Operating Department Practitioner
Support surgical teams before, during and after operations - the team's third clinical pillar.
This UK operating department practitioner career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,407 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £43,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £65,000
- Work environment
- Operating theatre
- Time to entry
- 3 years (BSc)
- Degree required
- Often required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Operating Department Practitioner does
Support surgical teams before, during and after operations - the team's third clinical pillar.
- Anaesthetics - Assist the anaesthetist during surgery.
- Surgical Practice - Scrub role in theatre supporting the surgeon.
- Recovery - Look after patients waking from anaesthetic.
- Trauma and Emergency - Theatre work in trauma and emergency settings.
How to become a Operating Department Practitioner
- Look up Operating Department Practitioner roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Operating Department Practitioner - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Clinical skills
- Calm under pressure
- Sterile technique
- Teamwork
- Stamina