Associate Eligibility & BEST FIT Model

Key points

  • The associate application period is open March 16–March 22, 2026.
  • The Public Health Associate Program for Recent Graduates (PHAP) is a two-year, paid training program that prepares recent graduates to enter the public health workforce through field experience and structured learning.
  • Potential applicants can learn about eligibility requirements and characteristics of successful associates.

Eligibility

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 must meet the following academic requirements.

  • Completion of a bachelor's, master's, professional, or doctoral degree within the past two years. Major course of study may be from any field.
  • Official academic transcripts showing at least a 2.95 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) on an eligible degree.
  • Currently enrolled students must graduate by May 31, 2026, to be eligible.
  • U.S. military veterans who are unable to apply within two years due to military service obligations have up to six years after graduation to apply.

Applicants to PHAP must be U.S. citizens.

Applicants must also be willing to:

  • Commit to full-time work for two years.
  • Relocate anywhere in the United States and U.S. territories at their own expense for the two-year term.
  • 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).

General Experience Requirements

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of Human Resources (OHR) will use the following criteria to determine candidate eligibility. Experience must demonstrate the applicant's potential to learn and perform public health program work, including the abilities to:

  • Collect and evaluate facts.
  • Understand and apply guidelines and specifications.
  • Use analytical methods and processes to draw conclusions.
  • Express ideas and concepts in writing, speech, numerically, and visually.
  • Deal effectively with people.

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.
Succeeds in dynamic environments
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.
Takes initiative

Associates should be proactive in identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and be willing to go beyond the basic requirements of their assignment.

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.

Interested in public health/public service

Associates are expected to have a service-oriented mindset and a strong desire to protect health and improve lives.

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