Operating Department Practitioner

Operating Department Practitioners play a major role in each phase of a person’s operation.

You will provide high standards of skilled care and support during each phase of a person's care - anaesthetic, surgery, and recovery. You will work in the surgery team and manage the preparation of the operating theatres. You will also be the link between the surgical team and other parts of the operating theatre and hospital. This role is highly rewarding as you’ll be able to see the difference you make in people’s lives every day.

Operating Department Practitioner is also known as ODP.

Role Characteristics

Help and support people before surgery
Prepare all the necessary instruments and equipment for surgery
Provide the correct surgical instruments and materials to the surgeon
Be responsible for all surgical instruments, equipment and swabs during the operation
Support and monitor the people on their arrival into the recovery unit
Provide appropriate treatment until they have recovered from the effects of the anaesthesia and/or surgery

Skills

Collaboration
Communication
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Team work

Day in the life

Watch Rowell explain about his work as an Operating Department Practitioner.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Degree apprenticeship

How to become

You will need 5 GCSEs including English Language, Maths and Science along with 2 or 3 A Levels. To become an Operating Department Practitioner, you’ll need a degree in Operating Department Practice. A degree apprenticeship is also an option.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Once you’ve successfully completed your degree, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) before you can start practising.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

There are several routes you could take to further your career including Management, Education and Clinical Research. You could also undertake further training to become a Surgical Care Practitioner, Anaesthesia Associate or Advanced Critical Care Practitioner.