What will you do?
As an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) you will be an integral member of the theatre team providing peri-operative patient care. Just like a civilian fulfilling the same role you will be responsible for the smooth running of the operating theatre and its specialised equipment. Typical responsibilities include:
1. Act as a multifunctional part of anaesthetic, scrub and recovery teams
2. Provide resuscitation and first surgical assistance
3. Reprocess instruments and other reusable medical devices in the Sterile Services Department
Minimum Education Requirements
4. Unqualified: A minimum of 112 UCAS points is required. For criteria of eligible Level 3 qualifications please refer to the Birmingham City University website at
5. In addition, level 2 qualifications which must be achieved prior to application: GCSE at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
6. Qualified: You must be fully registered with the HCPC of the United Kingdom and a practising Operating Department Practitioner.
Minimum Education Requirements
You must be fully registered with the HCPC of the United Kingdom and a practising Operating Department Practitioner.
Requirements
7. Be aged 17 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
8. Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status)
9. Commit to minimum 12 years service
10. Meet the health and fitness criteria
11. Pass a Fitness test - Details below
Requirements
12. Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
13. Be a UK or Republic of Ireland citizen
14. Commit 27 days per year
15. Pass the
16. Pass a
Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife 4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 10 weeks RAF Halton Your career will start with Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. 10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training
The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing As assigned The next step is a Specialist training course that will give you a breadth of skills and knowledge across the full range of duties you may be employed in. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training
If you are joining with a professional qualification recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) you will, following completion of Recruit Training, be posted into your first Unit.
If you are joining with appropriate A levels/Higher grade or equivalent your specialist training will start with a 3-year BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice at the Defence School of Health Education at the Birmingham City University. This course will incorporate both theory and practical placements at the university and local hospitals.
03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned This will be at either RCDM Birmingham, RCDM Oxford or JHG (SW) in Portsmouth. Ongoing As assigned First tour 04 Ongoing training Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned There are many opportunities to develop and broaden your skills. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing training
These include Surgical First Assistant (SFA) to Advanced Life Support provider and instructor along with many military medical courses.
You can complete further modules through the Defence School of Health Education to gain your BSc (Hons) Defence Health Care Studies.
05 Career progression Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned After completing one year’s total service and graduating from your training course you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1). Ongoing As assigned Career progression
Qualified entrants are promoted to Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1) backdated to their second day in service. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and Sergeant is on a time promotion basis.
06 Transferable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills
If in the future you wish to leave the Service your experience, further clinical training and managerial dexterity will make you highly competitive within the civilian job market.
prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training
This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.
Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Specialist Training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training
Reserve ODPs will receive induction training at their Squadron and undertake a number of learning modules to bridge the gap between civilian and military practice.
03 Your commitment to us Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Your commitment to us
This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development
As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
05 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills
The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATION
You will have to commit to 27 days per year.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Selection Interviews 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test 4 Acceptance 5 Training 1 Selection Interviews Stage 1 of 5
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
17. Family life
18. Education
19. Work experience
20. Special interests and hobbies
21. Interest in the RAF
22. Training
23. The role you’ve applied for
24. The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
2 Health Assessment Stage 2 of 5
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
3 Fitness Test Stage 3 of 5
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
4 Acceptance Stage 4 of 5
Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.
This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
5 Training Stage 5 of 5
Basic Recruit Training
This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
25. Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
26. General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
27. Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
28. Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
29. Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
30. Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information day 2 Aptitude test 3 Selection interview 4 Health assessment 5 Fitness test 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 7
The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in.
2 Aptitude test Stage 2 of 7
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
31. Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
32. Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
33. Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
34. Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
35. Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
36. Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
37. Memory - Ability to remember information accurately
Click to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.
3 Selection interview Stage 3 of 7
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
38. Family life
39. Education
40. Work experience
41. Special interests and hobbies
42. Interest in the RAF
43. Training
44. The role you’ve applied for
45. The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
4 Health assessment Stage 4 of 7
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
5 Fitness test Stage 5 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7
If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your Squadron.
The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
7 Training Stage 7 of 7
Basic Recruit Training
Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.
What’s next?
After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be aged between 17 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Have these minimum grades:
Unqualified:
GCSE Scottish National 5 English Language C/4C Maths C/4C Science C/4C
In addition, you must also have a minimum of 112 UCAS points is required. For criteria of eligible Level 3 qualifications please refer to the Birmingham City University website at
Qualified: You must be fully registered with the HCPC of the United Kingdom and a practising Operating Department Practitioner.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.
As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.