Career Paths & Benefits

Please select a career path below to learn more about it:

USPHS COMMISSIONED CORPS | CIVIL SERVICE | DIRECT TRIBAL HIRE

USPHS COMMISSIONED CORPS

For many IHS Public Health Professionals, the favored route to a successful and rewarding career is to become a Commissioned Officer of the US Public Health Service (USPHS) assigned to IHS. While not a branch of the military, the Commissioned Corps is one of the seven uniformed services and employees enjoy benefits similar to those in the military. Commissioned Corps Officers working for IHS for a minimum service commitment of two years enjoy exceptional benefits.

Benefits

IHS Commissioned Corps Officers enjoy the same benefits as their counterparts in the US military services, but without many of the restrictions.

$15,000 - $30,000 sign-up bonus (with requirements)
30 days paid vacation
10 paid Federal holidays
Continuing education*
Sick leave as needed
Comprehensive health care
Tax-free housing allowance
Space-available flights on military aircraft
No-cost malpractice coverage
No overhead expenses
Non-contributory retirement
Thrift savings (contributory) retirement

*Availability and reimbursement policies vary by profession and position.

Eligibility Requirements

US citizenship
Medical physical
Minimum two year commitment
Must be under 44 at time of commission
Registered nurses and registered hygienists: Fully accredited baccalaureate degree and valid license from any US state
Physicians and Dentists: Degree and valid license from any US state
Pharmacists: Graduate of an ACPE accredited college of pharmacy; must have an unrestricted pharmacy license from any US state within one year of graduation.

For more information specific to your profession, contact the PHP Recruiter:

CIVIL SERVICE

For many IHS Public Health Professionals, especially those with prior Federal employment, the Civil Service Personnel System offers a rewarding career opportunity with the Indian Health Service. Civil Service employment does not require a multi-year commitment. Flexibility, along with the generous benefits available to Federal employees, makes Civil Service an attractive choice for experienced professionals and recent graduates alike.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary and benefits
Eligible for transfer after 2 years
13 days paid vacation to start
10 paid Federal holidays
Annual continuing education*
13 days sick leave per year
Comprehensive retirement program
Comprehensive health care
No-cost malpractice coverage
No overhead expenses
Thrift savings (contributory) retirement plan with government match
Up to 5 years of retirement credit transferable to employment with Commissioned Corps

*While continuing education in a variety of fields is available at all sites, cost reimbursement may vary.

Eligibility Requirements

US citizenship
Negotiable employment commitment
Physicians and Dentists: Degree and valid license from any US state
Pharmacists: Pharmacy degree (BS or PharmD) from an ACPE accredited school of pharmacy and a valid license from any US state
Registered nurses: Diploma, ADN or BSN and valid RN license from any US state
No age requirement
No physical required

For more information specific to your profession, contact the PHP Recruiter:

DIRECT TRIBAL HIRE

An alternative to a Civil Service employment career path is to accept employment directly from one of the more than 560 federally recognized Tribes in 35 states. Employment benefits for those who choose to work directly for a Tribe vary depending on the Tribe and the position, but benefits are comparable to those offered by Federal personnel systems. IHS can facilitate opportunities for you to work under contract with a specific Tribe, but you will negotiate pay and benefits directly with the Tribe.

For more information specific to your profession, contact the PHP Recruiter: