The Commissioned Officer Training Academy (COTA) continues to improve the Officer Basic Course (OBC, formally known as BOTC) and expand our toolbox of resources that support an outstanding training experience provided to all new officers entering the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. One new resource that has proven to be an invaluable training tool is the online Learning Management System (LMS). The COTA staff has developed a substantial library of training modules in the LMS on an extensive range of topics including uniform wear, military customs and courtesies, leave standards, readiness and officership.



The Commissioned Corps Headquarters would like to expand the use of the LMS and make it available to all officers serving on active duty. Login instructions can be provided to all officers with valid email addresses in Direct Access. All officers should login to Direct Access and verify their email address by June 30th. Communications to Corps officers with further instructions on LMS access will follow soon after that date.

In the future the Corps plans to extend the capabilities and training topics available in the LMS to include mid-level and advanced officer development courses, retirement seminars, and messaging from Corps leadership. Please be advised that the Commissioned Corps HQ online LMS is different than the HHS Learning Portal (previously HHS University). LMS content is created, managed and controlled by the Commissioned Corps.

If you have any questions about the LMS or any ideas for content that would support further development and meet the training needs of our officer corps, please send an email phscota@hhs.gov.