“The most rewarding job you’ve never heard of” lifting the lid on the profession that makes modern surgery possible 

York St John University’s UK-first master’s degree gets official endorsement from the College of Operating Department Practitioners.

This autumn York St John University is proud to launch a new master’s degree aimed at filling vital roles in NHS surgical teams.  

The Operating Department Practice (ODP) MSc at York St John is the first in the country at postgraduate level, where students can leave the course ready to register and join the workplace.  

The course has now secured official accreditation from the College of Operating Department Practitioners and it’s a growing field, but many have never heard of ODP.  

We caught up with Helen Lloyd, Head of Programme for Operating Department Practice, School of Science, Technology & Health as she oversees preparations for this exciting new course. 

She told us what ODPs do, how they train and how jelly babies can help. 

Q: Can you start by explaining what an ODP is? 

An Operating Department Practitioner or ODP is a healthcare professional who works alongside doctors and nurses in surgical settings. ODPs play a crucial role in the operating theatre, providing skilled care and support to patients and striving to be the steady hands that navigate the complexities of surgical procedures. The Operating Department Practitioner role is unique and like no other Allied Health professional, with specific training in the areas of anaesthetics, surgery and recovery. 

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your own journey into Operating Department Practice? 

I discovered the ODP profession through a family member. I was studying biology at university and knew I didn’t want to work in a lab but wanted something more patient facing that still involved technical skills. I began my training in 2010, with placements at North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals. I particularly enjoyed orthopaedic spinal surgery, which led to my first post at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.  

After roles in anaesthetics and recovery, further study and work in the national bowel cancer screening programme and in theatres with the cardiothoracic team at James Cook I began lecturing. Finally in 2023, I joined York St John University to set up this course. 

Q: What’s it like being part of a team in theatre? 

My defining moment came as a student during an emergency hemicolectomy, a procedure where some of the large intestine is removed. My mentor stepped back and let me manage the whole case, and it gave me the confidence that I could really do this. The surgeon was fantastic, and it was one of those moments where everything just clicked. 

Theatres feel like a hidden world, almost like a close-knit, sometimes quirky family. You build strong relationships, and there’s real trust between the team. Over time, I earned the respect of the anaesthetists and surgeons by being proactive and reliable, which meant a lot to me. 

I’ll never forget watching a senior scrub nurse move in perfect rhythm with the surgeon; it was silent, precise, like a ballet. That’s when I realised how much skill, trust, and teamwork go into every procedure. It’s those quiet, seamless moments that define what it means to be part of something bigger, especially as surgical demand continues to grow across the UK. 

Q: How has the profession of ODP evolved? 

Most people still don’t know ODPs exist and assume it’s all nurses and doctors in surgery. But the truth is, most patients who've had surgery in the UK have likely been cared for by an ODP without even realising it. 

There are over 17,000 registered ODPs in the UK, and the number keeps growing, including international professionals joining the field. What draws people in is the unique mix of technical skill and patient care as we get to use advanced equipment while directly supporting patients through surgery. 

Our profession has humble roots, dating back to the days of "box boys" helping barber surgeons. Over time, we evolved through roles like orderlies and assistants, eventually becoming a formally trained, degree-level profession. Today, the role continues to grow and attract people from all backgrounds. 

Q: What makes a good ODP? 

Being an ODP isn’t something most people plan from the start, and it’s often discovered later. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding role, often called “the most rewarding job you’ve never heard of.” We're part of a hidden profession, working behind the scenes in theatres, yet playing a vital role in patient care. 

A good ODP is calm under pressure, focused, resilient, and thrives in a team. The work isn't always easy and it’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s deeply fulfilling. During COVID, many ODPs stepped up in critical care settings, showing just how versatile and essential we are. 

Public awareness is growing, with more recognition in healthcare and even Parliament. But there’s still work to do to shine a light on what we do and why it matters. 

Q: Is there such a thing as a typical day for an ODP? 

No two days are ever the same. A day might begin by checking the theatre board to see whether you’re assigned to anaesthetics, scrub, or recovery. After changing into scrubs, you prepare the equipment and review patient information. In anaesthetics, you help put patients to sleep safely. In scrub, you assist the surgeon directly during operations. Recovery involves closely monitoring patients as they wake from anaesthesia. 

Each area demands focus, teamwork, and compassion. Whether supporting a child going into surgery or responding to an emergency, ODPs need to be quick-thinking and adaptable. Some operations are brief, while others are long and complex. Working out-of-hours adds another level of unpredictability and variety to the job. 

Q: Who can become an ODP? Is it a good fit for career switchers or science graduates? 

There’s no one “type” of person who becomes an ODP, and that’s what makes the role so special. We’ve trained people from all walks of life: career changers in their 50s, ex-military professionals, former medical students, and recent science graduates. 

It’s a great fit for anyone who’s practical, calm under pressure, and interested in technical, hands-on healthcare. If you’re a visual learner, enjoy working with equipment, and want to make a real difference in critical moments, this could be for you. 

Q: What kind of facilities can students expect at York St John? 

Students at York St John train in a purpose-built simulated operating theatre suite, which includes a recovery bay, anaesthetic room, intensive care bay, and a fully equipped operating theatre.  

Training is entirely immersive. Rather than learning in a traditional classroom, students begin their professional development from day one inside the simulation environment. They carry out authentic ODP duties like equipment checks and preparing medication, gaining confidence and experience before entering clinical placements. This hands-on approach is designed to reduce transition shock and better prepare students for real-world practice. There are also opportunities for interprofessional learning in scenarios with midwifery and nursing students such as responding to surgical complications during childbirth. 

As for the ‘patients’, students will train with a variety of high-quality manikins and simulation tools designed to replicate real clinical scenarios. We’ve got manikins for intubation, practicing wound care, pressure ulcer assessments, and surgical recovery procedures such as wound redressing. And then we have SimMan, a high-tech, responsive manikin that can simulate various clinical conditions like laryngospasm, cardiac arrest, and anaphylaxis. 

In addition, students will work with a laparoscopic manikin that mimics minimally invasive surgery. This includes practicing with real laparoscopic equipment to develop dexterity and spatial awareness for keyhole surgery. I’ll be getting our students used to the tiny delicate movements needed by getting them to pick up jelly babies using the equipment.  

How to study with us 

The 2-year programme will commence in September 2025 and is open to anyone with a 2:1 degree in a related subject. A £5,000 NHS Learning Support Fund is available for eligible students. Find out more about studying ODP at York St John Operating Department Practice MSc