Routes into being an ODP

3 people working on a theatre environment, wearing scrubs, with a close up a of a surgical instrument

How to become an operating department practitioner (ODP)

Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are registered healthcare professionals who care for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. As key members of the multidisciplinary theatre team, they support a wide range of operations, from complex planned surgeries to life-saving emergency interventions.

What to expect

To work as an ODP in the UK, you must complete a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved degree or degree apprenticeship and be registered with the HCPC.

ODPs work across three main areas of the perioperative journey:

  • Anaesthetics – supporting the anaesthetist and patient before surgery. This includes preparing specialist equipment, completing safety checks, and helping to reassure and position the patient
  • Surgery – working as part of the sterile surgical team, preparing instruments and assisting the surgeon during the operation.
  • Recovery – monitoring and caring for patients in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) as they recover from anaesthesia, providing necessary treatment until they are stable enough to return to the ward.

ODPs typically work 37.5 hours per week, often on a shift pattern which includes nights, weekends, and bank holidays.

Routes into becoming an ODP

There are several recognised routes into the profession. At Mid Yorks, the most common are:

BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice 

Ideal for those leaving school or college and looking for a full-time university route into the profession.

  • Duration: typically 3 years full-time
  • Includes: Clinical placements within NHS theatres
  • Entry requirements:
    • A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4–9 (C–A*), which must include English and maths
    •  3 A Levels usually B, B, C, or T Levels, or a BTEC in a relevant subject (e.g., Health and Social Care or Science) at Level 3 or above.
    • Entry requirements can vary, so always check with individual universities

Degree Apprenticeship in Operating Department Practice

A popular option for those already working in healthcare who prefer to earn while they learn.

  • Duration: typically 3 years, combining 80% clinical practice with 20% academic study
  • Entry requirements:
    • Five GCSEs at grades 4–9, including English and maths
    • A Levels usually B, B, C, or T Levels, or a BTEC in a relevant subject (e.g., Health and Social Care or Science) at Level 3 or above.
    • Current employment in a healthcare support role and support from your employer to join the apprenticeship programme
Can you progress from a support worker role?

Yes – many of our ODPs begin their careers as healthcare support workers or theatre assistants. Progression can be achieved through:

  • Apprenticeships opportunities, often supported by the Trust's education and development teams
  • Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas, available at local colleges, which provide a route into university for those without traditional qualifications. Applicants will still need GCSE English and maths in all cases.
Placement Opportunities

At Mid Yorkshire, we provide clinical placements for students from several universities offering HCPC-approved ODP programmes. These include University of Derby and University of Huddersfield.

Students experience a range of specialities, including anaesthetics, scrub, and recovery, across our theatre departments.

Useful resources