Operating department practitioner

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• progress to team leader or senior operating department practitioner and manage an operating theatre unit
• move into education, training or research
• do training approved by the Royal College of Surgeons of England to become a surgical care practitioner
• train to work as an anaesthesia associate or advanced critical care practitioner

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be flexible and open to change
• active listening skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Operating department practitioners need a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology to support patients through surgery. They must understand how the body responds to anaesthesia, how organs and systems function, and how to monitor patients' vital signs during and after operations.
• Chemistry - Operating department practitioners prepare and handle anaesthetic drugs and other medications used during surgery. Understanding how different chemicals interact with the body, including drug dosages and reactions, is essential for keeping patients safe throughout an operation.

Also relevant

• Physics - Operating department practitioners work with specialist equipment such as ventilators, monitoring devices, and surgical instruments that rely on principles like pressure, fluid dynamics, and electrical signals. Understanding how this technology works helps them use and troubleshoot it effectively in theatre.
• Psychology - Operating department practitioners help anxious and vulnerable patients prepare for surgery, which requires an understanding of how people respond to stress and fear. Knowledge of psychological approaches helps them reassure patients and communicate sensitively during what can be a very frightening experience.
• Mathematics - Operating department practitioners calculate drug dosages, monitor fluid levels, and interpret readings from medical equipment. Accuracy with numbers is critical in the operating theatre, where even small errors can have serious consequences for patient safety.
• Physical Education - Operating department practitioners spend long hours on their feet in a physically demanding environment, assisting with patient positioning and handling equipment. An understanding of the body's physical capabilities and the importance of fitness helps them manage the physical demands of theatre work.
• Design and Technology - Operating department practitioners set up and maintain a wide range of surgical instruments and specialist equipment in the operating theatre. Practical skills and an understanding of how tools and devices are designed and function helps them prepare theatres efficiently and troubleshoot equipment issues.