Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Healthcare
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,860
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Location
Linton, Burnham
The role of the Medical Corps is to look after the health and well-being of soldiers. You will be treating illness, injury, and other medical conditions, in a camp environment and overseas on operational deployments and exercises.
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
Education
NCEA Level 2 certificate
Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Period of Service
Once you have completed training you may be required to give a return of service to the NZ Army.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
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Job on base
As a Medic, you will be trained in emergency care skills, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Out in the field, you will be ensuring a high level of health and hygiene is adhered to in order to prevent illness and injury. This means checking on issues such as sanitary conditions and food preparation to prevent the spread of disease.
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Job on deployment
Medics are deployed overseas as required; there are very few exercises or operations where medical personnel are not required, allowing for many overseas opportunities.
You may find yourself working on peacekeeping operations, or with units deploying on exercise to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji or Australia. Or even as part of a team instructing First Aid to personnel in Papua New Guinea, Samoa or Tonga.
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Learning pathway
The NZDF is pleased to be partnering with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to deliver training to our medics. This will see them studying towards a Level 6 Diploma in Paramedic Science and a Level 7 Graduate Certificate in Health Science.
These qualifications will be achieved through the completion of the Military Medical Technician, and NZDF Medic training programmes at Defence Health School.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:
- Organisation and Administration
- Army Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid
- Physical Fitness
02Job Training
Job Training
Medic training is conducted in Burnham Military Camp. Medic training is approximately two years long and is broken into two parts.
- Three semesters of AUT’s academic education completed at Defence Health School (DHS). In the first two semesters, you will complete a Level 6 Diploma in Paramedic Science, and in the third semester, you will complete a Level 7 Graduate Certificate in Health Science.
- A semester of NZDF medic training conducted at DHS by NZDF instructors.
After four semesters, equivalent to two years, at DHS you will graduate with a Scope A level of practice (a level of clinical practice as per the Defence Treatment Protocols) and be posted to the Joint Support Group (JSG). JSG will place you into a Defence Health Centre for four-months of experiential development known as ‘Transition to Practice’ which will consolidate your primary health knowledge and clinical experience. Afterwards, your Scope of Practice will increase to Scope B, at which point you will be considered a fully competent Medic. Having completed the Transition to Practice Programme and been credentialed to Scope B, you will then be eligible for promotion/reclassification to LCPL/LAC/AMed.
Medics with a B Scope of Practice are considered competent and capable of fulfilling all duties of an NZDF medic and supporting the outputs of the medical trade, the Army and Defence Force.
03Career Progression
Career Progression
As a Medic, you will learn all that is needed to effectively be able to ensure the health requirements of the New Zealand Army are met. From emergency medicine to sanitation, you will be trained in recognising, minimising and eliminating anything which poses a threat to the safety, health and well being of our soldiers and officers.
Throughout your career you will have continuous opportunities to expand your knowledge and experience, and to remain current as a medical professional.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.
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Under training
$68,860
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
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