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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Military Transition

Hiring Requirements

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In order to be considered for a position within IHS, candidates must be US citizens and are subject to a pre-employment background investigation, including a fingerprint analysis, and must meet the following hiring requirements:

  • Male applicants must be registered for selective service.
  • Health professionals must have a current, active and unrestricted license from any state in the United States or within its territories and must be board eligible and board certified (if applicable).
  • Tribal or Urban Indian Program health professionals must be licensed in the state in which they are working.

Native and Veteran Hiring Preference

The policy of the IHS is to provide absolute preference to qualified American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) applicants and employees who are suitable for federal employment in filling vacancies within the IHS. IHS is an equal opportunity employer. While IHS policy gives priority selection to qualified AI/AN candidates, veteran preference is also a determining factor.

In order to receive veteran preference, a veteran must have an honorable or general discharge (as documented on his or her DD-214). Disabled veterans documented on an SF-15 [PDF] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  are eligible for higher preference.

You must include your veteran status on your resume and when answering assessment questions for your veteran preference to be considered. Be prepared to discuss your work and military experience with confidence and don't hesitate to ask questions; you'll want to know all you can about the position, such as areas of responsibility in which you will be evaluated (treatment plans, drug protocols, practice standards, etc.) and how you believe you can contribute to the Indian health mission and objectives.