Do you want to be a part of a professional team that changes lives for the better? The Operating Department Practice course gives you the skills to play a valued role in the operating theatre with the chance to progress into leadership roles.
As an Operating Department Practitioner, you’ll have many responsibilities. Whereas nursing focuses on a range of areas around healthcare, Operating Department Practice studies has a direct focus on care within operating theatres and other associated areas. You’ll experience working in a complex care environment, helping patients through vulnerable times in their lives.
**Why study this subject?**
Demand is high. Operating Department Practitioners are sorely needed in hospitals all around the country. Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) are registered Allied Health Professionals (AHP) that are specifically trained and work within the Operating Department and associated areas. This incorporates working within a multi-disciplinary team providing high quality, individualised care for patients throughout their perioperative journey and beyond.
**Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?**
We've been running our Operating Department Practice programmes for many years and have a high rate of employability. Many of our students are employed by the Trust that they worked with during their time at the University.
You will benefit from an excellent standard of teaching provided by staff from the University and practice, in partnership with our NHS Trust partners. As well as this you will be taught by lecturers who have a wide expertise in the field. Our lecturers also maintain close links with practice, ensuring that the programme is up-to-date with modern practice.
We have simulation facilities to enable you to practise your skills in a realistic and safe environment. We offer continuous support throughout the programme, both in the University and in practice.
You will receive personal tutoring and benefit from a high level of research within the teaching team. As well as this, all students are given the opportunity to achieve additional clinical qualifications, such as the Immediate Life Support award which is delivered at the University, prior to completion of your studies. Interview preparation, specific to the clinical environment, is also provided within the programme.
Students will have the opportunity to put learnt skills into practice through a range of clinical placements. We're renowned for the support we offer you while you are on placement.
**What facilities can I use?**
We utilise state-of-the-art simulation facilities for learning, development and practicing of skills and are winners of the Guardian University Awards for our innovation and use of simulation to enhance our healthcare students’ learning.
We've invested in some of the best equipment for our students to practice their skills. We have an ultra-modern simulated operating theatre with the latest high fidelity simulation manikins where students can learn in a safe environment prior to entering their clinical placement.
The use of the state-of-the-art simulation suite is incorporated throughout the programme to ensure you have access to specialist equipment within a safe environment prior to exposure during your clinical placements.
**What will I study?**
On this programme you will gain real life experiences as well as receive the theory behind the perioperative environment and care delivery. Upon successful completion of the programme you will receive the award that leads to eligibility to apply for admission on to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register.
On your placement, you’ll be placed in the operating theatre setting within one of our trusts where you will be mentored in the art of patient care.
You will gain the key knowledge to achieve what is required within the contemporary healthcare setting through classroom based teaching, use of our simulation suite, and clinical placement.
Course Details - Modules
Modules are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
B991
Institution code:
B94
Campus Name:
Buckinghamshire New University
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
A typical offer will require a UCAS Tariff score between 112-136 points; or an Access to Nursing qualification (minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 12 at Merit, and 3 at Pass).
You may find it easier if you have prior knowledge of health so we prefer if you have relevant A-levels, such as Biology, Health and Social Care, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, Physical Education, and Sociology, however, it is not essential.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
