Medical School Programs

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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

  • Program

    Health Professions Scholarship Program

    Health Professions Scholarship Program

    Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences

    Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences

  • Location

    Any accredited medical school

    Any accredited medical school

    USU (Bethesda, MD)*

    USU (Bethesda, MD)*

  • Tuition & Benefits

    • Tuition paid by Service branch
    • 45 days' pay & signing bonus
    • Living stipend
    • No tuition costs or fees
    • Full salary & benefits
    • Housing allowance

  • Training

    Military officer training

    Military officer training

    Expansive military medical training

    Expansive military medical training

  • Service Commitment

    1 year of service per year of scholarship**

    1 year of service per year of scholarship**

    7-years service commitment

    7-years service commitment

*For the first 18 months, and then students will be located at major military facilities around the United States for the remainder of medical school.

**The U.S. Navy has a three-year option, with three-year minimum service commitment.

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.

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU)

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).

Learn About Part-Time Service Opportunities

Topics of Interest:

Eligibility RequirementsMedical Residency ProgramsLicensed Physician OptionsPart-Time Service Options

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Military Medicine 101Education + TrainingCareers + Lifestyle