Requirements Citizenship You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF.
However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible.
For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
Age You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join.
The maximum age to join is 58 years.
Licences For this role, you'll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence.
If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won't be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
Security requirements All ADF members require a security clearance.
As an ADF member, you'll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role.
You'll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information.
Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Education and experience The minimum requirement for entry into this role is a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (exact title may vary).
The degree must include extensive theoretical and practical assessment in the following clinical areas: transfusion practices haematology biochemistry Stat microbiology and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) immunology/serology.
A biomedical or single discipline science degree is not acceptable.
You must have obtained tertiary qualification endorsed by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) or passed the AIMS Qualification Assessment for a multi-disciplinary scientist.
A list of approved Australian tertiary qualifications and the assessment process are listed on the AIMS website.
You will also need to have completed a minimum of 2 years postgraduate on-the-job training (OJT) in a major multi-discipline civilian laboratory as part of your formal consolidation training and have current experience in your job skills.
Health and fitness To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit.
This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You'll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female Sit-ups (feet held): 20 Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male Sit-ups (feet held): 20 Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
Period of service You'll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years.
Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
You'll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
Training Military training Course: Initial Officer Course Duration: 12 weeks Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, Vic Phase 1: Military Introduction.
During this phase of training, you'll be introduced to life in the military.
The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities.
Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education.
During this phase of training, you'll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills.
The themes of moral courage,



moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making.
Air and space power immersion in the joint workplace is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application.
During this phase of training, you'll consolidate what you've learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment.
The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You'll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared.
Outside of the classroom you'll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt.
Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Employment training Course: Operational Health Support Course Duration: 2 weeks Location: Health Operational Conversion Unit (HOCU), RAAF Base Amberley, Qld This course includes a 4-day field phase and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deploy an operational health support facility.
Subjects include: Operational Health Support instruction on the various levels of health support available personal and collective preparation for deployment logistics and administrative considerations establishing and running a deployed health facility.
Further training As part of your ongoing training and progressions, you'll be required to attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance skill sets.
You'll also participate in inter-departmental rotations, update training records and attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance your skills.
RequirementsTraining Citizenship You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF.
However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible.
For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
Age You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join.
The maximum age to join is 58 years.
Licences For this role, you'll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence.
If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won't be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
Security requirements All ADF members require a security clearance.
As an ADF member, you'll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role.
You'll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information.
Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Education and experience The minimum requirement for entry into this role is a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (exact title may vary).
The degree must include extensive theoretical and practical assessment in the following clinical areas: transfusion practices haematology biochemistry Stat microbiology and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) immunology/serology.
A biomedical or single discipline science degree is not acceptable.
You must have obtained tertiary qualification endorsed by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)



or passed the AIMS Qualification Assessment for a multi-disciplinary scientist.
A list of approved Australian tertiary qualifications and the assessment process are listed on the AIMS website.
You will also need to have completed a minimum of 2 years postgraduate on-the-job training (OJT) in a major multi-discipline civilian laboratory as part of your formal consolidation training and have current experience in your job skills.
Health and fitness To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit.
This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You'll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female Sit-ups (feet held): 20 Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male Sit-ups (feet held): 20 Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
Period of service You'll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years.
Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
You'll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
Training Military training Course: Initial Officer Course Duration: 12 weeks Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, Vic Phase 1: Military Introduction.
During this phase of training, you'll be introduced to life in the military.
The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities.
Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education.
During this phase of training, you'll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills.
The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making.
Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application.
During this phase of training, you'll consolidate what you've learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment.
The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You'll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared.
Outside of the classroom you'll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt.
Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Employment training Course: Operational Health Support Course Duration: 2 weeks Location: Health Operational Conversion Unit (HOCU), RAAF Base Amberley, Qld This course includes a 4-day field phase and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deploy an operational health support facility.
Subjects include: Operational Health Support instruction on the various levels of health support available personal and collective preparation for deployment logistics and administrative considerations establishing and running a deployed health facility.
Further training As part of your ongoing training and progressions, you'll be required to attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance skill sets.
You'll also participate in inter-departmental rotations, update training records and attend regular clinical placement in major pathology laboratories to enhance your skills.

📌 Medical Scientist (Pathology) (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Defence Force
📍 Canberra