Commissioned Corps

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Most IHS engineers are employed as Commissioned Officers of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). The Commissioned Corps of the USPHS is one of the seven uniformed services of the United States Government. Although some of the uniformed services are also armed forces, the Commissioned Corps of the USPHS is not an Armed Force. However, the Commissioned Corps is a uniformed service which plays an important role in health care and health emergencies, and its officers can be deployed. Thus, many of the features of employment, e.g. pay and benefits, are equivalent among all the uniformed services. However, there are some distinct differences.

First, the Commissioned Corps of the USPHS is comprised entirely of officers who have been commissioned on the basis of their health-related training. There are no enlisted members of the Commissioned Corps; virtually all Commissioned Officers qualify for commissioning by achieving certain degree requirements from accredited schools. Among the 12 categories of professions in the Corps are engineers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, scientists, dentist and other health care workers. The Commissioned Corps is approximately 6,200 members strong.

The applicant to the Corps may select the agency to which he or she wishes to be assigned, as well as the specific location, if there is a preference. If the agency is unable to offer the candidate an assignment of choice or if the individual chooses to seek employment elsewhere, then no match is made.

As you will see from the extensive list of advantages, newly commissioned officers enjoy benefits not available to their counterparts in private practice. Each year, Commissioned Officers earn 30 days of paid vacation, and may take sick leave as needed. The annual leave and holidays are equivalent to eight weeks of paid vacation.

Individuals who serve careers in the USPHS can become eligible for non-contributory retirement benefits after just 20 years of service. The Commissioned Corps of the USPHS can be an exciting and rewarding career option for this interested in public service.

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	For More Information About Engineering Opportunities Contact: Carol Rogers Staff Engineer Indian Health Service Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction Suite 610 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy Rockville,  MD 20852 Phone: (301)443-1046 Fax:     (301)443-7538