The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps is a uniformed service that allows nurses to live their dream of becoming a nurse and making a difference in the lives of people in need while also serving their country, with the best benefits in the world.
The USPHS is different because many of our nurses serve in federal agencies where they provide direct patient care, fulfilling the need of patient connection. However, the USPHS also creates the opportunity for nurses to travel and grow in their career while retaining the security of retirement and health care.
USPHS officers earn a pension after 20 years of service so a nurse who joins at 2, will be eligible to retire and receive a pension at the age of 42. And you can start this career as a student!
SRCOSTEP
The USPHS Commissioned Corps’ Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training Extern Program's (SRCOSTEP) annual open application period is open until Sept. 30. SRCOSTEP is an active-duty uniformed service program for full-time students pursuing their qualifying degrees. The student is sponsored by a participating agency while in school.
Brief Benefit Overview
- No additional work requirements while in school
- Commissioned as an officer at the O-1 (ensign) rank
- Start accruing benefits such as pay with housing allowance, progress toward a pension, zero down VA home loan, Post 9/11 GI Bill which pays for future education, and much more
- Receive basic pay and tax-exempt housing/subsistence allowance ranging in a monthly pay from $3,000 - $6,000.
- Zero dollar premium for health and dental through Tricare
- Relocation allowance to cover moving expenses to duty location after graduation
- Guaranteed position post-graduation (active-duty service obligation twice the time
sponsored while in school)
SRCOSTEPs serve on active duty while attending their final year of academic study and incur a service obligation to the agency that sponsored the student equal to twice the time sponsored while in school upon graduation. Here are some important resources we highly encourage prospective applicants to review prior to the application process: SRCOSTEP policy, CCMIS SRCOSTEP FAQs, and SRCOSTEP FAQs. Please view the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps video.
USPHS officers detailed to the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) provide care to underserved populations across the nation and abroad both in times of emergency and every day. The agency allows nurses to operate in the full capacity of their license and encourages continuous improvement and growth within the profession.
IHSC selected candidates will know their assigned duty station early in the SRCOSTEP application process.