Northumbria

United Kingdom (UK)

Operating Department Practice | BSc (Hons)

About Program

Would you like to work closely with surgeons, anaesthetists and other professionals to plan, deliver and evaluate the care of patients who are undergoing surgical or anaesthetic procedures?

This programme will suit highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals who have a specialist interest in the care of surgical patients. The BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice degree will equip you with the clinical and interpersonal skills and specialised knowledge required to plan, deliver and evaluate care to patients during the three phases of perioperative practice: anaesthesia, surgery and post-anaesthetic care.

Whilst studying on this course you will spend time in our specialised clinical skills centre, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities and training equipment that is at the forefront of the sector. The time spent in this environment will help to develop all the key skills required for a successful career within the perioperative environment. Using simulation, practical sessions and workshops, you will be taught how to use a wide range of equipment safely for the caring needs of perioperative patients’.

If you would like to know more about an alternative route studying ODP then we also offer an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Degree Apprenticeship. This equips students with the skills and knowledge required to provide care to patients during the three phases of perioperative practice whilst in full-time paid employment. Areas include:

Anaesthetics
Surgery
Post-Anaesthetic Care

What skills can I gain during this degree?

Whilst studying an Operating Department Practice degree, you will learn to:

Utilise excellent communication and interpersonal skills ensuring safe effective and compassionate care.
Develop comprehensive Operating Department Practice abilities to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised, holistic, evidence based Operating Department Practice care.
Develop team-working skills promoting collaboration and partnership with stakeholders.
Promote the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through raising awareness of health needs and facilitating health enhancing activities.
Use lifelong learning and research skills to inform practice and facilitate ongoing continuing professional development.
Demonstrate organisational, management and leadership skills in the delivery of high quality perioperative care.

Why choose Northumbria to study Operating Department Practice?

Nursing at Northumbria is ranked Top 20 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.
Approved by the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), successful completion will allow you to apply to become a registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), a role that is in high demand both within the NHS and private sector.
99% of our Nursing graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
Northumbria’s research in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy is ranked 8th in the UK for research power, out of 91 submissions. This is a rise of 13 places from 21st in 2014.

How will I learn on this Operating Department Practice BSc course?

The Operating Department Practice team at Northumbria University will work in partnership with you to develop your confidence and competence to provide excellent care. Your engagement in theoretical, practice and skills modules will include inter-professional learning opportunities and prepare you for your professional role.

Integral to the programme is practice learning, and together with our clinical partners, we will offer a wide range of supported clinical placements with reliable and beneficial learning experiences. Practice supervisors, Practice Assessors and Academic Assessors support you as a Northumbria student in your learning journey. Your learning will be underpinned by developing skills and understanding of the evidence-base in Operating Department Practice to help you link theory to practice. At the forefront of your experience is the development of critical thinking skills required to become a reflective, lifelong learner.

At Northumbria, we have created a student-centred learning culture to empower you to become an independent learner through engagement with an evolving concept curriculum.

How will I learn on this programme?

Your learning will reflect real-life experiences. You will be introduced to the key concepts of operating department practice, which are supported by the HCPC (2014) Standards of Proficiency for ODPs. Once basic concepts are mastered, you will be able to transfer your knowledge and skills to the care of patients in different situations, therefore increasing your confidence. The BSc Operating Department Practice has been developed integrating technology enhanced learning to allow flexible access to authentic education integral to improving patient care. Some of your theoretical content will be presented as preparatory independent study provided as video lectures and interactive e-learning packages. You will arrive in class prepared for the face-to-face learning facilitated by a lecturer where you will be ready to apply concepts to real life situations in an interactive environment. Using this approach you are likely to feel more engaged and motivated in your learning.

Learning occurs within the classroom, the Clinical Skills Centre, and in clinical practice. In clinical practice, you will be supported to learn by a dedicated team of registered operating department practitioners and other healthcare professionals who can offer you support in the practical application of skills and knowledge, emphasise a person-centred approach within operating department practice, and identify opportunities for you to interact with peers and staff. External speakers who are experts in their field are actively involved in e-lectures and the delivery of seminars/workshops. Your learning will be support throughout the programme with a unique coaching approach. This involves a two-way dialogue with your lecturers / peers with the intention of working through problems to find solutions through questioning, listening and having an open mind.

At Northumbria University, we know that, as a student, you need a practice environment to develop your practice of thinking and skill performance. You will be exposed to a variety of strategies such as demonstration, supervised practice and skills rehearsal in our perioperative simulation suite. These can support your clinical skills development and build confidence prior to clinical practice. The programme team utilise Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL) approaches, designed to facilitate your learning, challenge the development of your skills and motivate you to develop a deep understanding. Learning in practice is a fundamental part of the programme supported by learning opportunities facilitated by practice supervisors, practice assessors and academic assessors.

How will I be assessed on the programme?

The assessment processes are both formative (ungraded) and summative (graded) as we believe they should not only measure and judge your learning but also shape it and develop your intellectual ability. All assessments are designed to motivate you, stimulate your interest and challenge you to develop your skills. This will enable you to reflect on feedback regarding your progress.

During the programme there is equal weighting in the assessment of theory and practice. Module assessments reflect a variety of tried and tested strategies carefully selected to suit your needs as a student and as a developing ODP on this programme. Examples of academic assessments include written assignments, exams, presentations and reflective accounts.

Who will teach me during my degree?

This course is delivered by a specialist teaching team who have extensive knowledge in all areas of clinical practice.

Our team is made up of experienced academics who were all previously employed as healthcare professionals and are also qualified educators. We also invite practising clinicians to the University to come and talk about and deliver a variety of specialist subjects to ensure your knowledge is at the forefront of your profession. You will be allocated a personal tutor, who will be there to provide you with appropriate, accessible and effective support and advice throughout your time at Northumbria University.

Northumbria University works closely with the local NHS Trusts and private sector hospitals to ensure that the curriculum is relevant and contemporary to meet current healthcare requirements. In addition to a dedicated tutor, whilst on placement you will be supported by practice supervisors and assessors. You will also be able to take advantage of our Learning Leaders system, where a second year student will support you throughout your first year of study.

How is research applied to the teaching on this course?

All of the lecturers on this course are experienced healthcare practitioners whose research, specialisms and expertise are integrated into all aspects of the course’s delivery. You may wish to be involved in an appropriate research study as a participant, and we will ensure to keep you up to date with any relevant research studies taking place in the department.

Throughout the duration of your course, you will be encouraged to develop your research skills by undertaking research activities and evidence-based enquiry, which will inform and help you to question and deliver effective evidence-based patient care.

What can I do after my BSc Operating Department Practice course?

You will graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours) in Operating Department Practice which will open an array of future opportunities in both the public and private sector. Northumbria University works closely with local hospitals to ensure you have the best possible learning experience and career opportunities at the end of the programme.

The role of an ODP is rapidly changing and expanding and there are many more new and exciting opportunities for you to engage in on a local, regional, national and international level.

Although many ODPs primarily work within an operating department, there are also career opportunities in other areas such as: