Operating Department Practice

Operating Department Practitioners are a distinct and essential clinical profession within the surgical team, working alongside surgeons, anaesthetists and scrub nurses to ensure that every stage of a patient's theatre journey proceeds safely and effectively. ODPs are responsible for preparing the operating theatre and surgical equipment, supporting patients through the anaesthetic phase, assisting during surgery, and helping to manage the patient's recovery in the post-anaesthetic care unit. It is a role that demands clinical precision, the ability to work calmly under pressure, and a genuine commitment to patient welfare at moments of significant vulnerability.

At the University of Portsmouth, this three-year full-time degree is mapped to the professional standards required for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as an Operating Department Practitioner. You will study anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical and anaesthetic techniques, patient assessment, infection control, equipment management, and the legal and ethical frameworks governing operating department practice. The programme integrates academic learning with substantial clinical placement experience, giving you the hands-on skill development in real surgical environments that registration demands.

A year abroad is also available within the programme, offering the opportunity to gain international clinical exposure.

Qualified ODPs work in hospital operating departments, day surgery units, anaesthetic departments, post-anaesthetic care, and increasingly in intensive care and pre-hospital settings. The profession offers a clear career progression, with specialist roles in areas such as regional anaesthesia, advanced scrub practice, trauma, or cardiac surgery. Many ODPs also move into management, education and clinical leadership as their careers develop.

HCPC registration enables ODPs to work not only across the NHS but in private healthcare and internationally.