U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service: The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
A - Z Index:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
#
[Apply Now]
Scholarship Home
Apply Now
Learn More
Recipient Responsibilities
IHS Extern
Program
Forms and
Handbooks
Frequently Asked Questions
Career/Guidance Counselors
Archives
Contact Us
Your Health Career Starts Here - IHS Scholarship Program
Home » IHS Extern Program

IHS Extern Program

The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers scholarship recipients, as well as other health profession students an opportunity to participate in a hands-on instructive experience that will complement the knowledge and skills they developed in school. You can use this experience to enhance your pre-professional training, but also to familiarize yourself with Native communities that are of interest to you when you begin your career as an Indian health professional.

IHS externs are employed for 30 to 120 workdays per calendar year during non-academic periods.

Eligibility to Apply

IHS externships are available to students who are:

  • US citizens.
  • Enrolled in an IHS-approved health profession program.
  • In good academic standing: 2.0 grade point average or above.

Priorities for Selection

Funding for the IHS Extern Program is limited and selections are based on the needs of the Indian health program. Below is a priority listing of those eligible for the IHS Extern Program:

  • Health Professions scholarship recipients.
  • Health professions students (non-recipients) who are American Indian or Alaska Native.
  • Non-American Indian/Alaska Native health professions students (non-recipients).
  • Preparatory or Pre-Graduate scholarship recipients.

Application Deadline

Summer Externship

You must submit your completed application by April 1.

How to Apply

Submit your externship application through USAJOBS Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . The online system provides a detailed overview including:

  • A job summary.
  • Key requirements.
  • Duties.
  • Qualifications.
  • Evaluation details.
  • Benefits.
  • Required documentation.

Salary

Externs receive a salary based on experience and years of academic training that is comparable to industry standards. IHS will waive your salary if the externship fulfills a required academic field placement or an internship, in which case it will instead pay all required tuition and fees (scholarship students only).

Read the Qualifications section of the USAJOBS Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov overview for more information.

Travel

You must submit a Request for Extern Travel Reimbursement (IHS-856-18) [PDF - 86KB] form to request reimbursement for one round trip to the externship site before you plan any travel. IHS authorizes travel reimbursement based on federal regulations for travel and transportation allowances. If a travel advance is required, contact your Area Scholarship Coordinator and the IHS Area office, Service Unit or health clinic where you are assigned.

Do not, under any circumstances, travel without authorized travel orders.

Housing

You are responsible for finding your own housing. Your Area Scholarship Coordinator or the local site can provide that information to you. You are eligible to receive a minimal allowance for transportation of goods, but IHS must provide advanced authorization on your travel orders.

Please stay in touch with your Area Scholarship Coordinator and Extern Coordinator to verify all of your arrangements before traveling to the externship site.