# Presentation: 141728

## Eligibility Criteria

- U.S. Citizenship
- Less than 44 years of age
- Graduate of an accredited College/University in United States
- Less than 8 years of Active Duty in another uniformed service
- Good Health

## STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

**Notes:**
The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps offers two excellent opportunities for pharmacy students  throughout the academic year:

The Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP) and the Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP). 
Because both programs are highly competitive, it is recommended that students apply early.

## JRCOSTEP Program

- Serve for periods ranging from 31 to 120 days
- No obligation to serve in the Commissioned Corps after graduation
- Credit given for JRCOSTEP time for pay and retirement purposes

**Notes:**
The JRCOSTEP program allows students to gain valuable professional experience with the Public Health Service early in their college education. 
Students serve in assignments throughout the country during their official school breaks for periods ranging from 31 to 120 days. 
Most students are hired for the summer months (June – August). 
Upon completing his/her professional education, the student may serve an extended active duty assignment with any of the agencies and/or programs that hire CC officers. 
Those students who go on to a career in the CC 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. 

## SRCOSTEP Program

- Assists 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
- Assigned to the sponsoring agency upon graduation

**Notes:**
The SRCOSTEP program is designed to assist students financially during their final academic year of their qualifying degree 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. 

## COSTEP Benefits

- Basic pay (taxable)
- Ensign (pay grade O-1) officer
- Allowances (non-taxable)
- Housing Allowance
- Subsistence
- Prior service in a Uniformed Service will count towards years of service for pay

**Notes:**
Combining basic pay and allowances, a COSTEP can expect to earn approximately $2500 per month.

In addition, a COSTEP will also be given  certain costs of travel and transportation from the place from which called to active duty to the duty station and return. 

## Application Acceptance Dates

**Junior Costep**
- June 1 - September 30 (for positions during the following 1/1 – 4/30)
- September 1 - December 31 (for positions during the following 5/1 – 8/31)
- January 1 - April 30 (for positions during the following 9/1 - 12/31)
- Applicants for JRCOSTEP who are currently in the next-to-last year of their professional education may also apply for SRCOSTEP. To apply for both programs, you may submit a single application packet.
**Senior Costep**
- Applications must be postmarked by 12/31 for applicant whose final year begins in the fall of the succeeding year
- Example: 12/31/2002 for students entering their last year of pharmacy school in September 2003

## Ask any USPHS Pharmacist what we think of our career, 
and we will tell you that we made the right choice! 

You can, too!

*and we will tell you that we made the *_*right*_* choice! *
_***You can, too!***_

## PHS Hall of Fame

- Look where we are now!

*James Minor*

*Lucinda Mane*

*Richard Bertin*

*Steve Foster*

*Fred Paavola*

*Bill Boyce*

*Jerry Phillips*

## Thanks for Your Interest 
in the 
USPHS! 

- in the
- USPHS!

## Slide 10

## How Do I Apply Again???

- Visit  http://www.usphs.gov
- Fill out an online application
- Pursue employment with any of the Commissioned Corps affiliated Agencies
- http://dcp.psc.gov/VATS/rept_select.htm (recommended site)
- http://www.usphs.gov/html/other_federal_jobs.html (alternate)

## QUESTIONS?

*QUESTIONS?*

- WWW.USPHS.GOV
- 1-800-279-1605