I’m a lecturer of Operating Department Practice (ODP) at Staffordshire University writing to draw your attention to a hidden gem of a profession.
You’ve probably learned all about nurses, midwives, and paramedics but you might not know much about ODPs. That’s ok! Very few people are even aware that we exist! We’re known as the ‘secret weapon of the hospital’ and the ‘unsung heroes of the NHS’. The patients we care for are at their most vulnerable so by the time they’re well enough to thank us, we’re already taking care of someone else in need.
What is an ODP?
An Operating Department Practitioner is a specialist healthcare professional focused on anaesthesia, surgery and acute care. We work with anaesthetists, surgeons and independently to give life-changing and lifesaving treatment to patients of all ages and in all conditions.
What makes an ODP so special?
There are 700,000 nurses in the UK but only 13,000 ODPs. We are a precious asset to the hospital workforce. In the UK, around 10 million operations are carried out each year and there must be an ODP present for each one.
What do you need to study ODP?
Here at Staffs, applicants are required to have 112 - 120 UCAS points, however applicants are always encouraged to apply because each application is considered on an individual basis. Your work experience and existing skills count for a lot!
The HCPC, who are the regulatory body for ODPs, also require applicants to have a minimum of level 2 English and Maths.
What to expect when you’re an ODP…
A career with job security! Due to the shortage of ODPs, hospitals all over the country are always recruiting theatre staff. ODPs enjoy a wealth of wonderfully rewarding and challenging experiences that means you’ll get a strong sense of job satisfaction after every single day.
What’s the best part about being an ODP?
I was drawn to healthcare before I found ODP. I like using empathy and cared for patients with my heart. Being an ODP is a technical and cognitive role but also a caring and sensitive one… it’s the best of both!
What moments stand out in practice?
I’m often moved by the bravery of patients. Patients can be so worried and anxious about their surgery, but they still put their whole trust in the clinical team around them. I’ll always be grateful to patients for that.
Contact
For any questions about the course or the profession, contact me at:
stanley.mills@staffs.ac.uk
For questions about applications to university email admissions at:
HSW.Admissions@staffs.ac.uk
Or call on: 01782 295703
Follow our school on social media:
- Twitter; @StaffsUniHSW
- Facebook; Staffordshire University School of Health, Science and Wellbeing
- Instagram; @staffsunihsw
- TikTok; @staffsunihsw
Useful Resources
To find out more about this dynamic profession, follow this link to the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP):
CODP – ODP Careers.uk
To find out more about the exciting course we provide, follow this link:
Operating Department Practice - Staffordshire University (staffs.ac.uk)
Why not visit our Stafford campus for an Open Day? We will provide interactive and immersive simulation experience for you to get a feel of the profession and how we learn it at Staffs Uni. Here’s a link to the web page for more information about Open Days and how to book:
Undergraduate Open Day - Staffordshire University (staffs.ac.uk)
Thanks for reading. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Stan Mills
DipHE, CertEd, FHEA
Lecturer - Operating Department Practice