USPHS Commissioned Corps

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is one of the nation’s uniformed services – a branch committed to the service of health overseen by the Surgeon General.  Join more than 6,500 highly qualified public health professionals dedicated to delivering the nation's public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. You will be part of an elite and diverse team of professionals essential to public health leadership and exemplary clinical service.

Learn more at https://www.usphs.gov/.

Job Opportunities for USPHS Commissioned Corps officers at CMS

Opportunities at CMS can vary greatly in the type of work being completed. The background of the officers currently working for CMS range from nurses and pharmacists to therapists and dieticians just to name a few. 

If you are a current USPHS Commissioned Corps officer, or have an application that is professionally boarded, please note that every announcement on USAJOBS has a specific detail section on how an officer should apply.  It states:

“Commissioned Corps Officers (including Commissioned Corps applicants that are professionally boarded) who are interested in applying for this position must send their professional resume (not PHS Curriculum Vitae) and cover letter to CMSCorpsJobs@cms.hhs.gov in lieu of applying through this announcement. The cover letter should specifically explain how you are qualified for this position and draw specific attention to your resume that demonstrates these qualifications. Also send any transcripts, licenses or certifications as requested in this announcement. In the subject line of your e-mail please include only the Job Announcement Number. In the body of your e-mail please include your current rank name and serial number. Failure to provide this information may impact your consideration for this position.”

In addition, if you would like to be included on future hiring workshops or job announcement emails, please send an email to CMSCorpsJobs@cms.hhs.gov to request to be added.

Interested in joining the USPHS Commissioned Corps?

Are  you ready to make an impact? The USPHS Commissioned Corps offers rewarding career for public health professionals who have a desire to protect our nation’s health and serve those most in need.  Find more information on the application requirements and process at https://www.usphs.gov/apply-now/.

If you are already a federal employee, it may be possible to join the Commissioned Corps while maintaining your current position.

Learn more from current USPHS Commissioned Corps officers at CMS:

Meet CAPT Ken Sun 

What has been the most rewarding experience serving as a Safety Engineer officer in the Commissioned Corps?

“The most rewarding part is working with State Health Department surveyors and health facilities maintenance staff to understand the regulations, why compliance matters and how to stay in compliance.”  

How has being a PHS officer affected your career, goals, and perspective on public health?

“Engineers play a critical role in public health, perhaps in the most visible way with infrastructure work.  We can be proud of the work that we accomplish.  As I reflect back on what I know now, I recognize more than ever that engineers are a part of a team working for the public health.” 

Meet LCDR Israel Cross

What has been the most rewarding experience serving as a Scientist officer in the Commissioned Corps?

“Service and science are my driving purposes in life. My single most rewarding experience comes as a Quality and Process Improvement (QAPI) Specialist and Compliance Officer deployed to an Indian Health Service Hospital in the Great Plains to improve patient safety. While I enjoyed completing the duties of the mission, the cultural immersion I experienced with American Indians and Alaska Natives was profoundly transformational and staunch reminder that immersive service empowers my ability to serve more effectively.

How has being a PHS officer affected your career, goals, and perspective on public health?

“What I love the most about being a scientist in the USPHS is the versatility that having this skillset permits. The USPHS has blessed me the opportunity to serve on the frontlines of public health and deploy in several different response roles to natural disasters and humanitarian crises—the USPHS has vastly expanded my perspective on public health and has helped me connect with the populations we serve.”