Operating department practitioners (ODPs), formerly known as operating department assistants (ODAs), care for theatre patients before, during and after surgery.

• preparing the surgical environment and equipment such as drugs, drips, instruments, dressings and swabs
• preparing and monitoring machinery and specialist equipment for specific procedures
• ensuring stocks of items such as drugs and other single or multiple use items are ordered and rotated properly
• providing the surgical team with items required during the procedure, often called 'circulating duties', and keeping accurate records.

Hours and Environment

ODPs work 37.5 hours a week on a shift system covering evenings, nights and weekends. Overtime and on-call duty is common in order to deal with emergencies. Part-time work may be possible.

The work mainly takes place in sterile conditions in operating theatres, anaesthetic areas and recovery rooms. These areas are clean and light but can be hot. Surgical clothing and masks must be worn.

The work can be stressful and physically demanding, with lots of lifting and standing for long periods.

Skills and Interests

As an operating department practitioner, you should:

• have manual dexterity
• enjoy being a member of a busy specialist team
• have common sense, be reliable and have a friendly, reassuring personality
• not be squeamish or easily upset by unpleasant sights
• be strong, with plenty of stamina
• be able to learn quickly, act calmly and maintain concentration
• have an adaptable and flexible approach to work
• be an efficient and effective communicator.

Entry

To work as an operating department practitioner, you need a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Operating Department Practice approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

When you have achieved an approved DipHE qualification, you are eligible for state registration and membership of the Association of Operating Department Practitioners (AODP). Details of approved courses are available from both the HPC and AODP websites; see Further Information section. 

Entry requirements for a diploma are likely to include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) preferably in English, maths and/or a science based subject. Some course providers may also ask for one or two A levels/H grades.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

A limited number of places on approved courses attract NHS funding. Where this is available, tuition fees are met in full and students receive a non-means tested bursary to help towards living expenses. For details, check with individual universities and the NHS Student Grants Unit (listed on the NHS Careers website; see Further Information).

All entrants must undergo a medical examination and colour vision test.

The minimum age to begin training is 18. There is no set upper age limit.

Training

The DipHE in Operating Department Practice usually takes two years full-time (up to seven years part-time) to complete and combines clinical work placements in a hospital with day or block-release study at university. During the course you will study anatomy, anaesthetics, surgery, pharmacology, microbiology, infection and basic science.

Some practitioners continue to study after the diploma in order to achieve a degree.

Many employers encourage practitioners to undertake additional qualifications to continue their professional development; this can be accessed through membership of the AODP.

Opportunities

Most ODPs are employed by NHS trusts and private hospitals around the UK. The armed forces also offer positions. Temporary work is available through agencies.

There are opportunities for promotion to team leader or senior ODP and to take on responsibility for theatre management. Some move into education and training.

Other opportunities exist overseas, particular in the Netherlands and the Middle East.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The salary for a qualified practitioner ranges between £19,000 and £24,000 a year.
Experienced and well-qualified technicians can earn between £23,000 and £36,500, depending on grade.

Those working in London receive an additional cost of living allowance.

Further information