Operating department practitioner
Care for patients before, during and after an operation and make sure that everything is prepared for the surgical team.
About the job
What it's like
You would care for patients before, during and after an operation. You’d make sure that the operating theatre and the equipment is prepared for the surgical team.
You would:
Prepare the operating theatre
Prepare equipment such as drips, instruments, dressings and swabs
Check the cleanliness of the operating theatre
Make sure specialist equipment is available for specific procedures
Give the surgical team items during an operation – often called 'circulating duties'
Monitor instruments
Order drugs and other items
Rotate items which can be used more than once
Keep accurate records
You might also assess patients before they can come into a surgical ward. You could also review the care they have received at each stage.
If your department has trainee ODPs you might coach and mentor them. In some jobs you might also train other healthcare professionals, such as trainee paramedics.
You would normally work in an anaesthetic, surgical or recovery team. However, you could also work in areas like:
Accident and emergency
Intensive care
Day surgery clinics
Maternity units
Resuscitation teams
Health and safety is very important in this job, particularly controlling infection. Patient confidentiality is also vital.
You can see more about the role on the operating department practitioner page on the NHS Careers website.
Hours
You would usually work 37.5 hours a week on a shift system covering evenings, nights and weekends. Overtime and on-call duty is also common in order to deal with emergencies. Part-time work may be possible.
Environment
You would mainly work in sterile conditions in pre-operative anaesthetic areas, operating theatres and recovery rooms. These areas are clean and light but can be warm. You would wear surgical clothing and a mask. Working in the theatre can be emotionally and physically demanding, and involve standing for long periods.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
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Life sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- midwifery
- perioperative care
- endoscopy
- general surgery
- gynecology
- oculoplastics
- education theories
- airway management
- cardiac surgery
- anesthesiology
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- researching
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Human Biology
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a diploma of Higher Education (SCFQ level 9/10) or degree qualification in Operating Department Practice (SCFQ level 9/10) approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
There is only one HCPC-approved BSc Operating Department Practice Degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Scotland, offered by Glasgow Caledonian University. You need National 5 qualifications and four Highers at BBCC.
Experience and qualifications related to hospital work such as:
Health and Social Care (SCQF level 6)
Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Healthcare Support (SVQ level 2/3)
Experience in hospital work.
To pass a pre-entry medical test
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Over 18 years old
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Operating department practitioner'
