You'll need to study a diploma of higher education which takes 2 years or a degree in operating department practice which takes 3 years. 

The course has to be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

You can do further study to top up your diploma to a degree after you qualify.

Work experience

You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for a course.

NHS Learning Support Fund

During your studies, you might be eligible for financial support from the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do an Operating Department Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You'll support patients of all ages in the anaesthetic, surgery and recovery phases of an operation.

As an operating department practitioner, you could:

• help patients who are anxious or vulnerable get ready for surgery
• prepare the operating theatre and make sure drugs and specialist equipment are available
• monitor instruments and how clean the theatre is
• provide the surgical team with any items they need during an operation
• talk to other hospital staff for the surgical team
• support patients after their operation and assess when they are ready to move to a ward

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be hot and physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.