Royal Air Force (RAF)

Job Overview

If you’re passionate about healthcare, teamwork, and adventure, this career combines them all. As an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) in the Royal Air Force, you’ll be an essential part of the medical team providing life-saving support to service personnel and their families across the world.

You won’t just be working in an operating theatre—you’ll be part of a highly trained medical unit that supports operations both in the UK and abroad. This role offers more than a job; it’s a long-term career with professional training, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a global impact.

What You’ll Do

As an RAF Operating Department Practitioner, you’ll be an integral member of the theatre team providing peri-operative patient care. Your day-to-day responsibilities will mirror those of civilian ODPs, but with added dimensions of adventure and service.

Typical duties include:

• Supporting surgical teams during operations
• Assisting the anesthetic, scrub, and recovery teams
• Providing first surgical assistance and emergency resuscitation
• Maintaining and managing specialized medical equipment
• Ensuring the sterile preparation and reprocessing of surgical instruments
• Delivering high-quality care under pressure in the field or hospital environments

Your work will take you from operating theatres at home to deployments overseas, offering experiences that few medical professionals ever encounter.

Who Can Apply

You can apply as either Qualified or Unqualified, depending on your experience level.

Unqualified Applicants:

• Must have a minimum of 112 UCAS points.
• Minimum GCSE grade C/4 (or Scottish National 5) in English, Maths, and Science.
• You’ll receive complete RAF-funded education and training through Birmingham City University.

Qualified Applicants:

• Must be fully registered with the HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) as a practising ODP in the UK.

Age & Nationality:

• Must be 17–47 years old (attest before your 48th birthday).
• Must meet RAF nationality and residency requirements.
• Must pass RAF fitness and medical assessments.

Training & Career Development

The RAF provides structured, world-class training that prepares you for every stage of your career—from basic training to specialist education and leadership development.

Phase 1: Basic Recruit Training

• Duration: 10 weeks
• Location: RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire
  You’ll learn discipline, teamwork, and leadership fundamentals while improving your physical fitness and adapting to RAF life.

Phase 2: Specialist Training

After basic training, you’ll begin a comprehensive specialist course focused on your ODP role. You’ll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of surgical care, from anesthesia to recovery.

First Tour Assignments

• Locations may include RCDM Birmingham, RCDM Oxford, or JHG Portsmouth.
  You’ll immediately apply your new skills in real medical environments.

Continuous Professional Development

• Ongoing education, advanced courses, and opportunities to gain civilian-recognized qualifications.
• RAF covers the costs of additional training and degrees, if required.

Career Progression

• After one year of total service and successful completion of your training, you’ll be promoted to Air Specialist (Class 1).
• With experience, you can progress to leadership or instructional roles or specialize further within the medical branch.

Career Growth & Opportunities

This role is more than a fixed-term contract—it’s a long-term career path with opportunities for global service and professional growth.

You’ll gain internationally recognized qualifications and skills that remain valuable in civilian healthcare settings. The RAF invests in your education and development from day one, ensuring you have the foundation to succeed both during and after your service.

Many ODPs go on to pursue advanced roles such as:

• Senior Operating Department Practitioner
• Clinical Instructor or Specialist
• Nursing or Paramedic Training
• Healthcare Management Positions

And thanks to the RAF’s worldwide presence, you’ll have the chance to serve on humanitarian missions, exercises, and operations around the globe.

Benefits

Joining the Royal Air Force offers more than just a salary—it provides a complete lifestyle experience. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Initial Annual Pay: £26,300+ (increases with rank and experience)
• Free or subsidized accommodation (rent from £75/month)
• Subsidized meals and discounted or free food on base
• Comprehensive healthcare and dental care
• Free gym and sports facilities
• World travel opportunities
• Education sponsorships and training courses paid for by the RAF
• Pension scheme and 6 weeks’ annual leave
• Job stability and Security are rarely matched in civilian roles

Fitness and Health Requirements

Because RAF ODPs can be deployed in challenging conditions, physical fitness and good health are essential. You’ll undergo:

• A full medical examination
• Hearing and vision tests
• Body Mass Index (BMI) check
• Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) – a 2.4 km run with performance standards based on age and gender

The RAF provides detailed fitness programs and support to help you prepare before applying.

Application Process

Joining the RAF involves six structured stages designed to assess your skills, potential, and readiness for military service.

1. Selection Interview

Conducted at your local AFCO, covering education, interests, and motivation to join.

2. Health Assessment

Ensures you meet the medical standards for RAF service.

3. Fitness Test

Measures your endurance and physical readiness.

4. Specialist Interview

Focused on your understanding of the ODP role and professional suitability.

5. Acceptance Interview

A final review ensuring you’re committed to RAF service.

6. Training Commencement

You’ll begin Basic Recruit Training at RAF Halton and officially start your career.

Why Choose a Career with the Royal Air Force

Joining the RAF means becoming part of one of the most respected organizations in the world. You’ll not only serve your country but also gain a career that rewards you at every step.

Whether you’re already qualified or looking to start fresh, RAF offers:

• Job stability with long-term prospects
• Professional respect and recognition
• A supportive team culture that values diversity and growth
• Transferable skills that open civilian opportunities after service

Ready to Apply?

Applications are currently open for the 24/25 training intake. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a world-class healthcare team that makes a real difference.

👉 Apply Now: RAF Official Website – Operating Department Practitioner 

FAQs

Q1 — What is the starting pay?

A: Starting pay is around £26,300+ per year. Pay rises with rank and experience.

Q2 — Do I need to be a qualified ODP?

A: You can apply as qualified (HCPC registered) or unqualified. Unqualified candidates must meet UCAS/GCSE entry rules; RAF training is provided.

Q3 — What are the education requirements?

A: Unqualified applicants need 112 UCAS points and GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science (Grade C/4). Qualified candidates must be HCPC-registered ODPs.

Q4 — At what age can one apply?

A: Applicants must be 17–47 years old and start training before their 48th birthday.

Q5 — Will I be deployed?

A: Yes. RAF ODPs serve in the UK and may deploy overseas on operations and humanitarian missions.

Q6 — How long is the training?

A: Basic recruit training is 10 weeks at RAF Halton, followed by specialist ODP training. Exact specialist course length varies.

Q7 — What fitness and health checks are required?

A: You must pass a complete medical exam, hearing/vision tests, and a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (2.4 km run). Specific standards depend on age and role.

Q8 — Is the RAF training recognised in the civilian NHS?

A: Yes — the RAF provides qualifications and training that are widely recognised and transferable to civilian healthcare roles.

Q9 — How long is the service commitment?

A: The typical initial commission is 12 years, with options to continue beyond that.

Q10 — How do I apply?

A: Apply via the official RAF careers site: https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk. Follow the ODP vacancy link and complete the online form.

Disclaimer

TechBasics101 republishes and summarises job listings to help job seekers find opportunities. We are not the employer and do not handle applications or hiring. Job details (pay, dates, training requirements) may change — always verify the latest information on the official Royal Air Force recruitment site (https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk) before applying. TechBasics101 does not charge any fees for job listings or applications.