Previous Experience
It is desirable that all candidates should have some nursing/caring experience (voluntary or paid employment). Any declared experience should be accompanied with a reference.
Recruit Training
Your career will start with a 10 week Basic Recruit Training Centre (BRTC) at RAF Halton. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you will also learn about the RAF lifestyle.
Nurse Training
Undergraduate nurse training for the Royal Navy, Army and RAF is undertaken at and accredited by Birmingham City University (BCU) alongside civilian student nurse colleagues. Applicants will be required to sit the Numeracy, Literacy and IT tests set by BCU on the morning of interview. The 3 year course consists of a 12-month common foundation phase followed by a 2-year adult speciality branch programme with clinical placements in civilian and some Service areas. Student nurses graduate as RN(A)s on part 1 of the NMC register with a BSc (Hons).
Ongoing Training/Development Opportunities
Once you have qualified as a qualified RN(A) you will be expected to maintain your currency in clinical practice and to be active in your professional development as a nurse. You will have the opportunity to undertake further education and training throughout your career, developing you as a clinician. PMRAFNS prides itself on equipping you with the necessary skills to operate to the highest level in your peacetime and operational role.
Your Future
During your time at Recruit Training Squadron (RTS) you will be working at the rank of Aircraftman (AC) and on successful completion of basic recruit training you will progress to your first Unit appointed to the rank of Acting Rank Corporal (AR Cpl). On completion of the Junior Management and Leadership Course (JMLC) and Trade Management Training (TMT) you will be eligible for promotion to Cpl. Further promotion to the rank of Sergeant (Sgt) and beyond is by competitive selection.
Career Prospects/Progression
You will initially join the RAF for a period of twelve years on a Notice Engagement. Pay, pension and service beyond the initial engagement (up to a maximum of age 60 years) are linked to your performance and rank progression. Student nurse entrants may exit during the initial 12 year engagement – minimum Service 4 years after completion of nursing training –and will transfer to ex-Service reserve status.
In preparation for your overseas role you will complete Deployed Operational Nursing Competencies (DONC) under the supervision of mentors. PMRAFNS prides itself on equipping you with the necessary skills to operate to the highest level in your peacetime and operational role; militarily you will undertake short courses of training with the RAF Regiment, RAF personnel are also eligible to apply for Adventurous Training (AT).
Transferable skills
Having completed a BSc (Hons) in nursing you will be able to work as a registered nurse within the United Kingdom (UK). If in the future you wish to leave the Service your experience, further clinical training and managerial dexterity will make you highly competitive within the civilian job market.
Specialist Training
With the necessary experience PMRAFNS provides the opportunity to specialise in accordance with service requirements. The NEA provides advice and guidance for those wishing to study on a full or part time basis. Successful applicants will be seconded.
