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Indian Health Service: The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
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USPHS Commissioned Corps Civil Service Direct Tribal Hire
USPHS Commissioned Corps Civil Service Direct Tribal Hire
Learn more about the benefits and requirements of the USPHS Commissioned Corps Learn more about the benefits and requirements of the Civil Service Learn more about Direct Tribal Hire
 
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Choose Your IHS Career Path

As a practicing clinician with IHS, you can match your professional and personal priorities to one of three career paths: the USPHS Commissioned Corps, the federal Civil Service, or direct Tribal hire. Each opportunity offers its own unique career rewards, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

USPHS Commissioned Corps
Many of our public health professionals choose to become Commissioned Corps officers of the US Public Health Service, assigned to IHS. The Commissioned Corps is one of the seven uniformed services of the US government, but it is not a military service. More than 35 percent of USPHS commissioned officers work with IHS and receive many benefits similar to those provided by the military. If you choose to pursue this career option, you must commit to working with IHS for at least two years.

Civil Service
Some IHS public health professionals, particularly those with prior federal employment, choose to join us through the Civil Service personnel system. This entry path offers career flexibility and generous federal employee benefits, and does not require a multiyear commitment.

Direct Tribal Hire
A third career path is to accept employment directly with one of the more than 560 federally recognized Tribes throughout 35 US states. Employment benefits for those who choose to work directly for a Tribe vary, depending on the Tribe and the position, but benefits are comparable to those offered by federal personnel systems. IHS can help you find a position with a Tribal health program, but you will negotiate pay and benefits directly with the Tribe.