Biomedical Sciences Corps education, commissioning programs accepting applications

  • Published
  • By Kat Bailey
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
Airmen interested in biomedical sciences education or commissioning opportunities may be eligible for any of the four Biomedical Sciences Corps programs now accepting applications.

Available BSC programs include the Army Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy, the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Training Program, the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) and the Direct Accession Program.

"We are looking for the highest caliber of applicant -- the cream of the crop -- to fill the limited positions available this year," said Kevin Smith, a member of the Air Force Personnel Center medical force management branch. "We also offer a path for enlistment to commission, which is a critical force development objective for our specialties, particularly in bioenvironmental engineering."

Each of the four programs has unique requirements to attain a commission, but at a minimum, applicants for all four programs must be U.S. citizens, meet the minimum commissioning age requirements, meet Air Force fitness standards and be medically qualified for worldwide duty. Each program has a different application cutoff date as well as application procedures.

The Army Baylor University doctoral program in physical therapy provides students with entry-level competence in traditional physical therapy skills. The program is open to active-duty members who have a bachelor's degree or are in the final semester of school for their degree.

The USUHS graduate training program in military clinical psychology is designed to prepare broad-based Ph.D. clinical psychologists and to emphasize appreciation and understanding of the needs of the military. The program is open to active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members with a graduate school entry exam of 302. GRE scores must be no older than two years from the application date.

Airmen who meet IPAP admission criteria and successfully complete required training are awarded a qualifying degree as a physician assistant. The program is open to active-duty members, Air Force ROTC cadets, and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets.

Direct commissioning opportunities are also available in three career fields for Airmen who meet eligibility requirements: social work, public health or bioenvironmental engineering.

Eligibility and application procedures for the four BSC training and commissioning programs can be found on myPers by selecting "any" on the product search menu and entering keyword "Commissioning BSC."

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to the myPers website. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.