This would be after taking the bursary from uni, and need to fulfill 4 years. Also if i decide to rejoin the NHS would i have to start from CT1 or do i join at ST3.

29 October, 2024 19:20

Hi, training pathways are by and large the same as the NHS. You will start as CT1 after you finish your time as a GDMO, whether you stay in or return to the NHS. If you leave you may be required to do an additional GDMO year to finish your 4 year return of service (GDMO usually being 3 years incl the commissioning course and post graduate medical and nursing officer course).

29 October, 2024 22:29

oh so in general it takes three extra years..Can i ask in your situation, what made you choose to go down this path knowing you will be three years behind regardless of what route taken.

29 October, 2024 22:31

At the start of your career an additional 3 years can feel a bit daunting, and may feel like you're intentionally putting your career on hold and will fall behind your colleagues. In reality, lots of my colleagues all think their time as a GDMO was some of the best years of their career. It's also a great chance to boost your CV to make you very competitive for when you do apply for training.

Your colleagues in the NHS will take FY3+ years, go LTFT through training, go on fellowships, perhaps take a few attempts to get into the training pathway they want etc.. so even with my 3 year break, I qualified ahead of many of my friends in the NHS. My advice would be not to rush to CCT, enjoy the path there, and if you think the Army might be for you, give it a go.

29 October, 2024 22:40

thank you very much.. im going into medical school soon and im thinking of applying for the bursary but the three extra years behind was getting to me as medicine itself is aready a very long dedication and i would love pursuing other endeavours outside of medicine like business. How do you balance other progressions outside of your career like business and entrepreneurship?.

29 October, 2024 22:45

When it comes down to businesses there are still plenty of opportunities within the Army, we have an education unit which will help you along with any additional courses that you may wish to do outside of the Army or that are not Army related. Myself I am a medic by trade but have gained qualifications through the Army or that have been Army funded in First aid at work, a level 3 in Award and education in training. More recently I am doing courses in Digital marketing and accounting all alongside doing my day job. The important factor with this is not to take on to much at the same time and to do these as extra curricular activities, I probably recommend once you have settled with your job and qualified.

There are various different contracts within the Army including flexible working hours although this may not always be possible it may be worth having the conversation with the clerks and your Chain of Command once you have joined as this may give you some flexibility to do extra things outside of the Army especially if it helps benefit yourself and the Army, things such as meeting CPD requirements or extra training are usually approved.

If you are looking at setting up your own business you will need the permission from the Commanding Officer, although this should not be to much of an issue there would need to be checks to ensure that your business does not conflict with the Army's interest, values or standards.

30 October, 2024 11:08

That clears up a lot. Thank you very much for getting back.

30 October, 2024 17:29