"I make the most of medications"
"The Army provides the necessary training and experience to deal with the unexpected."
The Royal Army Medical Corps uses a huge range of medications and medical devices. As a Pharmacist Officer, you have the medical knowledge to advise senior commanders on the use and management of medications. You can give guidance on distributing medical suppliers and pharmaceutical care in Defence Medical Group Hospital Units (DMG). What’s more, you can advise GPs in primary care and give pharmaceutical support to overseas bases. During conflict or other operations, you would normally deploy with a field hospital where you’d provide a dispensing and ward-based clinical service.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Be the expert on medicines to ensure the best outcome for the patient
- Work with all members of the Multidisciplinary Team
- Funding available for conferences, postgraduate studies and independent prescriber qualifications
- Use problem solving skills to inform decision making
- Excellent opportunities for career progression - clinical or staff and command
- Work alongside civilian counterparts in a rotational manner to develop clinical skills, knowledge and experience
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
Having successfully completed the Army Officer Selection process and Army Pharmacist interview; you will be awarded a place on the Commissioning Course Short at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. You are taught basic military, survival and weapon handling skills alongside other professionally-qualified officers. The training is designed to prepare you for military life. On completion of the course you will awarded a commission into the Army Medical Services.
Step 2
You will then attend the Army Medical Services Entry Officers' Course (EOC), which provides you with the specific knowledge required to begin your career as an Army Pharmacist.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 33 years 9 months
QUALIFICATIONS: Accredited degree in pharmacy (MPharm, BPharm, BSc) and a registered member of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 10m 15s(multistage fitness test)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
All Pharmacists can gain postgraduate qualifications throughout their career, such as a diploma in clinical pharmacy and non-medical prescribing. You may also have the opportunity to study at MSc level.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Minimum salary of £32,000
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £66.54 once you have passed Army Officer Selection and rising to £79.98 per day once you’ve commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
FROM THE FIELD
“Army Pharmacists must have a comprehensive understanding of primary and secondary healthcare, medical logistics, law, travel medicine and public health, and apply it to the military environment. This sounds daunting but the Army provides the necessary training and experience to deal with the unexpected.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You will complete two 2-week courses at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to form the basis of your military training
Step 2
Your trade specific training will depend on your civilian qualifications and experience
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 18 years - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: 72 UCAS points and at least 35 ALIS points at GCSE or equivalent, including a minimum grade C/4 in English, Maths and a science or foreign language
Accredited degree in pharmacy (MPharm, BPharm, BSc)
Registered member of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 10m 15s(multistage fitness test)
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
Minimum salary of £32,000
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £66.54 once you have passed Army Officer Selection and rising to £79.98 per day once you’ve commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
HOW TO APPLY?
If you've got your qualifications, then apply online. Your application will be passed to our specialist team, who will help guide you through the process towards joining in this role. You'll need to pass a specialist skills interview to check that your skills are in line with our needs.