The Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are a vital part of the multidisciplinary operating theatre team, delivering high-quality patient-focused care during anaesthesia, surgery and recovery, responding to patients’ physical and psychological needs. Our challenging course will teach you the skills needed to become a competent operating department practitioner. It will consist of three main areas: anaesthesia, surgery and post-anaesthetic care. In addition to core clinical skills and a sound knowledge of specialist equipment and drugs, our course will help you to develop the required management and leadership skills and the ability to reassure and support patients emotionally through the stressful experience of surgery. You will acquire the knowledge and skills to respond to the diverse needs of patients, families and carers within a variety of settings. ODPs are a vital part of the clinical team and provide professional expertise during the patient’s stay in hospital. Although ODPs are primarily employed within operating theatres, they are increasingly being recognised for their skills in other environments and there are many career paths to explore. Opportunities exist in transplant teams, intensive care units, obstetric units, orthopaedic clinics, pre-assessment clinics, patient transfer, day surgery units and resuscitation teams. There are also opportunities for ODPs in education and management.