Rewarding work, helping save lives
"The adrenaline rush you get preparing emergency O Neg blood, knowing you have a casualty en route, is intense"
As one of the Army's Biomedical Scientists, you'll work with medical officers in military and NHS hospital laboratories. Yours is a vital role – you diagnose diseases by testing blood samples. Although you’re normally based in the UK you also get the chance to go on operational tours with units around the world.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide biomedical support to all kinds of operations and exercises
- Work with medical officers
- Work in military and NHS hospitals
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. Your initial training will be at either Pirbright or Winchester and last for 14 weeks.
Step 2
You'll then start studying for a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science at the Royal College of Defence Medicine in Birmingham and Aston University.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
QUALIFICATIONS:
STUDENT ENTRY -
5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above (including Maths, English Language and a Science subject)
Typically ABB-BBB at A Level (or equivalent) including Biology or Human Biology. Chemistry at A/AS Level is welcomed but not essential.
Full entry criteria details are available on the Aston University website.
DIRECT ENTRY -
BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
All Biomedical Scientists can gain postgraduate qualifications throughout their career. You may also have the opportunity to study Biomedical Science at MSc level.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £14,931 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your Unit, pay will rise to £21,600.
RESERVE
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank (minimum £37); plus, if you complete all your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum.
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You will complete your initial training over 4 weekends at your Unit or a central location found across the UK. If it suits you better, you can condense this into a 1 week training course.
Step 2
You will then attend a 2 week long training course at an Army Training Centre, these are located across the UK.
Step 3
Once your basic soldiering training is complete, you will move on to do trade specific training with your Unit.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science. Please contact your local unit for specific entry requirements and exceptions.
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
On successful entry into the Army Medical Services Reserve you will be eligible to apply for funding for Professional Qualifications to help you in your role with the Army Medical Services.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £14,931 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your Unit, pay will rise to £21,600.
RESERVE
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank (minimum £37); plus, if you complete all your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum.
HOW TO APPLY?
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.