Health & Social Care

Operating department practitioners (ODPs) work as skilled assistants to anaesthetists and surgeons. They work alongside qualified nurses and medical staff, caring for surgical patients at all levels of dependency through the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised care in theatre which covers the three stages of anaesthetic, surgery and recovery.

It's our aim to help you become a professional, competent, registered ODP. This course aims to develop you as a practitioner able to respond to changes within the context of professional practice and to gain a professional perspective in relation to self and others. The curriculum focuses on a patient-centred approach, which ensures practitioners are able to contribute fully to healthcare delivery in a dynamic service.

Throughout the course you will be allocated to NHS hospital home trusts, where the majority of your placement will take place. Early exposure to practice and lengthy placement allocation is intended to promote continuity of practice experience. This enables you to develop the essential skills and knowledge necessary for professional registration.

You will also gain experience under supervision across a variety of specialist theatre areas including general surgery, orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat, obstetrics, surgery, anaesthetics and recovery.

What you study

Throughout the two years you will gain the relevant foundation knowledge and skills needed to work within the perioperative environment. You will gain an understanding of pharmacology, perioperative care, and the legal and ethical concepts surrounding theatre care.

How you learn

60% of the course is completed within NHS and private operating theatres throughout the North East engaging in supervised operating department practice. The remaining 40% of the programme is completed within the University setting, based around key lectures, seminars and practical workshops.

How you are assessed

Each module is assessed separately, using a variety of methods including examination, practice portfolio and written assignments.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for registration to the Health Professions Council.

Career opportunities

The qualified ODP is trained in all areas of theatre work and can specialise in surgery, anaesthetics or recovery. ODPs can develop their role through teaching and management. New areas of practice are also opening up to the ODP such as accident and emergency and intensive care units. Careers opportunities exist within NHS trust hospitals, primary care trust clinics, and private hospitals and care centres.

Entry requirements

A typical offer will be 160 tariff points from two or three A levels or equivalent. You must have five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics or equivalent. Applications from those without health and social care experience are welcome. You must show evidence of study within the last five years.

Operating department practitioners and theatre nurses with a minimum of two years’ theatre experience can enter at Year 2 through flexible negotiated learning. You should follow the same application process as the two-year Diploma.

Key Criteria
Admission to the course is dependent upon completion of the following selection processes:

• academic entry requirements being met
• satisfactory and fully completed application form
• successful interview
• satisfactory references
• satisfactory health screening/risk assessment reflecting adherence to Regulations 3 and 19 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
• receipt of a satisfactory Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure
• those enrolling after October 2010 must also provide proof of ISA registration (see http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/common/copyright.cfm?display=vetting).

You need to be aware that on completion of the course you will be required to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body prior to application for registration.

Work Shadowing
It is essential that prospective students visit a theatre department prior to interview, however work shadowing is not usually offered by the NHS trusts.

Department of Health Bursary
You must be eligible for a Department of Health bursary. Due to a change in the bursary application process it is now your responsibility to apply directly for your NHS bursary. Please go to the NHS Student Bursaries website for more information and to download an application form.

Equivalent Qualifications
For all courses equivalent qualifications will be considered such as a QAA-recognised Access course together with GCSEs at grade C or above in English language and mathematics or a science subject, or equivalent modules undertaken as part of the Access course.

Supporting information for applicants

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