The profession is moving towards the 3 year BSc, however some universities still offer the 2 year DipHe with scope to return and top up to the BSc. An ODP's training focuses on care of the perioperative patient where as nurse training is aimed at a much wider field. A lot of student nurses do not have the opportunity to do a placement in theatre, therefore the environment is completely new to them once they qualify. In theatre, nurses and ODP's are expected to deliver the same level of care to the patient, so it just depends on what route you would like to take into theatre. However, to be an anaesthetic nurse you have to complete postgraduate training where as an ODP can be employed straight into this field.
ODP's are employed as a band 5 practitioner like nurses and have the same opportunities to progress to Band 8 such as Matron. There are also other roles such as Advanced Scrub Practitioner, Surgical Care Practitioner and Physician Associate that the ODP qualification can lead to.