BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice at University of East Anglia UEA

Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are an important part of the operating department team working with surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre nurses to help ensure every operation is as safe and effective as possible. As an ODP, you’ll be responsible for putting the theory into clinical practice. You’ll need to develop a broad knowledge of perioperative practice techniques in anaesthetics, surgical and post-operative practice. Excellent management and communication skills are also vital, as you’ll be involved with the assessment, delivery and evaluation of perioperative care.

Taught within the School of Health Sciences, our three-year course is fully approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and prepares you so that you’re eligible to apply for registration as an ODP. This course will give you the skills and knowledge to become a competent, highly sought-after ODP, able to provide high standards of patient care and skilled support, alongside medical and nursing colleagues during peri-operative care.

You will have a caring and compassionate nature and a thoughtful and conscientious approach. You’ll enjoy working as part of a team, and excel within a pressurised and rapidly changing environment. Excellent problem solving skills are also key, as are good communication skills.

ODPs are sought after professionals. Once you have qualified, pay and responsibility will depend upon experience and further specialist skills you may acquire. ODPs may work in a wide range of areas including transplant teams, orthopaedic clinics and special care baby units. You may go on to become a senior ODP, perhaps running a theatre unit. Critical thinking and analytical graduate skills will also enable you to seek  opportunities in research, education and training and the expanding clinical opportunities available to ODP’s in places like Intensive Care units.

As part of our recruitment process we’ll explore the values of the NHS Constitution at interview, with successful candidates being able to demonstrate how these are reflected in their own beliefs.

Applicants will have to meet the requirements of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as well as undergoing an Occupational Health check.

ABOUT

The programme offers extensive Clinical experience with a 50/50 theory/ practice split, enabling ample opportunity to develop and refine your skills. Mapped to the College of Operating Department Practice curricula and HCPC standards the learning outcomes will provide experiences and learning opportunities in a wide range of clinical specialities. All clinical placements will take place with local and regional partners based mainly within Norfolk and Suffolk.

This programme will use a range of teaching methods, including lectures and seminars delivered by expert academics and clinical educators. Blended learning using online content will allow students to discuss and debate relevant topics, developing their own critical thinking skills. The use of methods including flipped classroom and simulation-based education will allow students to develop essential clinical skills and techniques in practical workshops, underpinned by academic study. 

A lifelong learning approach is used throughout the course ensuring  students are supported as adult learners, to develop the graduate skills, knowledge and autonomy required of a modern healthcare professional.

You will still get to enjoy the experience of your first group Basic Life Support session, learning with and from your peers whilst on campus. There will also be many other practical skills developed in our  operating theatre simulation sessions  which will enable you to make a valuable contribution to patient care when in practice settings.