Health & Social Care

Please note: the College of Operating Department Practitioners is currently reviewing the level of training for ODPs. By September 2013, the course may be at degree level only. Please contact admissions for further details.

Operating department practitioners (ODPs) work as skilled practitioners supporting the multidisciplinary team, working alongside anaesthetists and surgeons caring for surgical patients at all ages and levels of dependency.

The curriculum is patient-centred, ensuring you can contribute fully to healthcare delivery in a dynamic surgical environment. Throughout the course you are allocated to private and NHS hospital trusts. Early exposure to practice and lengthy placement allocation promotes continuity of practice experience. This enables you to develop the essential skills and knowledge necessary for professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

You also gain experience 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 gain the relevant foundation knowledge and skills needed to work within the perioperative environment. You 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 is 160 tariff points from two or three A levels (or equivalent). You will also be interviewed. For further detailed entry requirements for this course please visit www.ucas.com.

You must also:

• have five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and maths (or equivalent)


• show that you've done relevant study within the last five years


• be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register


• provide an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure


• be eligible for a Department of Health bursary (more info on the
  NHS Student Bursaries website).

You can apply without health and social care experience but you're expected to visit a theatre department before your interview.

If you're an operating department practitioner or theatre nurse with at least two years’ theatre experience you can enter at Year 2. Follow the same application process as the two-year Diploma.

Supporting information for applicants

 Our School feedback policy (word - 278kb)
 Our School reference policy (word - 276kb)

More information

• Health & Social Care video
  Take a look at the health subjects you can study

• Health & Social Care
  More information and courses in Health & Social Care