Pharmacist
Skip to section:
About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirementsAs a Pharmacist in the New Zealand Army, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The comprehensive training you will receive as an officer will allow you to lead teams of people, in all kinds of situations.
- ServiceArmy
- SpecialisationMedical and Health
- LocationVarious
-
Starting salary$77,181
About the role
As a Pharmacist in the New Zealand Army, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The comprehensive training you will receive as an Officer will allow you to lead teams of people, in all kinds of situations.
You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training.
If you have referred to the minimum entry requirements below, but would like more information on this role please email specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz
Job on base
You will form an integral part of the health team in providing pharmaceutical advice on scales of deployment, appropriateness of selected treatments, medicines information and ensuring legal compliance.
You will have a number of responsibilities including:
- Monitoring the control of all medicines & medical consumables (Class Eight Stores)
- Ensuring accurate, safe and effective dispensing of medicines with the NZ Army
- Review operational scales of deployment
- Guiding health personnel in the selection, dose and treatment duration of medicines supplied
- Providing on the job and formal training for medical and logistical personnel
- Improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes of medicines treatment
Job on deployment
Pharmacists have the opportunity to deploy overseas and in the past have done so in order to undertake pharmaceutical audits and ensure legal compliance.
Career progression and training
Basic Training
Job Training
Ongoing Training
Career Progression
Officer Cadet School (OCS)
(12 weeks) Location: Waiouru Military Camp
Initial training begins in early January. Attendees at this training will be a mixture of Regular Force General List Officer Cadets, Regular Force Special List Officer Cadets, and Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets.
The training will be split into three modules and attendance at Modules One, Two and Three is required for all Regular Force Officer Cadets. Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets must attend Modules One and Three; this can be in the same year or in consecutive years.
Training covers:
- NZ Army Ethos and Values
- Self-leadership
- Physical Training
- Basic field-craft
- Military Unarmed Combat
- Weapon handling
- Navigation
- Battle-craft
- Radio telephone procedure
- Weapon handling
- Drill
- NZ Army tactics
- Leadership
There are opportunities to further your professional development and tertiary study.
After initial employment and training the NZ Army will provide funding and study leave for Pharmacists to complete further professional study for a number of different courses including post graduate clinical doctorates and diplomas.
Further training and education is provided throughout your career to complete further professional studies. There are various opportunities including:
- PG Diploma / Masters in Clinical Pharmacy
- PG Diploma in Travel Medicine
- Support may be given for any PG study if it is relevant to your job.
- Attendance at pharmacy conferences is encouraged
As a Pharmacist in the NZ Army, you will receive comprehensive training to allow you to effectively lead teams, in all kinds of situations. You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training. There are also opportunities to further your professional development and the possibility of further tertiary study.
Salary and 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.
$77,181
Starting salary
$154,956
Future potential earnings
Figure updated on July 1st 2023
Benefits and 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
Entry requirements
Basics
Education
Fitness and Medical
Citizenship
Period of Service
- You must be at least 17 years of age.
- Meet the citizenship and security requirements to gain SV security clearance for this trade.
- You are required to be a registered pharmacist with a current Annual Practising Certificate issued by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
- Ideally have two years post graduate experience.
- You must be medically fit for service.
- Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
There may be a return of service period for this trade.
Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.
Ready to start your Army career?
Other jobs you might like
You can also browse jobs by specialisation to narrow down your search.
