Applying to the Unique Financial Assistance Program (SRCOSTEP)
Securing a commission in the Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP) as an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) is a multi-step process.
Step 1 - Initiate a prescreen. The USPHS prescreen is a series of questions that will determine your conditional eligibility to initiate a formal application. The questions relate to your citizenship status, age, health, and academic achievements and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Step 2 - Upon completion of the prescreen, you will be notified by email as to your eligibility. If qualified, you will receive access to the official application and directions for submitting supporting documents by the application deadline (please see chart below). It is imperative that you complete all necessary documentation outlined in the instruction packet to be considered a formal applicant to the Commissioned Corps.
| For Students Graduating: |
SRCOSTEP Application Due Date: |
| Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2013 |
September 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011 |
| Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2014 |
September 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012 |
| Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2015 |
September 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013 |
| Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2016 |
September 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 |
Step 3 - When you submit your complete application to the USPHS for SRCOSTEP, your materials will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. You will receive additional communication as to your status as an applicant typically within 4-6 weeks. First communication is usually initiated via the email address that you have indicated on your application.
Step 4 - Once your application materials have been verified for completeness and eligibility as an official SRCOSTEP applicant your file is available to agencies for review and selection.
Step 5 - If you have been tentatively selected by an agency for SRCOSTEP you will be contacted directly by the agency for interview. Once the agency has formally selected you, you will continue the USPHS commissioning process. In general the process for commissioning consists of three board reviews which include professional boarding, medical review, and security/suitability determination. For a more detailed description of the entire process please refer to the USPHS Commissioning Process [PDF].
If you are ready to answer the call, take the first step to starting your future career as a Commissioned officer today!
Page Last Modified on 3/6/2012
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