What is an Operating Department Practitioner?
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are vital members of the hospital theatre team. As an ODP you will provide skilled care to patients before, during and after their operation or surgical procedure.
To find out more about the role of the ODP and career pathways visit the ODP page on the TURAS website ODP – TURAS
How do I become an ODP?
To become an ODP you have to undertake The Diploma of Higher Education in Operating Department Practice (DipHE ODP). This is a 2-year full time programme delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland. It includes online training and practice placements, where you’ll progressively gain clinical experience. For information on the programme structure and academic entry requirements please visit the UWS website. On successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered Operating Department Practitioner.
Within the West of Scotland region the participating boards are NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.
How do I apply?
Applications are via the NHS Scotland Jobs website.
Applications only open once a year in the spring, with the programme starting in September.
What happens after the programme?
On successful completion of the course, students are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered Operating Department Practitioner. To find out more about the HCPC and their role in maintaining standards for the education, training and practice of their registrants, visit HCPC’s website.
It is a requirement of NHSGGC that newly qualified ODPs undertake the Flying Start programme within the first 12 months of practice. Click here for more about Flying Start.
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