Introduction

An Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) is a new and evolving profession. It has come a long way from the days when it was little more than a theatre orderly taking on a few extra duties and assisting the Anaesthetist to look after patients visiting the operating department. ODPs are now required to complete a two year Diploma in Higher Education which incorporates blended learning via the University and clinical environments. Before qualifying the student must complete 1800 practice hours and complete all the academic assessments to be eligible for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

This resource is firstly a brief description of the role of the ODP and then a look into at a typical day in the life of an ODP, which is followed by an overview of the ODP programme at Sheffield Hallam University and, if you are interested, how to apply.