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.
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
Information obtained from Navy Medical Corps Authorization 113 signed, July 11, 2019. See an Officer Recruiter for further details.
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