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
$68,103
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Location
Devonport
Medics are responsible for the comprehensive medical care of all naval personnel both ashore and at sea. You will perform a variety of duties including treating sick and injured personnel, immunisations, out-patient clinics, training new medics and other sailors, ensuring the Ship’s Company has regular health checks and maintaining health records.
Accepting Applications
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Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 May 2025
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entry.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
- Class 1 restricted driver's license is desirable, but is not compulsory.
Education
NCEA Level 2 certificate.
Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements
Fitness & Medical
- You must be medically fit for service.
- You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the CV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years.
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
If not posted to sea and not on operational deployment most Medics are posted to the Defence Health Centre doing general personal health care and training. When deployed on Land Operations you usually work in small teams providing high quality medical care to a contingent of Defence Force personnel. At times you may work as part of a larger medical response team working alongside other health specialists. Whatever the situation, you will be well equipped (trained) to adapt to your operational environment.
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Job on deployment
When at sea, you may find yourself operating as an independent health provider in remote locations. You are responsible for medical operations on board and therefore the health and wellness of all personnel on board to ensure the ongoing functionality and operational readiness of the ship's crew.
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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 Navy you will be posted to Devonport, Auckland. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Navy, and learn various subjects including:
- Teamwork and support
- Naval history and customs
- Drill and parades
- Core mariner skills and weapons training
- First aid and firefighting
- Physical fitness
- Self-discipline
02Job Training
Job Training
Medic training is conducted in Burnham Military Camp in Christchurch. Medic training is approximately 2.5 years long and is broken into two courses.
The first course, Military Medic Technician (MMT) course, is approximately 18 months. Over this period you will learn the foundation of primary health care, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and domestic trauma such as car crashes. You will undertake 24 weeks of on the job experience where you will work in many of the health units spread across New Zealand practicing the skills you have learnt.
Upon graduating as an MMT you will commence Medic training, which is a further 42 weeks training where you will learn advanced primary health care and how to teach military based trauma as well as develop your skills as a sole charge medic. During the Medic training programme, you will undertake a further 16 weeks of on the job experience.
As part of your learning pathway, you will study 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 MMT course, and the NZDF medic training programmes at Defence Health School.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
Further Navy training will be provided throughout your career in both areas of medicine and leadership skills.
04Career Progression
Career Progression
Throughout your career you will have continuous opportunities to expand your knowledge and experience, and to remain current as a medical professional. At the moment the Defence Health Directorate is reviewing how medics are to be trained and prepared to meet the operational needs of the Defence Force.
Upon completion of your training you will be posted both ashore to work in the Naval Health Unit at the Devonport naval base and for periods of time at sea. 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 Defence Force and are often called upon at short notice to assist in disasters and emergencies. As a consequence it is important that medics have a good standard of fitness in order to be fit to deploy at any time.
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 Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Be Prepared
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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