Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are an important part of a hospital's operating department team.
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ODPs perform alongside surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre nurses to ensure every operation is as safe and effective as possible.
ODPs need a broad knowledge and skills base including management and good communication. As part of the peri-operative team they are involved with assessing, delivering and evaluating a patient's anaesthesia, surgery and recovery.
Applicants need 240 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two A-Levels (or equivalent) plus 5 GCSEs/equivalent (C or above) to include Maths and English. All offers are made conditionally and subject to satisfactory completion of both CRB and occupational health checks and satisfactory references.
Once you are qualified, pay and responsibility will depend upon your experience and the further specialist skills you acquire. ODPs work in a wide range of areas including transplant teams, orthopaedic clinics and special care baby units. It is possible to become a senior ODP, perhaps running a theatre unit. There are also opportunities in research, education and training
Qualified ODPs are eligible to register with the Health Professions Council to work throughout the UK and some other countries. In recent years all students who qualified through LSBU have gained employment in theatre departments within UK hospitals. Qualified ODPs can anticipate a starting salary around £16,000, with London Weighting bringing this up to around £20,000.
