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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Careers@IHS

USPHS Externship Programs

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. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

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 Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .