Operating Department Practitioner

Biomedical, Biology, Pharmacology.

Save lives in operating theatres across the world

As a full-time soldier and entry-level Operating Department Practitioner in the British Army, you will:

The joining process – Joining the Army – Army Jobs

Prepare operating theatres and assist military surgeons and anaesthetists during procedures
Help save lives, providing care from the pre-surgical and anaesthetic phase through to recovery
Get first-class, fully funded training in operating theatre practice
Work all over the world, based in operating theatres from military hospitals to field hospitals
Gain professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

This role is open to both qualified Operating Department Practitioners and those looking to train. If you're applying as a student, you'll need the qualifications required for university entry, including GCSEs and A Levels (or equivalent).

To qualify, you must be between 17 years 6 months and 32 years 11 months and pass a basic fitness test.

Set yourself up for life.

From the start of your training, you’ll earn £27,282 a year, rising to £44,078 once you’re fully qualified. You could also receive an extra £15,000 or £25,000 (if already qualified) with a Golden Hello, on top of your salary.

You will get 30 days’ annual leave every year (plus bank holidays and extra leave after operations), free medical and dental care, cheaper living costs, and free access to gym and sports facilities. Unless you're away on operations or training exercises, you'll normally work 8.00am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

From your very first day of training with us, you’ll be gaining transferrable skills – skills that could set you up for life. You don’t need to know how to do the job before you get here, because we’ll give you all the training you need.

You’ll even get to travel the world, taking part in the Army’s adventurous training, and spending dedicated time playing the sports you love.