I want to work as a Commissioned Corps officer. Should I apply to the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, to the agency where I'd like to work, or to both?
Applying for a call to active duty as a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer involves two processes (see flowchart below). You must apply for a Corps commission, and you must apply for jobs at agencies that accept Commissioned Corps officers for assignments in their programs. 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.
The selection of an officer to fill a position is a competitive process and may require a personal interview. Once the agency or program has selected you for the position and you have been deemed eligible for a commission, DCCA will prepare orders calling you to active duty as a commissioned officer. Congratulations!
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What are the basic qualifications for a Commissioned Corps applicant?
To qualify for the Commissioned Corps, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be less than 44 years of age
- Be medically qualified
- Have a current, unrestricted professional license (if applicable)
- Have a qualifying degree from an accredited institution (varies depending on profession)
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How do I apply to the Commissioned Corps?
All applicants will apply to the Commissioned Corps via the electronic call to active duty (eCAD) system. Applicants who encounter problems with the eCAD system should contact the Division of Commissioned Corps Recruitment at 800-279-1605.
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Where do I send documents associated with my application?
Send documents associated with your application to:
Office of Commissioned Corps Operations
Division of Commissioned Corps Assignments
1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20852
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Where can I find information about agency/program vacancies that accept Corps officers?
Applicants as well as Commissioned Corps officers may search for available jobs at www.usajobs.gov. The Office of Commissioned Corps Operations also maintains a self-subscribing mail list for distributing vacancy announcements to Commissioned Corps officers.
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How can I check the status of my application?
You create a confidential online account as part of the application process. To monitor the status of your application, you will simply log on to your Commissioned Corps account at any time.
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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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