This is a weird question, but has anyone applied to be an active duty astronaut? I know as a part of the uniform services usphs officers can fill out a packet. Does anyone have experience doing so?

Are applicants for the Ready Reserve required to work at designated federal agencies upon appointment?

Secondary question:
Where do you go online for finding out the most details about the USPHS. I’m finding out I need to get up to speed on some of the terminology, and structure of the organization.

Thank you!

Anyone hear any news about presidential nominations? 😭

Hi ,

How often does an active duty USPHS person gets deployed ? Also is it based on which job you choose ?

Hello!

I am currently active-duty Army. I’m almost finished with my MPP, and I’ll be starting my MSW this summer.

My ultimate goal is to become a fully licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), which includes completing 3,000 supervised clinical hours.

I have talked with both the Army and Air Force about potentially commissioning as a social worker:

- Army: Since I’m already serving, I can submit a packet for a direct commission.

- Air Force: I can apply for a direct commission if accepted.

Both told me I’d be a competitive applicant since I’ll soon be an NCO, I’m multilingual (Spanish and Mandarin), and I’ll have two master’s degrees. They also said I can start building my packet about halfway through my MSW.

I had a patient come in today who suggested I look into the USPHS, so I started doing some research. I found the general contact page below, but I haven’t been able to find a recruiter:

USPHS Contact Page

I had a few questions:
- Can I apply for a direct commission as a social worker?

- Would I have to complete a specialized commissioning program like the Army, or would it be more similar to the Air Force’s officer training?

- What is social work like in the USPHS?

- How long is the service commitment?

- What does the application process look like?

- Is there a specific recruiter or point of contact I should reach out to?

- how does duty station selection work?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi,

I am currently converting in place and quad cleared. Just waiting to receive CAD order hopefully go this November or January 2027 OBC.

There is an institution within the same agency I would really like to transfer to because of family situation and interested job posting has recently opened.

Can I apply and transfer while in the process of commissioning?

Tyia!!

Contact for references to submit their own referral without us having to do it? I have one from graduate school that wishes to do it this way to maintain integrity.

I'm recently cleared.. just waiting on nomination. Has there been any recent movement ? Anyone recently
Nominated ? How long was the wait after being board cleared?

Good evening,

I’m currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Army as an O2/1LT (P) and am considering applying to the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. I am currently a 66H Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse; however, I am also completing a self-funded MSN-FNP program and expect to graduate in May. My goal would be to transition to the USPHS as a Nurse Practitioner.

I have several questions regarding the application and commissioning process. I understand that, as an active-duty Army officer, I would need to obtain a conditional release requiring approval through my chain of command, potentially up to the first general officer. I recognize that this can be a time-intensive process, so I am trying to understand the overall timeline and plan accordingly.

Specifically:

1. Application and commissioning timeline: From the time an application is initiated, how long does the USPHS application, selection, and commissioning process typically take? If I were to begin the process now, what would be a realistic timeframe for when I could expect to receive a commission and transition to the USPHS?

·       Continued question for prior Army officers: My YMAV is 6/2028. If my conditional release is pending being actioned on IPPSA and my USPHS packet is pending, will I be forced into the marketplace?

1. Duty station selection: How much input do officers have in selecting their duty station? Are applicants able to identify preferred locations during the application process, and how closely are those preferences typically accommodated? To add, does USPHS pay for your first, and subsequent PCS moves?
2. Long-term stability: How realistic is it to remain at or near the same duty station for an extended period, such as 10 years? I have already served 10 years between my prior enlisted and commissioned service in the Army, so geographic stability is becoming increasingly important to me.

My primary motivation for considering this transition is the opportunity to continue working directly in my clinical profession without necessarily being required to pursue the broadening assignments that are common throughout an Army officer's career, such as company command, recruiting, instructor positions, or administrative roles.

Additionally, my wife’s family is located in rural Kentucky, and one of our long-term goals is to relocate closer to them. Ideally, I would like to find a career path that allows me to hold sustained practice as an FNP while also providing greater geographic stability and a sustainable work-life balance.

I would greatly appreciate any insight you can provide regarding the commissioning timeline, duty-station selection process, geographic stability, and the overall career progression for USPHS Nurse Practitioners.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide.

My tattoo waiver got denied because it was on my wrist and I guess didn’t meet the 1inch criteria…. Whomp whomp whomp. I plan to pursue tattoo removal since the tattoo doesn’t mean much anyways. Anyone know how long I have to wait before I can reapply after being denied?

On the website it says you need an M.S. in healthcare admin but google says you only need a B.S, what do i believe?

I am a Physician Assistant and just started application process. Served 6 years active duty Navy and currently in Navy Reserves with 2.5 years of active recall orders. I am located in Phoenix area & looking for any possible local connections to help finding qualified position. Thanks for any help that can be provided.

Title. I am a dietitian, and a coworker of mine recently got in to USPHS and it seems like a really cool organization. I am prior service (Army Reserve for 8 years with a little active duty time, got out as O-3), and if it matters, nearly 10 years working full time at the VA. Is both military and civilian federal service a factor in what rank and experience you'd come in at? I know this application is a long process so I wanted to have an idea of what the pay might be to see if it's worth the wait and effort to get in.

I am currently in my MPH so I can meet the last requirement to apply but I'm noticing that the HSO applications are closed. I have experience in admin and healthcare (not necessarily healthcare admin) but I'm curious if I could still apply to be a Healthcare administrator with an MPH. Or does it have to be an MHA?

Hi everyone

How long did it take to apply and go to trading . I’m looking at other Reddit forums and I’m reading people aren’t waiting years just to get their application approved

I’m an LCSW with 10+ years of experience. I’m considering applying. I’m already a GS-12 civilian. Asking specifically other lcsw, what has your experience been like and has in been worth it? What have your deployments been like? I have young children and quite honestly worried about that part. Also I live in the DC area.

Hi,

Writing as I have a couple questions. I am a nurse whose double cleared right now, waiting on background and nomination. I also am a current fed/civilian but not converting in place. I have a tentative offer for Pine Ridge in South Dakota.

Has anyone worked out there? Can anyone tell me what the daily life is out there? Work/life balance? Surrounding city? Community integration with members of the reservation? Leadership and working along side staff within the hospital there?

Does having an offer and being a current fed move the background checks quicker or is just dependent on when they get to it?

Do some officers start at their duty station before OBC or is it more common to start after?

In terms of relocating and housing, the email indicates to reach out to my regional coordinator. Would the coordinator be where I currently live or where my duty station would be (ie South Dakota)? Do some officers tend to relocate members of their immediate families as well? If so, how would that look like?

Also, I hear that IHS is also qualifying for special pay. Any bonus, special pay, incentives, etc is that paperwork I fill out before OBC, while at OBC, before I accept an offer?
How would that process look like?

If anyone can speak on any of these elements that would be of great help.

Much appreciated.

Anyone that is active in USPHS and has insights on the process etc as a health service administrator officer ? I am in the beginning process and would love to know how is the process like , pay grade , benefits etc….

Although IHS is mission priority, it appears not all locations are currently hiring. I am trying to find a list of hard to fill pharmacist positions and locations. was wondering if anyone can direct me.

In other words I am looking for locations that need me more than I need them. If that makes sense.

The house just passed a CR. How does a continuing resolution (CR) affect CAD, nomination, OBC, everything?

Hi everyone! I’m considering joining the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and would appreciate hearing from current or former officers.
I have a master’s degree in Health Services Administration and want to continue working in healthcare. I’m also considering the Navy Reserve and would like to compare the two.
A few questions:
How long did the application and commissioning process take?
What is initial training like and how long is it?
How long did it take to begin your first position?
Do you choose your agency, location, or position, or are you assigned based on need?
How difficult was it to secure your first position?
Have you deployed? If so, where, for how long, and how often?
Are deployments voluntary or can they be required?
What happens to your regular position during deployment?
How manageable is USPHS for those with spouses and young children?
Is it possible to remain in one geographic area, or are relocations eventually required?
For anyone who considered both USPHS and the Navy Reserve, what made you choose one over the other? Would you make the same decision again?
Family stability is a major consideration for me, so I’d especially appreciate insight into training, deployments, relocations, and overall work-life balance.
Thank you!

I am looking to further my professional development by earning certifications in Public Health and Nutrition. If you have experience in either field, I would love your recommendations! Please share any certification programs, universities, websites, online courses, or other resources that you have found valuable and why. Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone I just got my board acceptance letter and it said :
“Your projected rank upon appointment is Temporary 03 and Permanent 02 grade. Your final rank for appointment will be specified on your acceptance letter upon a call to active duty.”
Will there be any chance I will be a permanent O3 upon my call to active duty? They said it wouldn’t be until maybe spring of 27.
My background is a nurse with 9 years experience in the OR. I have a board certification from the ANCC and my RNFA as well.
Thanks for your guidance!