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You’ll need to study for a 3-year degree in operating department practice at university. Part-time courses are available. You will usually need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4-9/A-C (or equivalent) plus A-level (or equivalent) qualifications. These will vary depending on the university so check with the universities you are considering applying to. A degree standard apprenticeship in operating department practice has also been approved.

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. ODPs in the NHS will usually start at band 5 and can progress to roles at band 8 and above. You'll work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Terms and conditions will vary for any jobs outside of the NHS.

You’ll need a variety of skills to be an operating department practitioner including a caring and compassionate nature, being able to work in a highly technical area, excellent problem solving and organisational skills, very good communication skills, be able to stand for long periods and react quickly in an emergency within a confined area. If you're applying for a role either directly in or working on behalf of the NHS, you'll be asked to demonstrate the values of the NHS Constitution.

You’ll have several options to progress your career in operating department practice, including management, education, research and advanced practice. Experienced ODPs can take further training approved by the Royal College of Surgeons to work as surgical care practitioners. After a typical two-year training programme, you’ll be able to complete certain surgical procedures under the supervision of a consultant surgeon.

You need to take approved training to become an occupational therapist. This could be an approved degree in occupational therapy (courses take three or four years full-time and are also available part-time). If you already have a relevant degree and healthcare experience, you can take a Masters in occupational therapy. These courses usually take two years. To get onto a full-time occupational therapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels or equivalent, along with five GCSEs (grades 9-4/A-C), including English language, maths and science. Each institution sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check carefully. A degree apprenticeship in occupational therapy has also been approved and offers an alternative to full-time university study. You would apply to healthcare and social care providers for these apprenticeships. Level 3 qualifications would usually be required.

You would start on band 5 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay system. With experience, further qualifications and training, you could apply for more specialist and senior posts at bands 6 and 7. Occupational therapists working at consultant level will typically be on band 8A or 8B. Occupational therapists in the NHS work around 37.5 hours a week and may be expected to work flexibly over a 7 day period.

You'll need skills in communication and organisational. You also need patience, enthusiasm, creativity and the ability to work well within a team.

You'll work across a range of settings; elderly care, physical and mental health settings, paediatrics, brain injury and learning disability to name a few. Occupational therapists are found in the public, private and voluntary sectors and also in independent practice. There are also opportunities to become involved in research and education. You'll work within multidisciplinary teams or as service managers in health or social care.