Medical Corps Officer Direct Appointment Program
The requirements and qualifications for direct appointment as officers in the Medical Corps (MC) of the U.S. Navy, designator 2100 or direct commissioning MC of the U.S. Navy Reserve, designator 2105. Unless explicitly stated, the provisions outlined in this page shall apply for those applying to the Active and Reserve Component. For any clarification and additional information, please contact your local Navy Officer Recruiter.
Those selected for active duty will attend Officer Development School, Officer Training Command Newport, Rhode Island. Those selected to the Reserve component will attend an indoctrination course within one year of commissioning.
Medical Corps Officer Qualifications
United States citizenship is required (born in the U.S.A., naturalized, or born abroad of U.S. parents), unless waived by the Secretary of Defense for an original appointment in a grade below the grade of Lieutenant Commander. Dual citizens are eligible to apply, but they must submit proof of renouncing non-U.S. citizenship prior to final selection. Must pass a personnel security investigation as identified in SECNAVINST 5510.30 (series).
Applicants must be commissioned prior to their 42nd birthday; however, the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command has waiver authority for applicants between the ages of 42 and 57, and strong consideration shall be placed on undermanned specialties.
Applicants age 58 or older who possess critical skills as designated by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs may be considered for an exception to the age waiver policy if they can complete a full 3 year service obligation prior to reaching their 68th birthday.
Professional Qualifications
To be eligible for appointment in the Medical Corps, the applicant must meet one of the following educational requirements in accordance with OPNAVINST 1120.4 series:
- Physician (Doctor of Medicine). Graduate of a medical school in the U.S. or Puerto Rico approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and licensed to practice medicine or surgery in a State, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the U.S. or the District of Columbia.
- Physician (Doctor of Osteopathy). Graduate of a college of osteopathy approved by the American Osteopathic Association and be licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy in a State, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the U.S. or the District of Columbia.
- Physician graduates of foreign medical schools in specialties authorized by DCNO N1 and meet all requirements outlined in OPNAVINST 1120.4C.
Licensure
Applicant must be licensed to practice medicine or surgery in a State, territory, commonwealth, or possession of the U.S. or the District of Columbia as required by BUMEDINST 6010.30 (Credentialing and Privileging Program).
- Candidates for the Active Component participating in their first year of Graduate Medical Education (GHE) may be appointed prior to acquiring a license.
- Candidates for the Reserve Component must have completed their GME sponsored by either the American Council for Graduate Medical Education, the American Osteopathic Association or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
- An exception to this policy is candidates for the Training in Medical Specialty (TMS) program. Qualified personnel for TMS must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a GME program that will lead to qualification in critical skills shortage list designated by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs as critical.
Physical
Applicants must meet physical standards for appointment as prescribed in the Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 15 and as detailed in DoD Instruction 6130.03 of 6 May 2018 (Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, Or Induction in the Military Services). Candidates must meet the physical fitness weight and/or percentage of body fat standards at the time of application and at time of commissioning.
Active Duty Obligation
For Active Duty: Three years from the date of appointment. The balance of service, sufficient to complete eight years total, may be served in a ready reserve status. Receipt of special pay and bonus, education obligation and minimum activity tour requirement from being accessed into the Navy as an active duty officer may extend the aforementioned obligation period.
Navy Reserve: Selectees will incur a three year Selected Reserve (SELRES) obligation followed by a five year ready reserve obligation. The obligation commences upon commissioning. Receipt of a special pay, bonus, or education obligation may extend the aforementioned obligation period.
