At a glance
- Soldier
- medical
Learn vital medical skills with first-class Army training that is fully funded by us. You will be able to apply the skills you learn in operating theatres worldwide.
- £25,200The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £33,978Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 17 years & 6 months to 32 years & 11 months
- QualificationsSee qualification details
When it comes to surgery, Operating Department Practitioners are crucial. They prepare operating theatres and work alongside surgeons and anaesthetists during procedures. In this role you can be posted all over the world and help patients with all kinds of injuries and illnesses. In short you’re a key member of the medical team, helping to save lives.
Royal Army Medical Service
The Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS) is responsible for maintaining the health of servicemen and women. The Corps is represented wherever the British Army is deployed, providing medical support to operations, exercises and Adventurous Training expeditions all over the world.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare operating theatres before surgery
Assist military surgeons and anaesthetists during surgery
Help with post operative patient care
Get a UK-recognised Higher Education Diploma in Operating Department Practice
Be involved in all aspects of care during the immediate pre-surgical and anaesthetic phase through to recovery
Have any questions? Talk with us
Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 17 years & 6 months to 32 years & 11 months
Qualifications:
QUALIFIED:
BSc (Hons) in Operating Departement Practice and be registered with the Health and Care Professioanls Council (HCPC).
STUDENT:
GCSE Grade A-C/9-4 or above in at least Maths, English Language and a Science subject.
Or other examination board equivalent
Plus 112 UCAS points.
For full entry criteria information, please visit the Birmingham City University (BCU) website.
All applicants must attend the specialist Army Operating Department Practitioner insight event
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 5.8
Training for the role
Step 1
Basic military training teaches you how to be a soldier. This covers everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. This course takes place at either Pirbright in Surrey or Winchester, Hampshire.
JOIN AS A STUDENT
You will complete a two- year Diploma of Higher Education within Operating Department practice that will give you professional registration with the Health and Care professions Council (HCPC). You will be allocated a mentor at your first unit to support you through your first 12 months as a healthcare professional.
DIRECT ENTRY: If you are already a qualified ODP, you will progress from initial training to holding the rank of Lance Corporal. You will need to go on a short course to consolidate your professional training within a military environment.
Qualifications you could get after training
DIRECT ENTRY: Higher Education Diploma in Operating Department Practice
STUDENT: We train our own too. You will complete a 2 year Diploma of Higher Education within Operating Department Practice that will give you professional registration with the Health and Care professions Council (HCPC). You will be well supported by military and civilian University staff at the Defence School of Healthcare Education within Birmingham City University and will then be employed as an ODP by the Army. After successful completion of your ODP training and following completion of the ALDP career course, you will be awarded the rank of Lance Corporal. You will be allocated a mentor at your first unit to take you through your 12 month preceptorship, enabling you to rotate around the various clinical theatres to consolidate your ODP training.
Pay & benefits
Earn £25,200 during training. When your training is finished, and you join your unit you'll earn £33,978
How to Apply
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
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