Indian Health Service launches largest hiring push in agency history

By Cara Cowan Watts Cherokee 411

The Indian Health Service announced Jan. 29 the largest hiring initiative in the agency’s history, a sweeping effort aimed at rebuilding its workforce and stabilizing care across Indian Country, including Oklahoma.

Agency leaders say the hiring surge responds to a vacancy rate approaching 30 percent, with an emphasis on filling mission critical roles that keep clinics and hospitals operating, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“With a near 30 percent vacancy rate across the IHS, our top priority is filling vacancies for positions essential to keeping our health care facilities operating smoothly,” said IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. “Our friends, families, and relatives need the best available health care providers focused on raising the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives.”

The initiative is backed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who approved a comprehensive workforce plan designed to give IHS greater flexibility in recruiting and retaining staff.

Open positions span nearly every discipline, from physicians and nurses to custodial staff, security guards, health technicians, pharmacists, behavioral health professionals and administrative support. Many of the openings are permanent, full time positions, though some term, temporary, part time and intermittent roles are also included.

In Oklahoma, current postings include security guards starting at $36,464 per year, custodial workers beginning at $14.75 per hour, nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses in multiple specialties, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, social workers, laboratory and X ray technicians, medical records staff and medical support assistants. Physician salaries listed in national postings reach $200,000 per year depending on specialty and grade.

Many clinical and behavioral health positions at IHS may also qualify for federal student loan repayment programs administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration. These programs are designed to attract health professionals to underserved and rural communities and can significantly reduce education related debt.

Key programs include the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which offers up to $75,000 for two years of service for primary care medical, dental and behavioral health providers. The NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program provides up to $100,000 for a three year commitment at approved substance use disorder treatment sites. The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program assists registered nurses and advanced practice nurses working in critical shortage areas. Additional options include the Faculty Loan Repayment Program, which offers up to $40,000 for eligible faculty from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program supporting pediatric specialists in underserved communities.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, fully licensed in their discipline, working at an approved service site such as a Health Professional Shortage Area, and have qualifying educational loans. Application deadlines vary by program. Many 2026 NHSC programs are open through March 31, 2026, while the Nurse Corps application period closes March 12, 2026.

The agency is also targeting early career professionals and military veterans and is encouraging tribal governments, colleges and community organizations to help spread the word.

IHS serves about 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives from 575 federally recognized tribes in 37 states. Officials said additional positions will be posted throughout the year as the hiring initiative expands.

Applicants can search openings at USAJobs.gov by entering “Indian” in the keyword field to view positions nationwide.

Take action and apply today.