Key points
- The associate application period is open March 16–March 22, 2026.
- Associates gain field-based experience that serves as the foundation for their careers in public health.
- Throughout the two-year program, associates complete a comprehensive training curriculum while working at a host organization.
What associates learn
PHAP is designed to provide associates with knowledge, skills, and abilities to fulfill the program's competencies and strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure.
PHAP provides opportunities to expand and enhance associates' skills and development in key public health areas, including but not limited to:
- Infectious disease prevention, detection, and surveillance
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Chronic disease prevention
- Environmental health
- Global migration and port health
- Immunization
- Maternal and child health
- STI, TB, HIV, and other infectious disease prevention
What associates do
Associates' day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on the details of their host sites assignment (see example associate work assignments below). Associates are members of their host sites' teams and work alongside other host site employees and contractors. Associates must work in-person at their host sites five days per week.
Associates' work assignments offer valuable skill-building activities in the following areas of study:
- Analytics and Assessment
- Public Health Systems and Services
- Communication
- Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Professional Practice
Below are examples of potential associate work assignments:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Works as a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) to prevent the spread of STIs and other infectious diseases. A DIS finds and talks to people with possible STI exposure and helps them get tested and medical care. The DIS also connects them with health and social services and teaches them how to lower their risk and prevent the spread of infections.
- Tuberculosis (TB): Works as a TB DIS to investigate cases of TB infection and illness. A TB DIS finds and notifies people who may have been exposed, ensures patients take their medicine correctly and educates people at higher risk. The TB DIS also gives TB skin tests, collects samples, and keeps private records to help stop the spread of TB.
- Emergency Response and Readiness: Supports public health emergency preparedness and response planning. This role helps plan and conduct trainings, practice shelter drills, and distribute medications or vaccines during emergencies. It also supports the operation of Points of Dispensing sites, ensures supply storage sites work properly, and completes other tasks related to emergency preparedness.
- Immunization: Helps get vaccines to healthcare providers so people can access and stay up to date on vaccines as needed. Teaches healthcare workers and the public about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
- Port Health: Helps prevent infectious diseases from entering and spreading in the United States through CDC Port Health Stations at international airports. Monitors passengers, crew, and cargo for signs of illness and responds to reports of sick travelers or other public health risks. Supports emergency preparedness and response activities and regulatory duties as part of the Port Health Protection Program.
The unique skills and experiences gained through PHAP make this a highly competitive program that can help associates begin successful careers in public health.
Career paths after PHAP
With the skills and experience gained through PHAP, graduates are competitive candidates for public health positions at CDC, state and local health departments, and non-governmental organizations. Graduates leave the program with the foundation to achieve successful, long-term careers in public health.
Over two-thirds of alumni continue to serve in public health careers after they complete the program.