Hello,

There is lots of information on the different routes into becoming an army nurse on our website https://apply.army.mod.uk/roles/army-medical-service/army-nurse

But if you wish to join the army as a student nurse, you first need to join as a soldier and complete your phase 1 training. You can apply to join the army here https://apply.army.mod.uk/how-to-join

You then complete a 3 year degree course with Birmingham City University (entry requirements can be found on the first link, or alternatively on the Birmingham City University website).

After university you will complete a 'transition to military practice' course before starting work in a JHG Hospital (Frimley Park, Northallerton, Portsmouth, Plymouth or the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham).

10 April, 2020 17:27

So does this mean you have to go to Birmingham Uni to study? Thank you.

12 April, 2020 00:32

If you join as a soldier before starting your training, then yes, at present you will study at Birmingham University.

13 April, 2020 19:20

Perfect. Does the Army help you with things like accommodation while you study at Birmingham uni if you don't already life there? Or would it be more worth while staying home and getting my degree with my local uni and joining the Army after? Thank you very much.

14 April, 2020 19:57

Yes, all the military student nurses live together during their training in accommodation provided by the army. I think you have to pay for it, but like all army accommodation it is very good value and is taken directly from your salary. Most of the student nurses will be from all over the country, so you certainly won't be alone.

It is slightly different for doctors, but I joined after I had worked for the NHS for a few years. I have lots of student debt that my colleagues who joined the Army while at university don't have, but if I had the chance to go back, I don't think I would have done anything differently. I liked choosing where to study and which hospital to work in at the start of my career. I certainly don't feel disadvantaged now for joining the army a bit later.

It is also important to consider whether you want to join as a soldier or an officer, as that may change your options slightly. If you start an application on the website your candidate support manager should be able to go through the options with you in more detail, or alternatively your local careers office might be able to have a chat with you about it. Starting an application won't tie you in to anything and can make chatting through the options available to you a bit easier.

15 April, 2020 21:05

That's great. Is the job of a CMT very different to being a nurse in the army? Also, do you have to go to uni to be an CMT? Thank you.

16 April, 2020 15:28

There is some overlap between the role of a CMT and the role of a junior nursing soldier, but generally speaking they are two quite separate roles.

Some of the main differences.
Nursing requires a degree.
Becoming a CMT does not.

Nursing is a transferable skill - you can leave the army and work as a nurse.
Being a CMT is not - you cannot leave the army and work as a CMT. This has been recognised as an issue and there has been a push in recent years to try and give CMTs qualifications recognised by the civilian world. There are also more opportunities now for CMTs to re train as paramedics.

A nurse can go on to complete extra courses and qualifications that increase their scope of practice and clinical decision making. They can become nurse prescribers, advanced nurse practitioners, specialise in certain areas etc...
A CMT's clinical role is limited and can be quite protocol driven.

CMT's do not have a governing body like nurses, doctors and paramedics do. This means when they practice clinically, they will always be supervised by a nurse/doctor/paramedic (although this may be remote supervision depending on how experienced the CMT is).

A nurse can be a soldier or an officer from the point of joining (we have newly qualified nursing soldiers and officers).
A CMT can only be a soldier. Senior CMT soldiers may become late entry officers at some point in their career, but they will no longer be a 'CMT' at that point.

Ultimately though, CMTs, nurses, paramedics and doctors will all look after soldiers and provide both primary health care and pre-hospital emergency care.

17 April, 2020 13:11

Great. What is the day to day life of a CMT like? Are they more often sent away compared to an army nurse? And do you know the Scottish qualification grades that you need to become a CMT? (The website only says about GCSE's) Thank you.

18 April, 2020 01:12

sorry for another question. just wondering if I do become a mental health nurse and do my nursing degree, can I do my psychology degree while serving as that's what I hold a passion for, but I want to serve as well, but unfortunately psychologist aren't required.

18 April, 2020 13:35

For qualification equivalents have a look at this page https://apply.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/can-i-join/qualifications
Half way down on the right has the GCSE grade and the SNQ equivalent grade.

In terms of who gets sent away more, CMTs or nurses, I would say there are more deployments for CMTs, but as there are fewer nurses than CMTs, it probably balances out.

The army keeps a close eye on how much time individuals spend away, and there is a limit to this, so people aren't away the whole time. They do also try and share it out fairly amongst colleagues so the same person isn't always going away. Generally speaking, there are lots of people in the Army who really enjoy going away and will often volunteer.

The day to day life of a CMT will vary depending on where you are working. A CMT at a medical regiment is more likely to spend time attending teaching sessions and working on equipment maintenance, whereas a CMT attached to a unit medical centre might spend more time doing clinical work and seeing patients.

18 April, 2020 13:46

That's great thank you very much for your help.

18 April, 2020 20:55

Sorry for another question. What kind of things can you be ruled out of the army for? Like medical wise. I know a cupple of people who have wanted to be in the army but told they cant on medical grounds because of something that seems very insignificant. Thank you.

19 April, 2020 21:20

Hi again,

Honestly, there is a fairly extensive list of reasons people can fail a medical. Common things tend to be significant MSK injuries, ongoing mental health issues and being prescribed an inhaler at some point or being on regular medication.

Essentially, if there is anything in your medical history that might indicate you are at increased risk of needing medical support should you end up deployed in a remote environment, there is a possibility you might not pass.

People do fail medicals, but there is an appeal system if you think you have failed for something you shouldn't have.

22 April, 2020 17:11

So I had plantar fasciitis a cupple years back. Do you think this is something that I would get medically discharged for? Thank you.

25 April, 2020 21:50

Hi Summer, I am afraid we are unable to answer individual medical enquiries on this forum. To get an answer to that one you will need to start your application, the answer will then depend on your medical records and your current physical ability.

27 April, 2020 16:18

Ok thank you very much for answering my questions.

27 April, 2020 17:10

During your time at BCU are you able to live in your own home/accommodation?

30 October, 2020 18:02

Hi Dominique,
I believe during your first year of training you may need to live with the other military nursing students, however after this you can apply to live out in your own home.
If this is something that concerns you, it would be worth discussing further with the recruitment team who may be able to get some more clarification.
Their contact details can be found on the bottom of their website https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/army-medical-services/

11 November, 2020 09:14

For, example if i decided to join the army as a solider at the age of 18 how many years do i have to have work before ill be allowed to leave fully

03 March, 2021 15:12