11IHS-OPHS172-SCH

The Final Stretch

Apply Now for Continued Scholarship Support

Your IHS scholarship can help you reach your career goals while also helping IHS to meet its mission: To raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We hope you will continue to be a part of our mission as you move closer toward obtaining your health profession degree and, ultimately, joining an Indian health program in providing much-needed health care services to an appreciative patient population.

Continuation applications are accepted through the February 28 deadline. Go to the IHS Scholarship Program website to log in or to create an online account.

Continuation Application Documentation

Where to Send Materials

You must submit your application and required supporting documents to your Grants Scholarship Coordinator. Refer to your Student Handbook for additional information.

IHS Scholarship Program
Attn: Program Analyst
801 Thompson Ave., TMP-450
Rockville, MD 20852

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING If you are preparing to enter your final year of school and are enrolled in a degree program with a required or optional post-graduate clinical training program (medicine, clinical psychology, social work, dietetics, dentistry, nursing, optometry or pharmacy), you should begin preparing to apply for deferment of your service commitment. Please reference your Student Handbook to familiarize yourself with program policies, including required forms and deadlines.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

The following documentation is required from all applicants seeking continued scholarship support:

Letter of Enrollment and Good Academic Standing — This is required for applicants applying for continuation scholarship support under the same scholarship (must have an advisor’s signature).

Official Transcripts — Do not open or make copies. Transcripts must be received by the Division of Grants Operations in an official, sealed envelope with the college/university stamp or seal.

Course Curriculum Verification (IHS-856-6) [PDF - 124KB] — This form confirms that the courses that you plan to take during the coming academic year are consistent with your curriculum for major.

Curriculum for Major — Obtain a copy from your school catalog or your major’s department office and attach it to your Course Curriculum Verification (IHS-856-6) form.

TRANSFERRING/SEEKING DUAL ENROLLMENT

The following documentation is required from applicants who are transferring or seeking dual enrollment:

Letter of Acceptance/Proof of Application to a College/University — Applicants seeking dual enrollment will also need a Letter of Enrollment and Good Academic Standing from their current health professions degree program.

Faculty/Advisor Evaluation (IHS-856-24) [PDF - 187KB] — Applicants applying online are responsible for ensuring that their evaluators have submitted their evaluations through the online system.

Change of Status (IHS-856-10) [PDF - 101KB]

CHANGE IN GRADUATE DATE/LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA)

Applicants who anticipate a change in their projected graduation date or are requesting an LOA, must submit a Change of Status (IHS-856-10) [PDF - 101KB] form.

IHS Extern Program

As a Health Professions scholarship recipient, you are guaranteed an externship position if one is available in your respective health profession discipline.

The IHS Extern Program employs participants for 30 to 120 days per calendar year during nonacademic periods only. These externships provide you with hands-on instructional experience that complements the knowledge and skills you develop in school. Externships are available through the federal civil service, direct Tribal hire and the US Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. The deadline to submit your IHS Extern Program application and documentation is the first Friday of February.

Required Documentation

Resume — For civil service and direct Tribal hire applicants.

Application for Appointment as a Commissioned Officer in the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS-50) [PDF – 1.2MB] — Commissioned Corps applicants only.

Official transcripts — Obtain from your school with an institutional seal and/or the registrar’s signature (copies not accepted).

Extern Site Preference Request (IHS-856-17) [PDF - 93KB]

Request for Extern Travel Reimbursement (IHS-856-18) [PDF - 84KB]

Proof of immunity to measles and rubella — Applicants who are not immune and refuse the recommended vaccine can be reassigned or removed from the service; provide one copy of your lab results or a letter from a health system documenting your results.

Proof of possession of a Social Security number and driver’s license — One copy of the front and back of both cards.

Documentation of enrollment in the coming Fall term — Submit an official letter from your college/university.

Additional Reminders

UPCOMING DEADLINES

Remember the following documentation deadlines:

Recipient Initial Program Progress Report (IHS-856-8) [PDF - 131KB] — Due within 30 days of the beginning of the academic term.

Official Transcripts — Due 30 days after you completed your most recent academic term. Transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and contain an institutional seal and/or a registar’s signature; copies will not be accepted.

Summer School Request (IHS-856-21) [PDF - 126KB] — Due April 22. This form must be completed and signed by your school advisor and include your major curriculum. Summer school courses must be requirements of your health profession degree program.

Learn More

Visit the IHS website and our Careers page to find out about employment opportunities.