Operating department practitioner

You'll need to study a two-year diploma of higher education or three-year degree in operating department practice approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You can top up your diploma to a degree after qualifying if you want.

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

As well as a student loan, you may be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which helps with hardship, travel and childcare costs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You can get into this role through a degree apprenticeship as an operating department practitioner.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

• guide to apprenticeships

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Further information

Health Careers has further details about this career and training options.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be flexible and open to change
• active listening skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You'll support patients of all ages, in the anaesthetic, surgery and recovery phases of an operation.

You will:

• help patients who may be anxious or vulnerable, to get ready for surgery
• prepare the operating theatre
• make sure drugs and specialist equipment are available
• monitor theatre cleanliness
• provide the surgical team with the items they need during an operation
• monitor instruments and use medical equipment and devices
• communicate on behalf of the surgical team with other hospital staff
• support and monitor patients in the recovery unit as they come round from surgery
• assess when they are ready to go on to a ward

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be hot and physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.