Pharmacy Technician - Reserve

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.

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.

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Reserve (part time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 18 years to 49 years & 6 months

  • Qualifications:

    Clinically Qualified and current and working in this field.

  • 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
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

  • Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.

  • Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
Once your basic soldiering training is complete, you will move on to do trade-specific training with your Unit.

Qualifications you could get after training

On successful entry into the Royal Army Medical Services Reserve you will be eligible to apply for consideration in CPD for Professional Qualifications commensurate to your role within the Royal Army Medical Services.

Pay & benefits

You’ll be paid on a daily rate commensurate to your qualifications 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.

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

When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.

To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.

More about the joining process