Job Details
What will you do?
MSO Physiotherapy Officers play a vital role in ensuring personnel are fit and ready for action. There will be opportunities to gain experience on front-line Main Operating Bases, at large Regional Rehabilitation Units and at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) at Stanford Hall, Loughborough. Typical responsibilities include:
This is a 12-week course specially designed for professionally qualified entrants to the RAF. The course includes fitness development, military training, weapons handling and academic study, as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.
02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing RAF Henlow The next step is a Specialist training course that will give you a breadth of skills and knowledge across the full range of duties you may be employed in. Ongoing RAF Henlow Phase two trainingFollowing completion of SOITC, you will move to the Defence College of Healthcare Education and Training near Lichfield for a further 5 days of professional training, with fellow healthcare professionals, on the Initial Medical, Dental and Nursing Officers’ Course. The final part of this phase of training is a 2-week Aviation Medicine course at RAF Henlow.
03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned Like most people in the RAF you will move jobs every 2 - 3 years; each job is known as a tour. Ongoing As assigned First tourPrimary care settings involve working in either Medical Centres at RAF bases or Regional Rehabilitation Units located throughout the UK. Depending on your knowledge and experience, you may be selected to work in a specialist field at DMRC Stanford Hall.
04 Career prospects Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned You will join the RAF on an initial commission of 6 years, during this time your service may be extended by competitive selection. Ongoing As assigned Career prospectsMSO Physiotherapists are commissioned in the rank of Flying Officer with an award of one year’s seniority. Additional seniority may be awarded depending on recognised clinical experience. You will be promoted to Flight Lieutenant on a time and satisfactory service basis. All further promotions will be by competitive selection on merit, and Service need.
05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned As a Physiotherapy Officer, you will have extensive opportunities for further personal and professional development throughout your career. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing developmentThis will include various types of on-going professional training to ensure your continued registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Physiotherapists are strongly encouraged to undertake master’s level study in a clinically relevant subject. As an autonomous practitioner, you will have the opportunity to test your clinical and leadership skills in more challenging ways both in the UK and when deployed.
06 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skillsAs well as having similar promotion and development opportunities to civilian counterparts, Physiotherapy Officers have the chance to work around the world and gain unique medical experiences.
Similarly, experience of military medical management and training provides RAF healthcare professionals with an excellent grounding for managerial progression if that is the chosen route for a future career.
prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Initial Training 24 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). at RAF Halton. 24 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one trainingThis will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.
Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Initial training 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) takes place at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase. 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Phase two trainingROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises. Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT.
03 Phase three training Specialist Training Ongoing As assigned You will attend the Introductory RAF Medical Services Officers' Course at the Defence Medical Academy. Ongoing As assigned Phase three trainingThis is held at DMS Whittington, Staffordshire and a 2-week Aviation Medicine course at the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine, RAF Henlow. The final element of specialist training is a 2-week clinical placement in a Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility on a Fast Jet Flying Station.
04 Your commitment to us Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Your commitment to usThis will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing developmentAs well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
06 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skillsThe skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF?Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATIONYou will have to commit to 27 days per year.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Filter interview 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test 4 OASC 5 Familiarisation visit 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Filter interview Stage 1 of 7Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.
The first of these interviews happens online and covers the following topics:
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
3 Fitness Test Stage 3 of 7A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
4 OASC Stage 4 of 7This will be your second visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.
The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.
The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.
5 Familiarisation visit Stage 5 of 7This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.
6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.
This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
7 Training Stage 7 of 7The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge. This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development.
Visit our for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information day 2 Selection interview 3 Health assessment 4 Fitness test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 6The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in.
2 Selection interview Stage 2 of 6Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3 Health assessment Stage 3 of 6You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
4 Fitness test Stage 4 of 6A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at your nearest AFCO, or at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your Squadron.
The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
6 Training Stage 6 of 6Basic Recruit Training
Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.
What’s next?
After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTSApplicants must be aged between 20 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSBe a fully qualified and HCPC registered physiotherapist with a BSc or MSc (pre-registration) in Physiotherapy.
Have a minimum of 3 years postgraduate experience.
Have completed postgraduate Band 5 rotations, to include a respiratory rotation.
Have a minimum of 12 months experience in a musculoskeletal outpatient setting.
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through two or three separate fitness tests as part of the application process: Selection Fitness Test, Pre-joining Fitness Test or Pre-recruit Training Course.
How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender.
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment 18 + 18303232 16 to < 18 17272727Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
