Pre-joining Requirements
- Be a minimum of 17 years of age
- Have completed at least three years of secondary education
- Be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in NZ for five years
- Be medically fit for service
- Be of good character – assessed by study of testimonials and a police record check
- Be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years
- Minimum of 60 credits at level two
- Minimum of 12 credits at level two per subject in English, mathematics and science (preferably biology).
Download the 
Entry Requirements Guide to see what school subjects and credits are required.
Your Lifestyle
Medics enjoy considerable variety in their postings. Your initial years are spent in Devonport, Christchurch, at sea, and with deployed forces in a variety of locations around the world.
You usually work in small teams providing high quality medical care to a contingent of NZDF personnel either at sea, in a shore establishment, or as part of a deployed force. At times you may find yourself operating as an independent health provider in remote locations, or as part of a larger medical response team working alongside other health specialists.
Training
Medics must complete and pass the Basic Common Training (BCT) programme where you learn about the Navy and how to become a competent sailor. Medics are then posted to the Joint Services Health School in Christchurch, where they undertake tertiary training, studying towards a Graduate Diploma in Health Science in conjunction with the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
The first year in the programme is the Diploma in Paramedic Science (Level 6). On completion of this, medics then enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Health Science (Level 6 and 7). Throughout the training medics are provided with complete academic support, and clinical placements in both civilian and Navy environments which allow them to integrate theory and class work with the challenge of real time medical practice and experience.
On completion of their Graduate Diploma, medics return to Devonport to begin their employment in the diverse and exciting field of Naval medicine.
There is also the opportunity for medics to continue their study towards a Bachelor of Health Science Paramedic (BHSc(para)) or other tertiary study. This can be completed through the Navy's voluntary education study assistance (VESA) programme.
This new medic training programme is an exceptional opportunity; while being paid you will be studying for your qualifications at the AUT, an internationally recognised tertiary provider, and are studying with medics from all three services.
Further Navy training will be provided throughout your career in both areas of medical care and leadership skills.
Career Progression
The first two and a half years of your medic career commences with full time study; first undertaking BCT, then completing your industry recognised and respected tertiary programmes through AUT. This will set you on the path towards a Bachelor of Health Sciences. Once you have completed training you will be required to give a three-year return of service to the Navy.
On completion of your training you will be posted both ashore to work in the Navy hospital at the Devonport naval base, and for periods of time at sea. You may also find yourself attached to an Army or Air Force base for medical or instructional duties.
Opportunities exist for medics to deploy on international peacekeeping missions providing medical support to NZDF personnel and its allies. Medics are amongst the most frequently deployed trades within the NZDF, and are often called upon at short notice to assist in disasters and emergencies.
Apply Now
To apply for this job contact us on 0800 NZ NAVY, contact a recruitment consultant in your area or download the Application Form now.
More information about the joining process can be found in our How to Join section.
Featured Crew
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