Uniformed Services University of Health Science

[Rmack1219]

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Hello I am currently preparing for my application process for Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology for the Fall of this year. I am interested in PTSD in the military such as family implications, therapies, treatments, etc. I came across the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and was wondering if anyone has heard any positive or negative feedback for the university. It is for individuals in the armed forcers and civilians and has many professors whose research interest is PTSD. Any information will help. Thank you.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Mod Note: Merged this post with the existing thread on USUHS.

 

[deleted176373]

Specifically, what would you like to know?

I believe, in general, that it is a very good program. I feel prepared to engage my peers and have never felt my education to be lacking in comparison to my contemporaries.

That said, there are areas where improvement can be made and a systematic effort has been made to address student concerns. This in itself is a big positive, the program is responsive to the needs of the students.

Downside, if you want to call it that, is that the program is demanding. Especially for service members. As one prior alumni put it, "it's like drinking from a firehose". I think that's a fairly apt description of the program at times.

Faculty is knowledgeable and productive. Some are more supportive than others, but overall, I cannot say anything negative about the faculty.

Good luck should you choose to apply.

 

[Rmack1219]

Specifically, what would you like to know?

I believe, in general, that it is a very good program. I feel prepared to engage my peers and have never felt my education to be lacking in comparison to my contemporaries.

That said, there are areas where improvement can be made and a systematic effort has been made to address student concerns. This in itself is a big positive, the program is responsive to the needs of the students.

Downside, if you want to call it that, is that the program is demanding. Especially for service members. As one prior alumni put it, "it's like drinking from a firehose". I think that's a fairly apt description of the program at times.

Faculty is knowledgeable and productive. Some are more supportive than others, but overall, I cannot say anything negative about the faculty.

Good luck should you choose to apply.

I've actually sent you a private message with more questions that I had regarding the program. But also do you feel as though it would be beneficial to contact a professor before I send in my application?

 

[deleted176373]

I was on my phone and have not read it yet.

 

[MissesKathy]

Hey guys! So I'm definitely going to apply to usuhs Burma considering what the best route to take would be. One thing I am considering is joining the Air Force first and then applying, but was wondering if anyone has heard about people in the Air Force not being allowed to apply, or if they need to serve a certain number of years prior to applying? Also, does anyone have information on where Air Force psychologists are stationed?

Thank you in advance!

 

[deleted176373]

Hey guys! So I'm definitely going to apply to usuhs Burma considering what the best route to take would be. One thing I am considering is joining the Air Force first and then applying, but was wondering if anyone has heard about people in the Air Force not being allowed to apply, or if they need to serve a certain number of years prior to applying? Also, does anyone have information on where Air Force psychologists are stationed?

Thank you in advance!

As far as I am aware, the only way to get into the USUHS clinical psych program in a USAF slot is to already be on active duty in the USAF. They have accepted both officer and enlisted applicants to the program in the past, with a historic bias towards enlisted persons. Whether that bias is a selection bias or a bias in the applicants, I cannot tell you, but there have been many enlisted persons selected and entered into the program (who become commissioned officers upon their acceptance to the program).

This is a fantastic program (regardless of service preference) for any current/prior service personnel.who want to complete a military career. You need to simply meet the prerequisites of the program, but I am unaware of any restrictions regarding how much time in service you must have prior to applying. However your command MUST endorse your package in order for you to apply, which they could deny, but that's not a very common occurrence from what I understand.

Something to think about before "joining the military" and applying to USUHS after making a commitment to serve in another career field. USUHS applicants are a competitive bunch, don't expect to simply throw an application in and go. Do not join the military unless you are sure that you will be happy working in the military in the capacity that you are signing up for! Gaining acceptance to USUHS is not an easy thing.

As far as where you might be stationed? Nearly every major US Air Force base, in every possible climate, is a possibility. From the frozen tundra of Alaska to the California desert, you could end up just about anywhere in the world. USAF psychologists are serving Japan, Guam, Hawaii, and other interesting locations too. Obviously, large medical centers are possible assignments but so are more remote assignments. You will get some opportunity to express your preferences, but that doesn't guarantee that you will be assigned to a particular location.

M

 

[MissesKathy]

Thank you for the input, I was hoping you would respond! I will not join doing anything I would not be happy doing, but am hoping they will have something in either the navy or Air Force that might fit my interests. Even if I do not get in to usuhs right away it would be a great experience, a chance to network, save some money, and then utilize the gi bill later. My husband was in the marine corps infantry when we first got married, and several family members are lifers in the military, so I have been somewhat exposed to the lifestyle. I'm currently working as a marriage and family therapy intern with several years experience working with family adjustment issues and processing trauma. Through my work experience I've become very passionate working with ptsd ( though I've mainly worked with it in the context of sexual abuse perpetrated against youth) and am excited about all the military has to offer, including getting a phd, working with diverse clients in very diverse and challenging settings, getting to change jobs or locations every couple of years, and more generally just trying to utilize my potential to help as many people as I can. As a side note, I've done my research and on a professional and moral level am excited about the prospects of deploying and being able to help where therapeutic services are most in need.

Now, if the recruiter would just call me back...

 

[montecristo15]

Has anybody or does anybody know someone who has been accepted as a civilian into the program at USUHS? What did their profiles look like (GPA, research, internships, etc.)? Is it possible to get into the program straight out of undergrad? Thanks for any feedback!

 

[LisaLisa86]

Has anybody or does anybody know someone who has been accepted as a civilian into the program at USUHS? What did their profiles look like (GPA, research, internships, etc.)? Is it possible to get into the program straight out of undergrad? Thanks for any feedback!

I did, as well as a good number of other people on this thread.

Feel free to PM me any specific questions.