Associate Eligibility & Requirements

Key points

  • The Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) is a two-year training program for recent graduates with an interest in public service and public health.
  • Potential applicants can learn about eligibility requirements and characteristics of successful associates.

Overview

PHAP seeks candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to public service through volunteer or school experiences, and who have a desire to pursue a career in public health. Applicants to PHAP must demonstrate academic achievement, flexibility, social and cultural inclusiveness, and a desire to be of service.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet academic requirements of:

  • College graduation within the past two years
    • US military veterans who are unable to apply within two years due to military service obligations have up to six years after graduation to apply
    • Currently enrolled students must graduate by July 1 of the application year to be eligible
  • Official academic transcripts showing at least a 2.95 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) on an eligible degree
  • Bachelor's or master's degree earned (in any academic discipline, including non-science degrees)

Non-U.S. citizens and international students can apply to PHAP. If you are not already a U.S. citizen, you must meet one of the following requirements to be a viable candidate for PHAP:

  • Be a permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Be a U.S. national.

You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for a noncompetitive conversion to a federal government position after completing PHAP.

Applicants must also be willing to:

  • Commit to full-time work for two years.
  • Relocate anywhere in the United States and US territories at their own expense.
  • Work in any public health subject area.
  • Work in a state, tribal, local, or territorial public health department, or nongovernmental organization (i.e., community-based organization, academic institution).

Before applying

PHAP's "BEST FIT" model can help interested applicants decide whether PHAP is an appropriate program to advance their public health career.

Characteristic
  • Expanded Definition
Big-picture thinker
  • Associates are expected to “see the bigger picture” beyond their specific area(s) of experience or interest. Associates should understand how the work they do while in PHAP fits into the field of public health.
Effective communicator
  • Associates should have strong oral and written communication skills. Associates must share ideas and information accurately and succinctly.
Socially/culturally inclusive
  • Public health professionals frequently work with individuals from different backgrounds. Associates should be free from prejudice and bigotry, be unbiased and tolerant, and be accepting of different views and cultures.
Thrive in a dynamic environment
  • Emerging and challenging public health issues create a fast-paced work environment. Associates should be able to apply lessons learned, take a strong scientific approach, make changes as directed, and respond quickly as part of a team.
Flexible
  • Associates are expected to adapt quickly to change and do so with a positive attitude. Associates should be able to function under frequently changing conditions.
Intelligent
  • Associates are expected to have a proven track record of academic success and have the potential to understand and apply new information and ideas.
Tactile learner
  • PHAP is a predominately “on-the-job experience” training program. Associates are expected to learn how public health programs operate and gain the technical elements of carrying out public health program activities.
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Content Source:
Public Health Infrastructure Center; Division of Workforce Development