Public Health Service

The Uniformed Services

Contact Information

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814

(800) 515-5257

USU Courtyard

Public Health Service FAQs

Do PHS officers wear uniforms to class?

Yes. PHS officers wear uniforms to class like all servicemembers reporting for duty. The brigade determines uniforms of the day.

I want to come to USU's School of Medicine and serve in the Public Health Service. If accepted, will I be guaranteed a spot in this service?

No. Students complete a preference statement on interview day ranking their interest in the branches of service. Every effort is made to accommodate this preference. However, when an individual is recommended for acceptance by the Admissions Committee and approved by the Dean for the School of Medicine, he or she will be offered an appointment in the Public Health Service if there are seats available. If there is no space available, a candidate may be offered admission to another branch of service or placed on the Public Health Service Wait List.

Is there on campus housing available for USU students?

No, there are no dormitories available for student use. However, all uniformed students receive basic housing allowance. The rate is dependent upon rank and dependents.

What rank will I be while enrolled at USU?

All PHS medical students, even those with prior service experience, are O-1s or ensigns throughout all four years of the medical program. At graduation, however, they're promoted to 0-3 or lieutenant.

Will I receive any PHS-unique training or education at USU?

All of the learning programs at USU have a strong focus on teaching the unique tenets of military and public health medicine. Furthermore, PHS officers also receive special service-specific training during academic intermissions.