Medical School Programs

As a medical student, there are two main paths to choose from in order to become a military physician: the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). This chart is a summary of what each program offers. For more information contact a recruiter.

 

Medical Program Comparison Chart

Military Status During Medical School

The two main differences between HPSP and USU are your status in relation to the Military and type of school. HPSP students are commissioned as officers in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), whereas USU students are active-duty officers, so they will spend more time in a military environment. Either way, medical students are expected to finish their training in the same amount of time as civilian students and will not be pulled away from medical training for deployments or similar military responsibilities.

Part-Time Service Options

If you are interested in joining a Reserve or Guard component, you can apply for the incentive-based Medical and Dental Student Stipend Program (MDSSP).