Operating Department Practitioner

Army Medical Services

At a glance

  • Soldier
  • medical

Learn vital medical skills with first-class Army training that is fully funded by us. You will be able to apply the skills you learn in operating theatres worldwide.

  • £25,200The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
  • £33,978Your pay after completing basic trade training
  • AgeFrom 17 years & 6 months to 32 years & 11 months
  • QualificationsSee qualification details

I work in all three specialities - anaesthetics, surgical and recovery.

When it comes to surgery, Operating Department Practitioners are crucial. They prepare operating theatres and work alongside surgeons and anaesthetists during procedures. In this role you can be posted all over the world and help patients with all kinds of injuries and illnesses. In short you’re a key member of the medical team, helping to save lives.

The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) is responsible for maintaining the health of servicemen and women. The Corps is represented wherever British Soldiers are deployed, providing medical support to operations, exercises and adventurous training expeditions all over the world.

Apply now

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare operating theatres before surgery

  • Assist military surgeons and anaesthetists during surgery

  • Help with post operative patient care

  • Get a UK-recognised Higher Education Diploma in Operating Department Practice

  • Be involved in all aspects of care during the immediate pre-surgical and anaesthetic phase through to recovery

Have any questions? Talk with us

Regular (full time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 17 years & 6 months to 32 years & 11 months

  • Qualifications:

    STUDENT

    112 UCAS points and GCSE Grade C/4, or Scottish Highers, or above in at least Maths, English Language and a Science subject

    DIRECT ENTRY

    You must hold professional qualification in Operating Department Practice and be registered with the UK Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) in order to practice.

  • Basic physical fitness assessment:

    • Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m

    • MSFT (beep test) level 5.8

    More information about the fitness test

Training for the role

Step 1

Basic military training teaches you how to be a soldier. This covers everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. This course takes place at either Pirbright in Surrey or Winchester, Hampshire.

JOIN AS A STUDENT

You will complete a two- year Diploma of Higher Education within Operating Department practice that will give you professional registration with the Health and Care professions Council (HCPC). You will be allocated a mentor at your first unit to support you through your first 12 months as a healthcare professional.

DIRECT ENTRY: If you are already a qualified ODP, you will progress from initial training to holding the rank of Lance Corporal. You will need to go on a short course to consolidate your professional training within a military environment.

Qualifications you could get after training

DIRECT ENTRY: Higher Education Diploma in Operating Department Practice

STUDENT: We train our own too. You will complete a 2 year Diploma of Higher Education within Operating Department Practice that will give you professional registration with the Health and Care professions Council (HCPC). You will be well supported by military and civilian University staff at the Defence School of Healthcare Education within Birmingham City University and will then be employed as an ODP by the Army. After successful completion of your ODP training and following completion of the ALDP career course, you will be awarded the rank of Lance Corporal. You will be allocated a mentor at your first unit to take you through your 12 month preceptorship, enabling you to rotate around the various clinical theatres to consolidate your ODP training.

Pay & benefits

Earn £25,200 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your unit you'll earn £33,978

How to Apply

Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.

More about the joining process

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