Program Overview

Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are highly specialised healthcare professionals who work with patients of all ages in operating theatres and other perioperative environments. There’s a shortage of qualified ODPs in the UK, so the career opportunities are excellent.

Our stimulating BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice strikes an equal balance between the technical and scientific aspects of surgery and the softer skills that support communication, wellbeing and caring for the patient. It focuses on helping you learn to provide skilled assistance to surgeons and anaesthetists and work alongside nursing and healthcare colleagues to deliver excellent individualised care and support during anaesthesia, surgery and recovery. We’ll guide you as you gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours to respond to a patient’s needs throughout their surgical experience and perioperative care.

The greater part of your studies will be centred in clinical placement at one of our partner trusts, learning the realities of life as an ODP. Study at the University will complement and enhance your learning in the workplace. We’ll support you as you gain core clinical skills and an extensive knowledge of specialist equipment and drugs. Developing team-working, leadership and management skills will be an essential part of your training, and we’ll encourage you as you learn to support and reassure patients on an emotional level, helping them to cope with the stress of surgery.

As an ODP, no two days will be the same. Our dynamic and multi-disciplinary course team will work to prepare you to manage the care of patients scheduled for routine procedures as well as respond to life-threatening emergencies.

Highlights

• The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and on successful completion you’ll be eligible to register as a qualified operating department practitioner (ODP).
• This employer-led training and qualification opportunity offers you the chance to graduate will the skills and knowledge needed to immediately enter this recognised and in-demand occupation.
• You’ll have access to facilities in the flagship £31 million Bolton One building, including our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Suites where you’ll be able to practice skills and develop knowledge using clinical equipment and simulators.
• This course is designed to prepare you to demonstrate the confidence, compassion, competence and effective judgement required of a registered ODP, and to take responsibility for your decisions.
• We’ll support you to gain essential skills in evidence-based practice. These will inform your actions and help you evaluate their effectiveness, so that you can continually work towards improving patient outcomes.
• You’ll be guided by staff with extensive experience in this field of practice and in inter-professional education, which is key to the teamwork needed within hospitals.

Key Features

• The programme offers you opportunities to develop the academic knowledge, clinical skills, and personal and professional behaviours required to meet the Standards of Proficiency as required by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (2016), and enables you to apply for registration with the HCPC.
• As a registered ODP, you’ll be able to work in a variety of hospital environments, including operating theatres, pre-admissions wards, and diagnostic and procedural units, such as endoscopy and cardiac catheter labs.
• The course offers you strong knowledge and skills in patient-centred care and managing the preparation of the surgical environment, drugs, and equipment, such as surgical instruments, endoscopes and anaesthetic machines.
• We’ll focus on building your competencies so you are ready to anticipate and respond to the requirements of the surgical team, and act as the link between this team and other parts of the operating theatre and hospital.
• We’ll support you as you develop skills and knowledge of clinical practice, including your awareness of patient safety, human factors, and legal, ethical and professional boundaries.

Professional recognition

• The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP).
• On successful completion of the programme, you may submit an application to the HCPC to join the register for operating department practitioners (ODPs).
• Whilst studying this course you're not currently required to register as a member with the HCPC. However, you must follow their standards of proficiency and standards of conduct, performance and ethics. You’ll be required to sign a declaration of on-going fitness to practise at regular intervals during your studies.
• After qualifying as an ODP, you’ll need to be committed to learning and always keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. To maintain your registration to practice with the HCPC, you’ll need to continue to meet their standards of proficiency, and conduct, performance and ethics standards.