Operating Department Practitioner
Registered practitioner across the three phases of surgery — anaesthetics, surgery and recovery. A recognised shortage profession in strong demand.
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Strong on AI resistance and salary growth; held back by entry.
Can reach ~£84,000 via Clinical Director / Consultant-level Lead.
Smaller workforce (~7,827), shortage occupation; growing (+9% YoY).
Highly resistant to automation — hands-on clinical work.
Reasonable work–life balance; some shifts.
Moderate entry — high study load, moderate competition.
3 onward routes; some flexible-working scope.
Career Score™ is CareRoute's own indicative rating from public NHS-style data — not an official NHS ranking. A composite of six factors; same inputs always give the same score.
What you'd do
- Prepare anaesthetic equipment and assist the anaesthetist
- Support the surgical team during operations
- Care for patients in recovery
- Maintain a safe, sterile theatre
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Typical progression routes
Indicative routes from the career graph — not usage data.
Your salary roadmap
Indicative pay on the highest-reaching route, by year.
Skills & requirements
- HCPC registration (allied health professional)
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
- 2+ years post-registration experience
- Evidence of advanced clinical skills
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Honest, practical answers grounded in real NHS-style data — not a recruiter.
Guides & updates
We're writing in-depth ambulance & theatres guides — pay, entry routes and progression. In the meantime, explore the roles and career map above.
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