Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP)

The HSCP offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in the medical field, with the understanding that they’ll serve as commissioned Naval Officers in Navy Medicine afterward.

There’s a lot to cover, from the benefits to the requirements of the program.

So, let’s dive right in!

What is the Navy HSCP?

The Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) is a scholarship program that offers financial incentives to students in selected health care professions to achieve degree/certification requirements and gain a commission in the Navy Medical Corps (MC), Dental Corps (DC), or Medical Service Corps (MSC).

Both HSCP (Health Services Collegiate Program) and HPSP (Health Professions Scholarship Program) help medical students pay for school. Both require military service in return. But they’re not the same.

Differences with HPSP

• HSCP is Navy-only. If you go this route, you’re committing to the Navy. HPSP, on the other hand, is a Department of War (DoW) program, so after school, you could serve in any branch that offers commissions.
• HPSP pays full tuition and fees plus a monthly stipend. But you stay a civilian while in school.
• HSCP gives you full military pay and benefits while in school, but doesn’t cover full tuition and fees.

The total financial value of both programs is about the same. The difference is how the money is delivered, and whether you want to be fully in the Navy during school or stay a civilian until after graduation.

Who is the Navy HSCP for?

The Navy HSCP benefits students who are pursuing a career in the following medical fields:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Healthcare Administration
• Environmental Health
• Industrial Hygiene
• Audiology
• Social Work
• Pharmacy
• Occupational Therapy
• Podiatry
• Entomology
• Physician Assistant

What are the Benefits of the Navy HSCP?

Once selected for the Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP), you’re on active duty while finishing school. Here’s what that means:

Pay & Allowances

• Full E-6 base pay while attending school.
• Housing allowance (BAH) based on school location and dependents.
• Total compensation can exceed six figures over the course of the program, depending on BAH rates.

Medical & Dental Coverage

• Full TRICARE benefits for you.
• TRICARE for family members (medical) and cost-share dental plan.

Additional Perks

• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• Time in HSCP counts toward military retirement.

What HSCP Doesn’t Cover

• No tuition or fees paid by the Navy. You cover your own education costs.
• No automatic promotion to E-7. Advancement depends on performance and selection.

HSCP provides steady pay, benefits, and retirement credit while you are in school. Tuition stays on you.

• You may review the current military pay schedule here:
• You may review the current Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) here:

NOTE: The figures provided here are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Navy Medical Officer recruiter for the most current information regarding benefits and requirements.

Participants will receive full salary and allowances (except for clothes) commensurate with their rank, but tuition, books, and other school-related expenditures are their own.

Navy HSCP Eligibility Requirements

Because of the obvious great benefit of this program, the selection process can become quite competitive.

To be eligible for the Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP), applicants must be American citizens, no older than 42 years old, who are competitively pursuing a qualifying healthcare-related degree and credentials.

The list of eligibility requirements for Navy HSCP listed below is current as of September 2023, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Citizenship

Applicants must be citizens of the United States.

Age

Those who want to apply must be at least 18 years old and able to commission by the time they are 42 years of age. Waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Education

Applicants must be enrolled in, or approved for admission or transfer to, a recognized college, university, or institution for a specific health profession. Online or distance-learning degree programs do not meet this requirement.

Accreditation requirements by program

• Medicine: Schools must be accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (www.lcme.org) or the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (www.osteopathic.org).
• Dentistry: Schools must be accredited by the American Dental Association (www.ada.org).
• Medical Service Corps (MSC): The institution must meet the subspecialty standards listed here: Medical Service Corps Officer program.
• Nursing: The institution must meet the accreditation criteria listed here: Nurse Corps Officer program.

Completion timeline

Degree or certification requirements must be completed within 12, 24, 36, or 48 months after enlisting.

Before enrollment, selectees must have an authorized degree or course completion plan. This plan is used to calculate the predicted graduation or completion date.

GPA standards

• At application: Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Waivers are handled on an individual basis. Waivers for failing to meet statutory GPA standards will be considered case by case.
• After selection: Selected individuals must remain full-time students and attend all regular school sessions. After selection, students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.

Transcript reporting

At the end of each academic term, official transcripts must be submitted to the Commander, Naval Recruiting Command (COMNAVCRUITCOM).

Dismissal risks and enforcement

Failure to maintain the required 2.5 GPA, failure to provide full academic transcripts, or any sign of tampering or academic fraud may lead to dismissal from Navy HSCP.

If a selectee cannot satisfy standards, COMNAVCRUITCOM will notify the corresponding officer community manager (OCM), along with a suggestion for waiver or dis-enrollment.

Pass/fail programs

Students at pass or fail schools must maintain excellent academic standing to finish school. That standard must match the degree completion plan used at the start of HSCP participation.

Co-op and work-study limits

Participation in a non-mandatory co-op or work-study program will be denied if it delays the estimated graduation date.

Changes that require approval

Selectees may not do any of the actions below unless specifically approved by the OCM through COMNAVCRUITCOM:

• Extend the expected graduation date
• Stop attending courses
• Change majors
• Join exchange programs
• Transfer schools

Dis-enrollment may occur if previous consent is not obtained.

Medical Corps Participants

Before graduating and gaining access to active duty, candidates must pass licensing exams. They must pass either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2-CK) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 1 and Level 2 Cognitive Evaluation (Level 2-CE).

Timing and reporting

• USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 must be completed before the start of the third-year medical school curriculum.
• COMNAVCRUITCOM must receive the results by September 15 of that year.

Failure policy

• Failure of these exams after three attempts will result in separation from the U.S. Navy or an extension of active duty, based on the relevant Navy regulations and the service agreement terms.

Licensure requirement

• If you cannot obtain a valid state license after completing your internship, you may be administratively separated.

Dental Corps Participants

Dental applicants must complete required board exams on a set timeline. Reporting deadlines are strict. Missing them can trigger sanctions.

Part I: timing and submission

• Applicants must take and pass Part I of the National Dental Board Examination (NDBE) before the start of the third-year dental curriculum.
• Results must be submitted to COMNAVCRUITCOM by 15 September of the third year.

Part I: consequences

• Failure to take the exam, or failure to submit results to COMNAVCRUITCOM, may result in administrative sanctions, including dismissal.

Part II: timing and submission

• Applicants must take Part II of the NDBE in December of the fourth year.
• Results must be submitted to COMNAVCRUITCOM by 15 February.
• Second attempts must be completed by March, with results submitted by 15 April.

Part II: consequences

• Failure to pass any section of the NDBE on the second attempt may result in dismissal from the program.
• Dismissal may also require completion of obligated service for training in an active duty enlisted status.
• This option requires the disenrolled applicant to complete recruit training.

Waivers for timing conflicts

• If curriculum timing prevents exam completion, dentistry participants must submit a written waiver request to the DC OCM through COMNAVCRUITCOM.
• The waiver request must include a letter from the dean of student affairs.

Commissioning limitation

• Personnel will not be commissioned as a DC officer until they pass Parts I and II of the NDBE after graduating from dental school.

Medical Service Corps Participants

MSC uses this program for its medical program specialty. In collaboration with Bureau of Navy Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Manpower and Resources – Total Force (M1) and the MSC Chief’s office, the MSC OCM determines which MSC specialties are eligible for this program.

The healthcare administration, environmental health, industrial hygiene, audiology (externship), pharmacy, occupational therapy, podiatric residency, entomology, and physician assistant specializations are addressed below.

Healthcare Administration

Applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted for admission to, an accredited college, university, or school of study for a master’s degree in health care, hospital or health service administration, health policy, or a master’s in business administration with a concentration in healthcare administration.

Applicants must be enrolled in a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (www.cahme.org), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (www.aacsb.edu), or the Council on Education for Public Health (www.ceph.org).

Environmental Health

Applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment/transfer to, an accredited college or university for a baccalaureate or master’s degree in environmental health from a National Environmental Health Science and Accreditation Council (www.ehacoffice.org) accredited program, or a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in environmental health from a Council on Education for Public Health accredited College of Public Health (www.ceph.org).

Coursework in environmental health, epidemiology, biostatistics, communicable diseases, food safety, water quality, air quality, vector control, solid waste and wastewater management, public health sanitation, toxicology, risk assessment, risk communication, and microbiology should be included in degree plans.

Applicants for master’s degrees should have a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, biology, chemistry, physics, or another science.

Industrial Hygiene

Applicants must be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment or transfer, to an accredited school. The program must be a BS, MS, or MSPH with a concentration in industrial hygiene. The school must be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) (www.abet.org).

Applicants in doctoral programs will also be evaluated. Programs with an industrial hygiene specialization are preferred.

Applicants at ABET-accredited universities in Environmental, Health and Safety or Safety will be reviewed case by case.

Recommended academic background

• A bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene
• A bachelor’s degree in environmental health
• A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physics
• An engineering degree related to industrial hygiene

Possible exceptions Applicants with relevant industrial hygiene work experience and professional certification may be considered for exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Occupational Audiology (Externship)

Applicants must be enrolled in a clinical doctorate program in audiology at an accredited college, university, or school of study. To be eligible for the externship the following year, applicants must be at the conclusion of their second year of study or in their third year.

Pharmacy

Applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment/transfer into, an approved college, university, or school of pharmacy study. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education must accredit the program (www.acpe- accredit.org).

Graduates should take the licensing test prior to attending Officer Development School (ODS) and must get licensure from the state or jurisdiction in which they are pursuing license within one year of entering active duty.

Failure to pass the license test within one year of commissioning may cause administrative separation from the United States Navy and probable recoupment of Navy expenses under the service agreement and relevant Navy rules.

Occupational Therapy

Applicants must be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment or transfer, to an accredited college, university, or school. The program must be a master’s degree in occupational therapy. The school must be accredited by the American Council on Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association (www.aota.org).

Internship focus areas All internships must emphasize one of the areas below:

• Rehabilitation sciences (upper extremity or hand therapy, occupational or human performance)
• Behavioral or mental health (focus on post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Neuroscience or traumatic brain injury (mild-to-moderate populations preferable)
• Pediatrics (early intervention and school-based services focus)

Certification requirement At the end of the program, applicants must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination (www.nbcot.org).

Failure to pass the NBCOT test within one year of commissioning may cause administrative separation from the United States Navy and probable recoupment of Navy expenses under the service agreement and relevant Navy rules.

Podiatric Residency

Applicants must have completed a podiatric medical school accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) (https://www.cpme.org).

Applicants must be admitted into a three-year surgical residency program authorized by the American Podiatry Medical Association’s CPME.

Preferred credential Board-qualified status recognized by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine or the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery is strongly desired.

Licensure requirement If you cannot obtain a valid state license after completing your residency, you may be administratively removed from the program.

Entomology

Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted for enrollment/transfer to a master’s degree (thesis program) or doctorate degree program in entomology at an approved college, university, or school of study.

Entomology courses should be included in degree programs, including courses in medical entomology, veterinary medical entomology, insect ecology, pest management, insect toxicity, insect taxonomy, insect morphology, mosquito biology, and insect physiology.

Physician Assistant

Applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted for enrollment or transfer to, a master’s degree program in physician assistant studies at an approved college or university. The program must be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (www.arc-pa.org).

Program length and contract window

• For a standard two-year curriculum, degree requirements must be completed within 12 to 24 months after enrollment.
• For programs that take 30 months, the benefit may be extended up to 30 months.
• Before enrollment, the professional review board decides whether a 30-month contract is appropriate.

Certification requirement Applicants must pass the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) before commissioning (www.nccpa.net).

Failure to pass the PANCE within 180 days of graduation may cause administrative separation from the United States Navy and probable recoupment of Navy expenses under the service agreement and relevant Navy rules.

Nurse Corps Participants

This program is used by Nurse Corps (NC) to enable current Navy officers serving on active duty in other areas with a path to obtaining the qualifying degree required to serve in the NC.

Participants must be able to complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an appropriately accredited institution, as well as obtain and maintain an unrestricted license to practice as a professional registered nurse from a state, territory, or the District of Columbia based on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) within 36 months of program enrollment.

Physical

In accordance with the Medical Department Manual (NAVMED P-117), Chapter 15, and as specified in DoW Instruction 6130.03 (Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, Or Induction in the Military Services).

On the suggestion of BUMED, DCNO N1 may waive physical problems that do not interfere with active duty performance within official Navy parameters.

Licensure/Certification/Registration

Healthcare professionals in HSCP must meet strict licensing and certification standards as outlined in:

• OPNAVINST 1120.4C – Medical Corps
• OPNAVINST 1120.5B – Dental Corps
• OPNAVINST 1120.8A – Medical Service Corps

What This Means for You

• You must obtain and maintain all required licenses, certifications, and registrations.
• Paying for these is your responsibility. The Navy does not cover these costs.
• Failure to meet licensing deadlines? You’ll still owe service time—but as an enlisted Sailor instead of as an officer.

Bottom line: If you don’t get licensed, you don’t get commissioned.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Waivers

A GPA waiver may be approved in limited numbers if the candidate does not fulfill all the standards but has an extraordinary record or demonstrated expertise needed by the Navy.

Age Waivers

Age Waivers & Fee Exemptions for Applicants:

• Applicants aged 42–47 – No fees required.
• Applicants over the age limit – May request a waiver if they have:
• An exceptional record
• A critical skill set needed by the Navy
• Waivers are considered for:
• Specialized positions with recruitment shortages
• Roles that historically struggle to meet staffing goals

Important: Waiver requests must be processed before the selection board meets. No last-minute exceptions.

Who May Apply

• Qualified civilians
• Enlisted personnel (active or reserve) must provide:
  • Conditional discharge from active/reserve status
  • Enlisted Performance Summary Record
  • Evaluations from the past 3 years
• Officers (active or reserve) must submit:
  • Contingent resignation from active/reserve status
  • Officer Summary Record
  • Three years of fitness reports
• Important Notes
  • HSCP is a civilian direct procurement program.
  • Limited spots for active-duty personnel or those already in training.
  • Reserve status administration is also limited.
  • If you’re currently serving, be ready to provide the required documentation.

Additional Information

Civilian students

Civilian Applicant Process for HSCP:

• Once enlisted, they will be placed on active duty as an E-6, Officer Candidate First Class (OC1).
• No special provisions are required to apply.
• Selected applicants will be enlisted through their recruiting district.
• They will report to the Navy Recruiting District (NRD) or Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) closest to their college.

Enlisted members

Enlisted Applicant Requirements for HSCP:

• Must provide:
• Conditional discharge from active duty or reserve status
• Enlisted Performance Summary Record
• Assessments from the past three years
• Reenlistment Paygrades:
• E-7 and above → Reenlisted as E-7, Officer Candidate Chief Petty Officer (OCCPO)
• E-6 and below → Reenlisted as E-6, Officer Candidate First Class (OC1)

Naval Officers

Officer Applicant Requirements for HSCP:

• Must provide:
• Conditional resignation from active duty or reserve status
• Officer Summary Record
• Three years of fitness reports
• Reenlistment Paygrade:
• Officers who resign and enter HSCP will rejoin the Navy as an E-7, Officer Candidate Chief Petty Officer (OCCPO).

Important Note

Limited student seats are available for those currently on active duty or Full-Time Support (FTS) status. HSCP is a civilian direct procurement program.

Enlistment Requirements

Navy HSCP Student Expectations & Regulations

• Maintain communication with the local Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG).
• NTAG ensures students meet minimum physical fitness standards and maintain military awareness.
• Failure to pass fitness exams or stay in contact with the Officer Community Manager (OCM) will be reported to NTAG.
• Professional behavior is mandatory. Any misconduct (civilian or military conviction) may lead to immediate disenrollment.
• No advancement exams allowed for participants.
• The highest pay grade permitted in the program is E-7 (OCCPO), but this requires approval from Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy (OPNAV N13) via COMNAVCRUITCOM.

Opportunities for Promotion

• HSCP students who recommend a new admission to a medical department officer accession program can receive a one-time promotion to OCCPO (E-7).

Commissioning & Entry Grade Credit

• Before commissioning, entry grade credit will be determined under DoW Instruction 6000.13.
• Candidates will be commissioned in their designated health care field under:
• OPNAVINST 1120.4C (Medical Corps)
• OPNAVINST 1120.5B (Dental Corps)
• OPNAVINST 1120.8A (Medical Service Corps)

Bottom line: Stay in shape, follow the rules, and maintain professionalism—or risk losing your place in the program.

Service Obligation

The total commissioned obligation for all designators is eight years. Part of that time is served on active duty.

Baseline requirement

• The active-duty commissioned obligation is at least three years from the date of commissioning, or as stated in the service agreement and outlined below.
• Any remaining obligated commissioned service is completed in the Selected Reserve or the Individual Ready Reserve if not served on active duty.

Designator-specific active-duty payback rules

• Medical Corps
  • Must serve year for year, with a minimum of three years active duty.
  • A medical internship is a neutral year. It does not count as an HSCP active-duty payback year.
• Dental Corps
  • Must serve year for year, with a minimum of three years active duty.
  • A year in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) or a General Practice Residency (GPR) is a neutral year. It may not count toward HSCP active-duty payback.
• Medical Service Corps
  • Must serve at least three years active duty from commissioning for a one-, two-, or three-year program.
  • A four-year program requires four years active duty from commissioning.
• Nurse Corps
  • Must serve year for year, with a minimum of three years active duty from the date of commissioning.

Disqualification of Participants

The relevant OCM shall decide the disposition of Navy HSCP students who dis-enroll or attrite from this program prior to commissioning for any reason other than non-temporary physical disqualification.

• Students who are no longer physically fit for commissioning but are still physically fit for enlisting may be made available for recruit training or released.
• Candidates who attrite or dis-enroll and must serve the full three years of active duty from the date of dis-enrollment will be administratively demoted to the paygrade of E-3 (Seaman) before admission into recruit training. Enlisted active duty usually begins within 60 days of dis-enrollment.
• Candidates (military members at entry) who attrite or dis-enroll and are compelled to return to active service will keep their previously held rank and rate and will complete the duration of their enlistment contract or 36 months, whichever is greater. Return to active duty will usually begin immediately after dis-enrollment.
• No specialized Navy training will be approved after recruit training unless the member agrees to prolong active duty to satisfy the service requirement of the desired training program.

More Information

If you are even slightly interested in the Navy HSCP, the next logical step is to contact your local Navy Medical Officer recruiter.

They can provide you with the most current information regarding this program and help you figure out if this program is even right for you.

You may also read about a similar military medical scholarship program called the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

If you are otherwise interested in commissioning in the regular Navy, read our guide about How to Become a Naval Officer.

Hope you find this useful in your career and education planning.