Any pharmacy roles in the Navy?

[Rachy]

Hi everyone,

I have searched and even googled but still couldnt find any info so I wondered if anyone here could help before I go to the AFCO (I want to be sure this time!). I applied to be a Pharmacy Tech in the RAF some time ago as I do this in civvy street at the moment, but after the presentations and everything I didnt opt to proceed with my application there. I know there is not a specific role like this is the Navy (I don't think?) but is there anything similar? I know Medical Assistant and everything is obviously a little weeny bit similiar in the admin side, but are there any dispenser type roles or any which may incorporate it slightly? I have been looking into the Navy for over a year now and have been lucky enough to be in contact with people currently serving and I am sure I am better suited, even though a lot of it tends to be tri now.

Any help would be great!

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Unless you have a degree in the academic aspects of pharmaceutical medicine, the closest you will get in the RN to RAF Pharmacy Tech is indeed Medical Assistant, however the trade does not give you a degree in Pharmacy, more a case of practical experience in dispensing medicines in amongst what is probably best described as a seagoing paramedical/primary healthcare role.

 

[Rachy]

Hi, thanks for the reply. Thats what I wanted to know really, although I titled the thread a little misleading, it would be dispensing I was after rather than training as a pharmacist. I work at the moment in a healthcare role with an NVQ3 in dispensing, so I guess it might be worth looking into Medical Assistant as I had a gander and the other aspects look interesting too, even with the 2 year plus waiting times!

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

I'll follow Jim's lead on this one as we don't have vision of "in service" training beyond Initial Career Courses (Phase one & two training). It sounds right to me with regard "in service" courses in dispensing.

 

[Joe_Crow]

I have a mate who, as a CPO MA did the course to become a pharmacist, gaining a degree in the process. The curious thing about this is, having to hold a degree, you would expect there to be some kind of reward, but the pharmacists are on the lower pay band, thus earning less money than stewards holding the same rate. MAs may be the only branch where people of the same rate and same specialisation are not all on the same rate of pay (and they wonder why eight years on, people are still unhappy with Pay2000).

I believe that the RAF reward their pharmacists with a commission, to reflect their degree status, though I could be wrong.

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

I believe that the RAF reward their pharmacists with a commission, to reflect their degree status, though I could be wrong.

Concur with regard Pay2000

In a simil;ar vein RN Med Techs used to gain a BSc as a CPO whilst their Army & RAF counterparts were commissioned. Eventuall RN Med Techs transferred to the Junior Services to gain the correct rank & pay for the qualification.

 

[TurnipPharma]

On a related note, @Ninja_Stoker any advice you could offer here would be appreciated. (NB I won't be applying any time soon, am currently medically unfit but hoping to apply once the "cool-off period" for my condition has passed).

I will have an MPharm (degree in pharmacy) come July, and will complete my pre-registration training (effectively a professional probationary period similar to FY1/2 for doctors) for a year. My understanding is that, to use my degree clinically, I would enter as a rating and train as an MA. Could the degree and pre-reg allow me to enter as a Qualified Reserve Medical Technician, or do I need to be qualified as an ODP / Biomedical Scientist for that role? Would appreciate any help you could offer