Operating Department Practitioner

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are vital members of the surgical team, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care during operations. With the UK healthcare system increasingly focused on patient safety and surgical efficiency, ODPs play a crucial role in transforming patient outcomes and enhancing the overall surgical experience.

Operating Department Practitioner

35

Subjects Allied to Medicine

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR35%moving to77%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£24,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Operating Department PractitionerAs a Junior ODP, you will assist in the preparation of the operating theatre and support senior staff during surgical procedures, gaining valuable hands-on experience.£24,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Operating Department PractitionerIn this role, you will take on more responsibilities, including leading theatre teams and managing patient care during surgeries, while mentoring junior staff.£34,000 - £42,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Operating Department PractitionerAs a Senior ODP, you will oversee theatre operations, implement best practices, and contribute to training and development of new practitioners.£50,000+

The degree route

Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Pharmaceutical SciencesWhitefield Academy Trust · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£37,500 median
🎓PharmacyQueen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Occupational TherapyUniversity of Brighton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓PhysiotherapyLondon South Bank University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Paramedic ScienceUniversity of Portsmouth · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Paramedic ScienceSwansea University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median

All Subjects Allied to Medicine courses as cards →

Real apprenticeship standards

Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.

L6Operating department practitioner48 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.