Student Opportunities
IHS Pharmacist Recruiter:
Damion Killsback, Pharm.D.
CDR, USPHS
Indian Health Service
12300 Twinbrook Parkway
Suite 450A
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-2472
Fax: (301) 443-6048
IHS Loan Repayment Program:
Jackie Santiago
Indian Health Service
Loan Repayment Program
801 Thompson Avenue, TMP-450A
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 443-3396
Fax: (301) 443-4815
USPHS Student Externship Program and Senior Year Rotations
The IHS offers three excellent opportunities for students throughout the academic year through the Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP), Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP) and Senior Year Externship Rotations. All of these programs are highly competitive.
JRCOSTEP
JRCOSTEP allows students to gain valuable professional experience
with the IHS early in their education. They serve in assignments throughout the
country during their official school breaks for periods from 31 to 120 days.
Most, however, are hired for the summer months (June, July, and August). Upon
completing his/her professional education, the student may serve an extended
active-duty assignment with any of the agencies/programs that hire commissioned
officers. Those who go on to a career in the Commissioned Corps are credited
for their JRCOSTEP time for pay and retirement purposes. JRCOSTEPS do
not have an obligation to serve in the Commissioned Corps after graduation.
Go to the Division of Commissioned
Personnel
for
additional information about JRCOSTEP.
SRCOSTEP
The SRCOSTEP program is
designed to assist students financially during their final academic year in return
for an agreement to work for the PHS Commissioned Corps after graduation for
twice the time sponsored (i.e., an 18-month employment commitment for 9 months
of financial support). Upon graduation, assignments are made to the sponsoring
agency/program that provided the financial support. Go to the Division
of Commissioned Personnel
for
additional information about SRCOSTEP.
Senior Year Externship Rotation
IHS has senior year externship rotation agreements with many of the schools of pharmacy. Students interested in externship assignments should contact their school externship/rotation coordinator. If the school does not have an agreement with the desired program, or to try another location, have the rotation coordinator contact the IHS Pharmacy Program. Below is the current externship site listing.
- Student Externship Opportunities [XLS - 52K]
Recruitment Contacts
Recruitment contacts are members of the IHS Area Pharmacy Consultants. These individuals are knowledgeable about their Area and sites and what openings are currently available and will soon become available. Please contact these individuals as you look at job opportunities.

