Operating Department Practitioners
Operating Department Practitioner is a profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC sets out the standards of proficiency which every Operating Department Practitioner must meet in order to become registered.
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are highly skilled healthcare practitioners that support patients of all ages during each phase of the patient’s perioperative care.
As well as providing specialised care, ODPs are responsible for preparing the operating theatre and maintaining communication between the surgical team, operating theatre and wider hospital.
ODPs typically work in operating departments however their skills are increasingly being needed in other critical care areas within a hospital.
Theatre support worker
Theatre support workers are the glue keeping the surgical team together. They make sure each member of the team is able to do their job effectively. Theatre support staff also have an important role in making sure patients, who may be anxious about going into the operating theatre, feel as calm and comfortable as possible.
Theatre support staff:
- move patients on trolleys
- reassure family members
- prepare patients for anaesthetic
- set out instruments and equipment ready for surgery
- make sure the department has stocks of items needed
- clean and tidy theatre areas after surgery
- dispose of waste
The following apprenticeship standards in these occupations are approved for delivery:
- Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker – Theatre Support Option
- Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health)
- Level 6 Operating Department Practitioner (degree) (HCPC 2022)
Follow the links to see more about each apprenticeship including the stage of development, funding band and duration. You can also download the standard and end point assessment documents as well as checking the training providers and end point assessment organisations that may be available.
Pathways Tool
You can access our Pathways Tool here.
This tool allows you to see more about how apprentices may progress from one occupation to another.
Resources
- IfATE Occupational Maps – Useful for exploring apprenticeships by occupational route
- Case Study – Christopher Cunliffe, a Level 6 Operating Department Practitioner (integrated degree) apprentice.
- Level 6 Operating Department Practitioner (Degree) apprenticeship – Information pack
- Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) – Information pack
- Enhanced Clinical Practitioner – Employer Guidance
- College of Operating Department Practitioners – the professional body for Operating Department Practitioners.