• Undergraduate
  • Apprenticeship

Operating Department Practitioner

BSc (Hons) Level 6
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Overview

Overview

Would you like to become a skilled healthcare professional working with a team of surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre nurses? 

This Operating Department Practitioner degree apprenticeship will enable you to provide high standards of compassionate care at each perioperative stage – from anaesthetic through surgery to recovery.

You will learn from highly experienced staff, develop your confidence using modern simulation centre facilities and benefit from personalised feedback throughout the course.

Over half of your study time (60 per cent) will be spent gaining experience in clinical practice in your employing organisation. Find out more about the role by watching this video about an operating department practitioner by Health Education England.

ODP students in an operating theatre

Select a start date below to see relevant course information:

Start date:

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Accreditations and partners

Accreditations and partners

This apprenticeship is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Requirements

Requirements

Requirements for apprentices

The entry requirements are as follows:

1. Academic requirements

You will hold:

  • 104 UCAS tariff points
  • GCSE English and Maths (grade 9-4/A*-C), Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 or ESFA compliant equivalents.

English and maths only

If you do not have evidence of maths and English qualifications that meet the Education and Skill Funding Agency requirements, you must achieve these before starting the apprenticeship.

For applicants living in London*, we have free courses-please see information here:

Open the door to new career possibilities with our free courses in Maths and English (uwl.ac.uk)

*You must be able to meet the eligibility criteria.

If you have an overseas qualification, we will check this for its UK equivalency during your application and let you know what you may need to do to meet the requirement.

You will usually have undertaken academic study within the last 5 years.

In addition to the above, you should hold the care certificate or achieve this within 3 months of starting the apprenticeship.

2. Eligibility

All apprenticeships starting from 1 August 2021:

Eligibility is subject to Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Apprenticeship Funding Rules. Over the duration of the apprenticeship, you must meet the eligibility requirements in place at the time, including:

  • Have the right to work and study in England
  • Spend at least 50% of your working time in England; and
  • Are a UK citizen and have been ordinarily resident for the last three years in the UK or meet one of the following immigration statuses:

UK and Irish Nationals: have been ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for the three years before the first day of the start of the apprenticeship.

EEA nationals: have either pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme; and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA, Gibraltar, or the UK for at least the previous three years before the first day of the start of the apprenticeship.

Non-EEA nationals: you are eligible if you have permission from the UK government to live in the UK, (not for educational purposes) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the first day of the start of the apprenticeship.

Please check the guidance for further clarification, particularly for information on:

  • Family members of UK and EEA nationals
  • Individuals with certain types of immigration status and their family members
  • Asylum seekers
  • Other immigration status.

You can also contact the Student Admissions Team admissions@uwl.ac.uk if you require further clarification.

3. Age

If you are aged under 18 years at the point of application, Admissions will check you will reach 18 years of age when you commence your first practice placement in year 1 of the apprenticeship (Level 4). Where you do not meet this requirement, you will be offered the opportunity to defer your application to the next available intake.

4. Evidence of Good Character and Health 

All offers are subject to:

  • a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. *
  • completion of occupational health questionnaire and clearance for Exposure Prone Procedures. **
  • a satisfactory character reference from a suitable referee (line manager).
5. Selection process

If you have the qualifications for this apprenticeship your employer will put you forward to take an English and Maths assessment online at home. When you have successfully completed it you will attend an individual values-based interview with an academic, clinician from your employing organisation, and a service user / carer.

6. Recognition of advanced standing

Advanced standing may be considered as providing an alternative entry point to the apprenticeship. An official transcript will be required to provide evidence of the learning undertaken. The Course Leader will map this to the UWL course. 

*To be undertaken and funded by the employer. We will require confirmation that the required checks have been completed. 

**You must comply with the Department of Health guidelines on screening and immunisations to protect both you and service users during your course.  As an ODP apprentice you will be required to undergo additional checks. The Department of Health requires all new Exposure Prone Procedures (EPP) workers, including students are tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.  The consent, test and managed process of results will also be carried out by our Occupational Health Provider.

Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

On this apprenticeship course, you will learn in both classroom settings and in clinical practice so that you can apply your new knowledge to real-life situations. These opportunities reflect modern healthcare practice and will develop your ability to meet patient needs. 

This course aims to develop you into a perioperative practitioner who:

  • is safe, compassionate and confident
  • is professional and accountable
  • can work effectively as part of a mixed specialist team
  • is research-minded and able to use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to inform the clinical decisions you make in practice
  • is able to integrate theory to practice, promoting innovation and effective change
  • is an independent, highly motivated, reflective lifelong learner
  • meets the Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners as set out by the HCPC and is eligible to apply to register.
Standards for registration

To meet the HCPC requirements for entry on the professional register, you will work to develop these broad skills:

  • effective communication
  • effective team-working
  • problem-solving
  • information technology (IT)
  • life-long learning.
Facilities and support

We will provide a supportive learning environment to help you gain confidence. You will learn using high-tech, innovative resources that make your classes fun and engaging. In addition, you will have:

  • teaching staff who are highly committed, passionate subject specialists 
  • a personal tutor to guide you through your course
  • regular personalised feedback on your progress in theory and practice components
  • access to a variety of practice placements, thanks to our many partners.

Compulsory modules

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

    The module enables you to understand and gain experience of the structure and function of the main organs within the human, how homeostasis is maintained through regulation via processes such as alteration in blood flow, neuronal input, and endocrine control. 

    This module also enables you to understand the common methodologies used to analyse and measure physiological parameters and to interpret common abnormalities found in the clinical investigation of patients.

  • Principles of Perioperative Practice

    This module will provide you with core theoretical knowledge which can be applied to, and support, the development of your anaesthetic and surgical clinical skills.

  • The Context for Professional Practice

    This module aims to help you develop an understanding of the context of professional practice and the issues that influence your role in Operating Department Practice.

    You will identify the legal framework of perioperative practice and regulatory requirements and be introduced to the concept of human factors, risk assessment and teamwork.

  • Essential Skills for Higher Education and Healthcare

    On this introductory module you will get to grips with the worlds of higher education and healthcare, both of which are transforming rapidly. You will learn about the University and your role within it. You will also be encouraged to think innovatively about modern healthcare practice and the values expected of all healthcare professionals.

  • Search for Health

    During this module you will begin to develop your information skills, identifying and sourcing relevant clinical guidelines, research evidence, and other sources. This will help you to use information effectively, which is essential if you are treating illness or improving or promoting the health of others.

  • Clinical Skills for Perioperative Practice 1

    You will gain essential experience required to meet the clinical learning outcomes for your first year of the course. You will take a reflective approach to the learning and assessment opportunities available.

Compulsory modules

  • Becoming an Effective Professional Practitioner

    On this module you will explore the theory and concepts that underpin the role of the emerging advanced practitioner. You will then have real-time opportunities to put these theories into practice in the workplace, allowing you to develop as an advanced practitioner. You will also be able to show how your development can enhance your own and others' practice.

  • Anaesthesia and Post Anaesthetic Practice

    On this module you will develop theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to enhance and support the development of anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic competence across a range of specialities. You will be encouraged to reflect on the delivery of patient care and your role as ODP.

  • Surgical Practice

    You will develop the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills needed to support the development of surgical competence across a range of specialities. You will be encouraged to reflect on the delivery of patient care and their roles and responsibilities as an ODP. 

  • Care of Patients with Complex Conditions

    Your understanding of the needs of patients with long-term conditions will be enhanced on this module. You will develop awareness of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and understand their implications in the operating theatre.

  • Clinical Skills for Perioperative Practice 2

    You will gain the essential experience required to meet the clinical learning outcomes for your second year of the course. You will take a reflective approach to the learning and assessment opportunities available.

Compulsory modules

  • Enhanced Perioperative Practice

    This module aims to examine the perioperative needs of patients with specialist requirements, in relation to advanced anaesthetic and surgical techniques. Additionally, it will consider future roles of the ODP and supporting others while they learn in practice.

  • Patient Safety and Leadership

    You will develop an understanding of leadership principles and qualities and styles that can be employed in the perioperative environment to promote quality care. You will understand the importance of patient safety, human factors and usage of non-technical skills.

  • Dissertation for Operating Department Practice

    This module will allow you to demonstrate a full understanding of a topic of relevance to current perioperative practice by completing an in-depth review of the literature.

  • Clinical Skills for Perioperative Practice 3

    This module pulls together the knowledge, understanding, Skills and behaviour,   underpinned by Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners (HCPC, 2023) and the Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (HCPC, 2016).

Teaching & learning

Teaching & learning

A nurse consoling a patient or relative of a patient

This apprenticeship aims to develop perioperative practitioners who are:

  • safe, compassionate and confident
  • professional and accountable
  • able to work effectively as part of a mixed specialist team
  • research-minded and able to use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to inform clinical decisions in practice
  • able to integrate theory to practice, promoting innovation and effective change
  • independent, highly motivated, reflective lifelong learner
  • able to meet the Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners (2014) as set out by the HCPC.
Group of student nurses walking

Teaching, learning and assessment

A wide range of approaches to teaching and learning will be utilised:

  • Technology-enhanced learning
  • Lectures and seminars
  • Simulated learning
  • Service user and carer involvement
  • Inter-Professional learning
  • Practice-based learning
  • Reflection

The days of attendance may vary each week, but teaching time will be 9:00am – 4:30pm.

Over three years you will complete:

  • 1,837.5 hours - theoretical block release
  • 2,736 hours - practice placement

Off the Job:

  • Theory weeks - 15 per year
  • Placement weeks - 25 per year
Two hospital beds in the simulation centre

Simulation Facilities

As an apprentice at UWL, you will be using the state-of-the-art simulation facilities at either our West London (Brentford) or Fountain House (Reading) campus.

The use of simulation techniques will help to accelerate the development of your clinical skills and offers you the opportunity to contextualise and apply your learning.

Simulation is integrated with both the theory and practice components of your apprenticeship. It is led by academic staff and may include practice partners and service users/carers.

Learners studying at the Fountain House campus will be required to travel to the Paragon, West London campus during the apprenticeship to access the specialist simulation facilities (year 1 = three times, years 2 and 3 = twice per year). The cost of your travel will be reimbursed by the University on these occasions.

Clinician typing on a laptop with bare arms and medical equipment next to her.

Placements

Practice-based learning is a compulsory component and is integrated across the three years of your apprenticeship. 

The structure, duration and range of practice-based learning settings will support your achievement of the course learning outcomes and the Standards of Proficiency – Operating Department Practitioners (2014).

Placements will primarily be with your employer. Should you need to be allocated to another clinical placement area outside of your employing organisation this will be negotiated by your employer in liaison with the University. You will travel to placements at your own expense.

Placements will follow clinical shift patterns and will include unsociable hours including days, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Over the three years, you will be allocated clinical placements covering anaesthesia and surgery across a range of surgical specialities and the related post-anaesthetic care components of care.

In addition to your primary placement in the Operating Department, you will also experience short placements in:

  • Surgical wards
  • Intensive Care Units 
  • Accident and Emergency Departments 

In clinical placements, you will be supervised by a mentor/assessor and undertake a total of 2,736hrs of practice across the 3 years.

A student wearing a yellow jumper sitting at a table by a window using a laptop

How you will be assessed

The module assessments have been designed to enable you to demonstrate the learning outcomes for each module and cumulatively the overall BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice, Operating Department Practitioner Apprenticeship learning outcomes (meeting the requirements of the HCPC Standards of Proficiency - ODP, 2014). 

They will be spread across the three years providing frequent opportunities for you to receive feedback and feed-forward:

  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE’s)
  • MCQ and short answer exams
  • Reflective logs
  • Essays
  • Portfolio
  • Presentations
  • Practice assessment document
Simulation Centre at the University of West London

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The end point assessment (EPA) comprises the below:

  • UWL EPA Award Board - where your degree and apprenticeship award will be ratified
  • UWL putting forward successful apprentices to the HCPC for eligibility to apply for registration as an ODP.
Costs & fees

Costs & fees

Costs for apprentices

Although there are no tuition fees payable by you as an apprentice, additional costs may be incurred which are outside of the apprenticeship levy funding. Please discuss additional costs directly with your employer. 

It is important you consider any potential financial implications of commencing an apprenticeship course, prior to making an application. I.e. it may impact your ability to work as many unsociable hours as you would usually do/undertake bank work. Your employer will be able to provide more information regarding this, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Costs for employers

For employers, the costs of training your apprentice will usually be covered by the apprenticeship levy. Find out more about how apprenticeship funding works.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Nurses and students in an operating theatre

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Operating Department Practitioner.

As a qualified ODP, you will be expected to work in your employing organisation. As your career develops there are a number of different areas you may be interested in working in:

  • anaesthetics
  • surgery
  • recovery
  • leadership/management in these areas
  • resuscitation teams
  • high-dependency areas
  • educational and research roles
  • emergency department
  • intensive care unit.

See the NHS careers website to find out more.

Contact us

Contact us

Janet Rowson

Janet Rowson, Head of Degree Apprenticeships

Please get in touch with Janet Rowson to find out more about working with the University of West London as a training provider.

Please get in touch with Janet Rowson to find out more about working with the University of West London as a training provider.

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