Operating Department Practitioner
10AI USED FOR10%moving to50%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£24,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM SUBJECTS ALLIED TO MEDICINE →
Operating Department Practitioner
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are vital members of the surgical team, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care during operations. With the UK healthcare system increasingly focused on patient safety and surgical efficiency, ODPs play a crucial role in transforming patient outcomes and enhancing the overall surgical experience.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Operating Department PractitionerAs a Junior ODP, you will assist in the preparation of the operating theatre and support senior staff during surgical procedures, gaining valuable hands-on experience.£24,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Operating Department PractitionerIn this role, you will take on more responsibilities, including leading theatre teams and managing patient care during surgeries, while mentoring junior staff.£34,000 - £42,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Operating Department PractitionerAs a Senior ODP, you will oversee theatre operations, implement best practices, and contribute to training and development of new practitioners.£50,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Pharmaceutical SciencesWhitefield Academy Trust · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£37,500 median
All Subjects Allied to Medicine courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L6Operating department practitioner48 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.