USPHS Commissioned Corps

Join a dedicated branch of highly qualified uniformed service officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Led by the U.S. Surgeon General, you will be part of an elite and diverse branch of public health professionals serving as a Public Health Service (PHS) officer, essential to public health leadership and exemplary service in response to public health emergencies.

To Join the USPHS Commissioned Corps on Active Duty

If you are interested in commissioning as a PHS officer in the USPHS Commissioned Corps at CDC/ATSDR, please contact the CDC Commissioned Corps Liasion Office recruitment officer at CCLORecruitment@cdc.gov for more information about eligibility, qualifcations and the application process.

To Remain An Active Duty PHS Officer

If you currently are and want to remain an active-duty PHS officer, you are welcome to apply to Merit Promotion (MP) vacancy announcements and receive a courtesy referral of your application to the hiring manager for consideration. Note: A courtesy referral is not part of the federal competitive civil service hiring process and does not confer federal civil service status for PHS officers. Below is a CDC comparison chart that outlines the relationship between PHS officer billet grades and federal civil service position grades, providing guidance on the levels of duties and responsibilities associated with each grade when applying for positions.

To Separate from the USPHS Commissioned Corps

To continue your career in the federal civil service as a civilian upon separation from the USPHS Commissioned Corps, consider applying for federal positions at the CDC that are open to the general public through Open to the Public competitive vacancy announcements, if no other eligibility status applies. If selected, you will be considered for hire in accordance with the federal civilian hiring laws, rules, and regulations, which may include a start date on or after your effective separation date from the USPHS Commissioned Corps or as soon as the day after your last day at your USPHS Commissioned Corps duty station.