“I take pride in caring for troops"
"You are often relied upon to give advice on the storage and handling of medications"
Keeping the Army fit and healthy means having the right medications available. That’s your job as a Pharmacy Technician – both at home and abroad on operations. Our first-class training will help you get to grips with the role. Once you’re qualified, you could work in field hospitals or medical centres, dispensing expert advice and medications. Remember, you must stay focused enough to help your team and people who need you, even under pressure, in difficult conditions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Get a fully recognised civilian qualification in Pharmacy Services.
- Work in military medical centres, Defence Medical Group Hospital Units, Field Hospitals, Medical Regiments and Logistics units in the UK, Germany and worldwide.
- Work closely with other health professionals and patients.
- Gain leadership and management qualifications on top of experience and skills as a Pharmacy Technician.
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 have two years of training at the Defence School of Healthcare Studies in Lichfield. This 30-week course includes a BTEC in Pharmacy Services and Level 3 NVQ in Pharmacy Studies as well as practical work placements in pharmacies across the UK.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
QUALIFICATIONS: GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 in at least English Language, Maths and a 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
A Pharmacy Technician can gain qualifications throughout their career such as a Level 5 Diploma in Training and Education
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 £21,398.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. 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. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“As a Pharmacy Technician you play a vital role in providing medical care to soldiers. You learn excellent communication skills as you are constantly giving advice to patients and building professional relationships with nurses and doctors. You are often relied upon to give advice on the storage and handling of medications in harsh and hostile environments.”
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: 18 years - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 in at least English Language, Maths and a 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
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 £21,398.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. 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. More about Reserve benefits
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.