Becoming an Operating Department Practitioner

On this page we aim to help you understand more about Operating Department Practitioners: how anyone with questions about the profession or aspiring to become and Operating Department Practitioner can find out more.

What is an Operating Department Practitioner?

An Operating Department Practitioner is a registered healthcare professional (one of the Allied Health Professions in England) who looks after patients before, during and after an operation.

Find more about ODP on the CODP website

What are the distinct contributions of ODPs?

These key contributions have been co-produced with Operating Department Practitioners

Read the paper by Karimakwenda, Hammond and Ewart (2026)

image of ODP 4 distinct contributions

What do I need to be an Operating Department Practitioner?

The motivations for becoming an Operating Department Practitioner are varied.

Why become an ODP 1

 

Still interested? Here is more information about what it takes to be an Operating Department Practitioner.

Skills and Attributes   Slide2

 

Meet the Patient

Who can be an Operating Department Practitioner?

Individuals enter the Operating Department Practitioner from a wide variety of backgrounds.

  • The curious explorer

    Explore ODP as your first career

    For the young person starting out on their career journey and exploring a skilled healthcare profession.

    Read more

  • The compassionate returner

    Explore a new career as an ODP built on your experience

    For an individual ready to begin a new career journey with some life experience.

    Read more

  • The tactical professional

    Translate military experience into a career as an ODP

    For a member of the armed forces looking for a career outside of the military.

    Read more

  • The global professional

    Build on your international theatre experience

    For internationally trained theatre professionals seeking a recognised route into the UK health system.

    Read more

Where can I find more information?

Local Hospital/NHS Trust

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local hospital/trust and ask for the education department to start getting connected, find out more about the profession, work experience and apprenticeship/employment opportunities.

Local universities

On the map, you can locate a university that delivers a course in Operating Department Practice including further contact details and support with enquiries/applications.

Resources to help careers advisors/educators/ODP ambassadors

Anyone with a specific interest in supporting others in their career journey towards a career in ODP can find plenty of supportive materials here

Career Awareness & Recruitment Resources

Other Resources

Follow and interact with ODP related social media through these accounts

Outlook mp0gajgr

And also take your time to explore the other areas on this site including some of the fabulous resources that are available in the following link

Resource Library - Future ODP