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Veterinary Technician

Army Medical Service

This is available as a full time Army role.

I LOVE WORKING WITH DOGS AND HORSES

THIS GIVES ME A HUGE MORALE BOOST AND THE JOB SATISFACTION I CRAVE.
Animals – mostly dogs and horses – are an important part of Army life. As a Veterinary Technician, you take care of them alongside our highly skilled Army Vets. You work all over the world and deal with everything from injured search dogs to sick cavalry horses. You could be preparing an operating theatre one day and nursing hospitalized animals the next. It’s great experience which can help you get valuable qualifications, and a job if you return to civilian life. When you’re not building your skills and career, you’ll have time to enjoy sports and make some amazing friends.

Key Responsibilities

  • Overcome physical challenges.
  • Manage equipment and veterinary supplies.
  • Use patience and a consistent approach to get the best out of animals.
  • Work in both a clinic and in the field.
  • Carry out other military duties.

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 will then be posted into the Defence Animal Training Regiment at Melton Mowbray where you will complete a Transition to Military Practice course and the Patrol Dog Handler course.

Entry Requirements

Age: 17 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
Qualifications:
  • Level 2 in both Maths and English with at least one science
  • Attend a college-based study for a minimum of 22 weeks over the period of training before exams are sat – usually every 2 years. The college must be approved by the RCVS.
  • Complete a minimum of 60 full time weeks of practical experience attached to s RCVS registered training practice.
  • Must be a qualified Veterinary Nurse and registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Fitness:
  • Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
  • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
  • 2km run 12m
  • MSFT (beep test) level 5.8
More information about the fitness test

Qualifications You Could Get After Training

The Army will support and train you throughout your career, offering you considerable opportunities to develop your skills.

Rank Progression

Learn about rank progression here.

Pay and Benefits

Earn £15,671 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your Unit, pay will rise to just over £22,000

From the Field

“I have worked with horses and dogs, carrying out routine healthcare procedures such as vaccinations and administering veterinary care under the direction of the Veterinary Officer. The work is canine or equine-based. I am given a lot of responsibility; people ask for advice and listen, and I am trusted to perform veterinary tasks. This gives me a huge morale boost and the job satisfaction I crave. The Army has also given me the chance to go trekking in the Himalayas; the opportunity of a life time. I’m excited about having the chance to explore the world.”

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.

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