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Healthcare & Medical Officer (Cadetship)

Healthcare & Medical Officer (Cadetship)

Get the final three years of your tuition fees paid, and receive a salary.

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As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.

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At a glance

Currently studying at a UK Medical or Dental School, or planning to? You could be eligible for a medical or dental cadetship.

If you’re studying for A-levels that include a science-based course, you can apply for a cadetship, which leads to Medical Officer and Dental Officer careers. Providing you are able to gain a place at Medical or Dental School, you’ll get your tuition fees paid and receive a salary for the final three years of your course.

If successful, you’ll only need to pass in your degree before going on to foundation training within the Royal Navy. After that, you’ll complete 15 weeks’ Initial Naval Training (Officer) at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) and begin your career. You’ll be committed to a minimum of six years’ service. But that time will be packed with travel, new experiences and continuous development.

At least £21,000

Per year of study

4 years

Service post-university

Guaranteed job

On completion of degree

35

Spaces available per year

What you can do

Profession details

  • The last 3 years of your Medical/Dental school tuition could be funded, and you’ll receive a salary while you study 
  • Opportunity to start a medical or dental career that takes you all over the world 
  • Medical training that matches that of NHS professionals. But with greater potential for further specialist training 
  • Support throughout your studies 
  • You’ll need to join your local University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) where there will be training courses for you to attend, making the transition to military life smoother
  • Aged 20 to 36 (You can start your application from 17 years old however you must be at least 20 years old on day of entry to basic training)
  • You need to be enrolled at a UK Medical or Dental School. Cadetships are available for your final three years at a UK medical school (not including your intercalation year)
  • 5 grades A*-C (9-4) Including English Language and Maths
  • A National of the United Kingdom or Dual National
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28
  • There’s no requirement for you to have been an A-level scholarship student
  • Minimum height of 145cm
Day one

Day One

10 weeks at HMS Raleigh, learning basic military skills
First promotion – Leading Hand

1st Promotion

Further training, more responsibility, lead junior ratings
First year

1st Year

Complete your task book and learn on the job
Professional training

Progression Training

Develop your professional skills, and earn NVQs
Second promotion – Petty Officer

2nd Promotion

Become a manager, take responsibility for defect diagnosis

Joining process

From picking your profession to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join.

  • Register your interest
  • Complete your application
  • Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
  • Interview
  • Medical and Fitness Assessments
  • Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)
  • Final selection board

Register your interest

Find the right profession and entry level for you, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, and register your interest online.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with more details about your chosen profession, along with an invitation to speak with our friendly recruitment team about any questions or concerns you might have.

Start your application

Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.

Register Interest

Got a question?

Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day

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