Being a Medical Assistant in the Royal Navy means embarking on a career that offers more variety and adventure than you’d ever experience in civilian medicine. From the day you join, you’ll gain new skills, pushing yourself to the limit in some unique and challenging environments.

Make a real difference to some essential operations. That might mean being the only medic on board ship, and taking responsibility for the general healthcare of an entire crew. This could include patient assessment and coordination of care, infection prevention and control, and supporting specialist senior healthcare support workers in their duties
Use your medical expertise where it’s needed most, providing primary healthcare to trauma victims in conflict zones all over the world
When you’re not on deployment you will be working in a Royal Navy shore base or even with the Royal Marines. There’s no equivalent civilian role, so you’ll gain all the skills you need
Work across all medical departments, learning directly from specialists in a number of different fields. You could be training with Special Forces in West Africa, or working in primary care on board a ship in the Persian Gulf

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

By the end of your training you will be a qualified Medical Assistant (Senior Healthcare Support Worker).

You’ll start your naval career as an Able Rate.

Training and development continues throughout your career with the Royal Navy. It takes place in two distinct environments: at onshore training facilities and on-board operational ships.

When you join you complete 10 weeks of basic naval training, followed by 40 weeks of specialist training at Defence Medical Services (DMS) Wittington, broken down into classroom lessons and placements.

During lessons you will learn:

First Aid at Work
Be given an insight into primary health care, pharmacy, environmental health, medical administration and other essential skills needed to be a Medical Assistant

Once you have gained the underpinning knowledge you will then undertake a 6 week clinical work based placement in various locations around the UK. On completion you will return to DMS Wittington to undertake Royal Navy single service training consisting of 7 weeks learning the specific and vital skills required of a Medical Assistant with the Royal Navy. This is followed by placements in primary and secondary healthcare facilities in various locations around the UK lasing for 11 weeks. Finally, you will return to DMS Wittington for a period of consolidation before graduating and being assigned to a Medical centre or a Ship.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

If you show the right commitment, skills and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer. Members of the Royal Navy are promoted on merit. Work hard and you can rise through the ranks.

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

Things to consider

Desired qualifications

No qualifications required – just that you pass a Recruit Test and are in a good state of health and fitness.

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Math and English, Grade GCSE Level C/4 Desired

Employer Name

Royal Navy

Training provider

ROYAL NAVY

Apprenticeship standard

Senior healthcare support worker (level 3)

How to apply?

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

The Royal Navy – Medical Assistant Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Advanced Level 3 (A level)