As a Medical Technician in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) you’ll take sole responsibility for the health and wellbeing of all your crewmates. You’re the only medic on board ship, so the advice you provide directly informs Command in the event of an emergency. That means dealing with everything from infection control in Indonesia, to recommending aero-medical evacuation in the middle of the Atlantic. It’s a seriously challenging medical role, but one that will see you develop skills and knowledge that stay with you throughout your career.

THE ROLE

• Take charge of the ship’s hospital and act as the custodian of all medical supplies on board.
• Work closely with doctors at Naval Command HQ and other onshore civilian facilities to provide first-class medical care and develop your skills.
• You’ll have to deal with a variety of medical issues, from minor illness to recurring injuries.
• Operate as the sole point of contact for medical advice and guidance, displaying an approachable nature, reliability, and an ability to work methodically in a challenging environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Pay and benefits

• Earn in excess of £34,000 from the day you start 
• Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 21 days for every month spent on board ship
• Membership of a Civil Service Pension scheme 
• World-class training
• Potential to travel around the world

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

• Offshore medical qualification
• MCA basic sea training

Skills you'll develop

• The ability to use your medical skills and training in the maritime environment
• An understanding of providing healthcare in an operational setting

Career progression

There is no promotion within the medical branch. However, your salary will be equivalent to that of a Petty Officer for the first two years and then, subject to you successfully gaining the necessary qualifications, it will increase to the equivalent of a Chief Petty Officer.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Eligibility

• You’ll need to be aged 16 to 99
• Applicants must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens. However, a number of career paths have nationality restrictions. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
• Be a NMC Registered Nurse or HPC Registered Paramedic
• Be an Ex-Military Medic in the following categories: RN LMA or above; RFA Medical Technician; RFA Medical Assistant at Corporal or above; RAMC CMT1 at Corporal of above
• Be another healthcare professional, such as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODPs), with experience working alone or as part of a medical team

Skills and interests

• An ability to thrive on responsibility
• Great at multi-tasking
• Comfortable working in hands-on situations
• A sense of adventure