Pharmacy Technician

Royal Army Medical Service

At a glance

  • Soldier
  • medical

No Army medical team is complete without a Pharmacy Technician. You play a key role in caring for troops by dispensing vital medications and advice.

  • £25,200The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
  • £33,978Your pay after completing basic trade training
  • AgeFrom 17 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
  • QualificationsGCSEs or equivalent

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. 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, staying focused enough to help the people who need you, even under pressure in difficult conditions

Royal Army Medical Service

Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS) nurses have worked at the sharp end of military life throughout the last century. Nursing Officers, Nursing Soldiers, Healthcare Assistants and Student Nurses of the RAMS deliver high-quality, adaptable and dedicated nursing care wherever the Army needs it.

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Key Responsibilities

  • Work in military medical centres, Defence Medical Group Hospital Units, Field Hospitals, Medical Regiments and Logistics units in the UK, and worldwide

  • Work closely with other health professionals and patients

  • Gain leadership and management qualifications.

Have any questions? Talk with us

Regular (full time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 17 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months

  • Qualifications:

    • QUALIFIED:

      Applications are also considered from already Qualified Pharmacy Technicians.

      An NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services and are registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

    • STUDENTS:

      4X GCSEs, or equivalent, at grades A-C/9-4 that include at least two sciences, Maths and English Language.

      Or other examination board equivalent.

    All applicants must attend the specialist Army Pharmacy Technician insight event.

  • Basic physical fitness assessment:

    • Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m

    • MSFT (beep test) level 5.8

    More information about the fitness test

Training for the role

Step 1
Basic military training teaches you how to be a soldier. This covers everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. This course takes place at either Pirbright in Surrey or Winchester, Hampshire.

Step 2
You start two-and-a-half years of trade training. This 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.

Qualifications you could get after training

Level 5 Diploma in Training and Education

Gain leadership and management qualifications

Pay & benefits

You'll earn £25,200 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career. Once you've finished your trade training you'll earn at least £33,978.

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.

More about the joining process

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