Operating department practitioners (ODPs) work as skilled practitioners supporting the multidisciplinary team, working alongside anaesthetists and surgeons caring for surgical patients at all ages and levels of dependency. The curriculum is patient-centred, ensuring you can contribute fully to healthcare delivery in a dynamic surgical environment. Throughout the course you are allocated to private and NHS hospital trusts. Early exposure to practice and lengthy placement allocation promotes continuity of practice experience. This enables you to develop the essential skills and knowledge necessary for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You also gain experience across a variety of specialist theatre areas including general surgery, orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat, obstetrics, surgery, anaesthetics and recovery.

The qualified ODP is trained in all areas of theatre work and can specialise in surgery, anaesthetics or recovery. ODPs can develop their role through teaching and management. New areas of practice are also opening up to the ODP such as accident and emergency and intensive care units. Careers opportunities exist within NHS trust hospitals, primary care trust clinics, and private hospitals and care centres.