be eligible for permanent placement within a federal agency.  Click here for more information about the Presidential Management Fellows Program.

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Public Health Training Opportunities

We are looking for smart, ambitious people for a variety of public health training programs. If you are in college, have recently graduated or are currently working in public health, we have a place for you. Click here for more information about Public Health Training Opportunities.

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Student Educational Employment Programs

The student educational employment program consists of two programs:

• Student Careers Employment Program (SCEP) offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience directly related to their academic field of study. The program can also lead to permanent employment at CDC upon graduation and completion of 640 work hours.

• Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is a temporary employment program. Employment under STEP can range from summer jobs to positions that last as long as the employee is a student. STEP offers maximum flexibility for students looking for temporary employment — schedules are flexible and the work does not have to be directly related to the student’s academic field of study.

Eligibility Requirements

Students are eligible for the student educational employment program at CDC if they are:

• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.)
• At least the minimum age required by federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors
• Taking at least a half-time academic or vocational/technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, or graduate or professional school
• A U.S. citizen or a national (permanent resident in absence of U.S. born citizen)

Pay and Benefits

Students are paid under the General Schedule (GS) Federal pay system and are hired at Grades GS-1 through GS-9 according to their level of education. The GS grades vary according to the degree being pursued and the level of work being performed.

Students are also eligible for:

• Sick and annual leave accrual
• Health benefits
• Transit subsidy
• Alternative work schedule
• Child care
• Fitness center access

More Information

Visit www.studentjobs.gov for more information on student employment in the federal service.

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Student Summer Employment Program

The Student Summer Employment Program provides training and work experience for individuals during summer months. The work ranges from office support to trades and labor occupations to positions in professional fields.

Eligibility

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in the Student Summer Employment Program:

• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a diploma, certificate, or degree-seeking student. Verification showing enrollment status is required from the school.
• Meet the minimum age required by federal, state, or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors.
• Taking or scheduled to take a course load at least half-time in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island)

Pay and Benefits

Students in the Student Summer Employment Program receive a competitive salary, but are not eligible for federal benefits.

How to Apply

Student employment opportunities are announced December or January through March of each year at http://www.studentjobs.gov/. Visit the Web site beginning in December or January for more information on applying for summer employment with CDC. Detailed instructions on how to apply for student employment opportunities are provided during the announcement period.

Required Documentation

• Resume or Application (OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment)
• Academic Transcript
• School Verification Form

Previously Employed Under SSEP?

Students may not have to compete with other students if previously employed by CDC as part of the Student Summer Employment Program. However, students must complete and submit their application during the announcement period.

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Work Study Program

The Work Study Program offers students various clerical and student trainee occupations during the academic year and/or summer months (June/July – September).

Eligibility

Students must apply for and be awarded federally-sponsored college work-study through their academic institution to be eligible for the work study program.

Pay and Benefits

Students receive a stipend through their school based on their year in school. Students are not eligible for federal benefits.

More Information

Students should contact their financial aid office for more information on work study opportunities.

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Volunteer Service

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers unpaid, educationally-related opportunities to students in high school and college through the Worksite Experience Program. The Worksite Experience Program allows students to explore career options and gain valuable and rewarding work experience while pursuing their educational goals. Many educational institutions grant academic credit for the work performed. Contact your educational institution for more information on crediting volunteer experience.

Eligibility

To participate in the Worksite Experience Program, students must:

• receive written permission from their school;
• provide proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution (e.g., transcript, current student identification card, etc.);
• be at least 16 years old;
• be enrolled, at least half-time in:
  • a high school or trade school;
  • a technical or vocational school;
  • a junior or community college;
  • a four-year college or university; or
  • any other accredited educational institution including home-school. [Students who are home-schooled must be participating in either an accredited home-school, or a home-school curriculum approved by the State.]
• provide proof of health insurance if volunteering in the research and study laboratories and facilities.
• pass a background investigation conducted by the CDC; and
• meet VISA requirements for non-citizens

Generally speaking, Federal agencies are prohibited by law (section 1342 of title 31, United States Code) from accepting volunteer service. No person may provide unpaid service to the Government or provide service with the understanding that he or she will waive pay. Exceptions to this prohibition are provided only for:

• employment in emergencies involving the protection of life or property;
• employment of assistants to handicapped employees;
• employment of experts and consultants; and
• employment of students to further their educational goals.

Identifying Volunteer Opportunities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not maintain a centralized database of volunteer opportunities. Contact the respective CDC organization if you are interested in volunteering.