“It's great seeing troops gradually getting better.”
"One of the most testing and unique experiences of my career so far."
When troops get injured there’s a team of highly skilled medical personnel on hand to help them recover. As a Physiotherapist Officer, you use your expertise to treat and rehabilitate service personnel with musculoskeletal injuries. You also advise commanders on injuries and training. During operations, you may deploy anywhere in the world. You could work with a medical regiment or field hospital providing respiratory or critical care for wounded, injured or sick patients. The goal is to get our soldiers and officers fit and well – so that we have an active, capable Army.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work in harsh and challenging conditions.
- Build your clinical skills in a range of cutting-edge settings.
- Benefit from post-graduate training up to Masters level, depending on length of service.
- Explore opportunities to develop into other roles.
- Enjoy a wide range of sports and an excellent social life.
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
Having successfully completed the Army Officer Selection process and Army Physiotherapist 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 Physiotherapist.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 33 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: Fully qualified physiotherapist registered with Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Postgraduate experience is preferred, but opportunities are available for newly qualified clinicians.
FITNESS:
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 10m 15s(multistage fitness test)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
All physiotherapists can gain postgraduate qualification throughout their career such as Society of Orthopaedic Medicine modules. 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
“Life as an Army Physiotherapist involves much more than being a clinical physiotherapist. The work is completely different in each location. Furthermore, you often act as the Officer in Charge of the department and the military point of contact. This requires involvement in the military side of the unit and a demanding – but rewarding – managerial role. I’ve completed a month on a Hospital Ship and tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. This is an opportunity you simply cannot pursue outside the military. It’s been one of the most testing and unique experiences of my career so far.” – Major N. Rush, RAMC
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 35 ALIS points at GCSE, including a minimum grade C/4 in English, Maths and a science or foreign language
Fully qualified physiotherapist registered with Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
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.