Operating Department Practice (ODP)
The philosophy behind the course aims to produce practitioners whom the academic and practice staff would choose to look after themselves or their loved ones.
How to apply Apply Through UCAS Book an Open Day Chat to Us/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/03-courses/allied-health/bsc-operating-department-practice-1.jpg)
Key Course Details
-
UCAS Code
B992
-
Start Date
September
-
Location
Pontypridd
-
Campus Code
A
Fees
Home students
£9,535*
International students
£16,200*
- Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.
This course has been designed to equip students with the skills required to deliver the most effective care and up-to-date practice as possible, enabling students to qualify and apply to register as an Operating Department Practitioner with the HCPC.
DESIGNED FOR
If you have interest in the human body as a living, breathing machine then consider Operating Department Practice. Our students learn physiology in action through the interventions that happen in both the anaesthetic and surgical phases of the perioperative journey. If you have an interest in critical care – Operating Department Practice care for the most acute patients in the hospital within the operating department. This has led to ODP’s being employed and utilised within intensive care units.
Accredited By
- Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP)
Career Paths
- Operating Department Practitioner
- Lecturer
- Anaesthetic Associate
- Surgical Care Practitioner
- Critical Care Practitioner
Skills Taught
- Clinical Skills such as Cannulation and Venepuncture, Catheterisation.
- Management of Anaesthetic Emergencies
- Surgical First Assistance
- Management of the Perioperative Department
- Practice Education
Course Highlights
Module Overview
The philosophy behind the course aims to produce practitioners whom the academic and practice staff would choose to look after themselves or their loved ones. The course therefore aims to develop graduates through sound theoretical theory before applying theory to practice in ever-complex scenarios prior to interaction with patients. The course will develop graduates that are confident not only in their own professional identity as Operating Department Practitioners (with core knowledge and skills) but who also understand and value the inter-professional nature of practice, therapeutic and professional relationships, and have developed professional reasoning and behaviours required to meet the needs of the client within the ever-changing demands of Health and Social care.
Year One
Foundations of Surgical Practice
Foundations of Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice
Anatomy, Physiology and Applied Sciences
Holistic Care of the Surgical Patient
Health Promotion in Operating Department Practice
Developing Confidence in Operating Department Practice
Year Two
Developing Surgical Practice
Developing Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice
Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology
Research and Evidence Based Practice
Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues In Healthcare Practice
Informed Decision Making in Operating Department Practice
Year Three
Advanced Surgical Practice
Critical Care Practice
Facilitating Learning, Supervision and Assessment within Perioperative Practice
Leadership, Excellence, and Change Management and Improvement Health Care
Becoming Autonomous in Operating Department Practice
In Year One, students will be familiarised to the operating theatre environment with an initial one-week orientation placement. Students will then experience several placements in surgery (undertaking scrub and circulating roles), anaesthesia and post-anaesthetic care across a number of common surgical specialties (e.g., general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology). During this year students will learn and develop the skills required to undertake perioperative care on minor to intermediate procedures as well as be introduced to the wider perioperative environment with a mix of experiences across patients perioperative journeys.
Foundatons of Surgical Practice
This module aims to introduce the principles of surgery and surgical practice. Students will explore theory in order to begin, planning, implementing and evaluating surgical care.
Students will develop the knowledge and clinical skills required to practice safely as both a circulating and surgical practitioner within minor to intermediate surgical procedures within the wider surgical team.
Foundations of Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice
This module aims to introduce the basics of anaesthetic and post anaesthetic practice. Enabling students to facilitate the establishment of basic general anaesthetic, local and neuraxial blockades alongside an anaesthetist as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Students will also be introduced to patient assessment, being able to interpret clinical signs and symptoms during their perioperative journey.
During this module students will be exposed to the anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care of patients undergoing minor to intermediate surgeries and begin to evaluate practice in these areas.
Anatomy, Physiology and Applied Sciences
This module aims to equip students with the underpinning knowledge in anatomy, physiology and applied sciences required to be a competent Operating Department Practitioner. Students will be able to identify the form and functions of major organ systems of the body as well as scientific principles within perioperative practice including SI units, gas laws and electrosurgery.
Holistic Care of the Surgical Patient
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding in wrap around, holistic care of the surgical patient. This module will equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to plan for and effectively treat perioperative patients holistically throughout their journey. The module will introduce students to key legislation involved in the care of the patient within the perioperative journey.
Health Promotion in Operating Department Practice
This module will explore the concept health and wellbeing within populations, communities and individuals. By examining the impact of health and social disparities, inequities of opportunities, diversity and human rights on health and wellbeing and the impact on the perioperative patient and the practitioner. Students will develop early research, leadership and education skills in developing a health promotion resource for either patients or staff that addresses issues around physical and mental health and wellbeing at a local, national or global level.
Developing Confidence in Operating Department Practice
This module aims to prepare the student to undertake safe and effective Operating Department Practice and gain an initial understanding into the role of the ODP as a healthcare professional.
Students will continue to develop upon their skills gained in the first year and begin to tackle less common specialties and a higher complexity of surgical cases. By the end of the year students will be able to comfortably facilitate the anaesthetic and scrub for intermediate and some major cases. Student’s will also undertake a dedicated placement within the post-anaesthetic care unit, continuing the development towards autonomous practice in the third year. Students will be exposed to emergency cases, paediatrics, shared airway, and obstetrics during this year.
Developing Surgical Practice
This module aims to develop previously introduced principles of surgery. Students will apply theory to a range of surgical practices that will allow them to plan and develop care for intermediate and major surgeries including emergency surgeries.
Students will begin to develop leadership skills within the perioperative environment, managing theatre lists and engaging with legislation and processes in perioperative practice
Developing Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice
This module aims to encourage the student to work towards autonomy in anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic practice.
The module will allow students to apply knowledge within anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic practice in order to plan and facilitate the care of patients undergoing a range of intermediate to major procedures under a variety of anaesthetic techniques and as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
The module aims to develop the students previous understanding of anatomy physiology by exploring the development of physiology from birth to death. Students will learn about the physiological changes of pregnancy, development of foetus into adulthood and death.
This module will also develop students understanding of pharmacology, enabling them to evaluate the use of drugs during perioperative care.
Research and Evidence Based Practice
This module aims to enable the student to gather robust sources in order to evaluate perioperative practice. Furthermore, this module aims to inform best practice by analysing and applying research, audit, and service evaluations.
Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues In Healthcare Practice
This module aims to enable the student to develop, evaluate and apply knowledge of the professional, legal, and ethical issues to Operating Department Practice.
Informed Decision Making in Operating Department Practice
This module aims to enable the student to further develop their knowledge, skills, proficiency, and confidence in safe and effective Operating Department Practice.
Students will work towards autonomous practice, solidifying knowledge from the previous years and developing skills to undertake expanding roles within perioperative and critical care. Students will experience highly complex anaesthesia and surgical practice within both elective and emergency environments. Surgically, students will also undertake a placement as a surgical first assistant in order to be given an opportunity to complete the competencies set out within the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) surgical first assistant toolkit (AfPP, 2018). With regards to anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic practice, students will undergo a dedicated placement within a critical care setting or caring for critical care patients. As part of this year students will also be expected to undertake a management placement, shadowing leaders within the perioperative and wider-hospital environment in order to gain an understanding into the process of the day-to-day running of departments and hospitals, and witness examples of leadership in practice.
Advanced Surgical Practice
This module further develops the student’s role further from levels 4 and 5 into that of an autonomous practitioner. After this module students will demonstrate the ability to successfully assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care for a complex range of elective and emergency surgical cases and for a diverse range of patient groups and comorbidities. Students will also develop an understanding and appreciation of the differing role of the Surgical First Assistant and the implications of this role on their professional practice.
Critical Care Practice
This module aims to prepare students to develop on knowledge and skills acquired at levels 4 and 5 applying anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic practice within the critical care setting. Students will explore modern critical care settings and their potential role in areas such as Emergency Departments, High Dependency Units, Critical Care Units and Pain Management Teams.
Facilitating Learning, Supervision and Assessment within Perioperative Practice
This module aims to enable the student to support and guide fellow students during their clinical placement, through facilitating learning by making links between theory and practice. Students will also be able to apply approved assessment procedures and provide constructive feedback based on professional judgement.
Leadership, Excellence and Change Management and Improvement Health Care
The aim of this module is to develop the leadership and change management skills in the student and to facilitate transition from student to registered practitioner, being able to participate within the muti-disciplinary team in the perioperative environment, along with the constant need for change and improvement to meet its evolving needs.
Becoming Autonomous in Operating Department Practice
This module aims to develop the student as an autonomous practitioner. Students will explore what it means to be a registered professional preparing them for a career within healthcare.
Course Highlights
How you’ll learn
The course adopts a blended learning approach so students will experience a wide range of ways to learn.
Students will a spend 50% of the course learning within the practice setting, whereby students will be supported and supervised by Practice Educators and other qualified practitioners to facilitate the development of student’s knowledge, skills and proficiency as an operating department practitioner.
All assessments have been designed to build the skills necessary to develop as an operating department practitioner both within the practice and research arenas. Where appropriate, assessments have been designed to be shared with the sector, local community or policy makers, therefore instigating a positive impact on society
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/01-campus-and-facilities/16-pontypridd-facilities/162-glyntaff-facilities/campus-facilities-glyntaff-operating-department-practice-50297.jpg)
Simulation-based teaching
We aim for around 50% of our academic teaching to be simulation-based, providing you with the skills utilise in practice
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/01-campus-and-facilities/16-pontypridd-facilities/162-glyntaff-facilities/campus-facilities-glyntaff-operating-department-practice-50301-1.jpg)
Industry Partnerships
We work alongside industry partners in the NHS and the private sector to provide students with quality and supportive placement opportunities
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/01-campus-and-facilities/16-pontypridd-facilities/162-glyntaff-facilities/campus-facilities-glyntaff-operating-department-practice-50298.jpg)
Facilities
Over £100,000 of investment has gone into equipment and buildings to the benefit of not just the Operating Department Practice course but other health professions as well. Using these facilities students will be able to safely practice skills away from patients so they feel prepared when it comes to the real thing.
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/01-campus-and-facilities/16-pontypridd-facilities/162-glyntaff-facilities/campus-facilities-glyntaff-operating-department-practice-50302.jpg)
-4.png){kind=logo}
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/04-profiles/41-undergraduate-student/profile-ug-allied-health-odp-Noah-Beuschel-50283-1.jpg)
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/01-campus-and-facilities/12-campus-spaces/campus-spaces-newport-library-27766-3-785X785.jpg)
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/01-campus-and-facilities/12-campus-spaces/campus-spaces-newport-library-27717-3-857X857.jpg)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
UCAS Points: 112 (or above)
Typical qualification requirements:
- A Level: BBC to exclude General Studies
- Welsh BACC: Grade C and BB at A Level to exclude General Studies
- BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction, Merit, Merit
- Access to HE: Science/Mathematics/Health Care/Nursing Diploma. Must complete 60 credits overall with at least 45 at level 3 and equating to 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Passes
Applicants are required to attend an interview. You will be required to demonstrate a real insight to, and enthusiasm for, the discipline. You should learn as much as you can about the profession, including where practitioners practice, and their role in modern healthcare. You must also demonstrate insight to your organisational skills and ability to effectively manage your studies.
Additional requirements include:
- The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
- Equivalent qualifications considered are Essential Skills Level Two in Communication and Application of Number, or Functional Skills Level Two in English and Mathematics. (Must be achieved since 2016).
- One satisfactory reference
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child & Adult Workforce and Child & Adult Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service is required. (Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants).
- Unfortunately, as the Operating Department Practice course is funded by the NHS and students have to have placements in the local NHS Health Board we are unable to accept applications from students who require a Student Route Visa.
- We do not accept deferred applications for the BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice course. If you are unable take up your place, you will need to reapply.
Closed for International applicants
Unfortunately, this course is not currently open to international applicants, please visit our course pages where you can find an alternative course choice.
Contextual offers
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended, for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer, and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions.
USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university.
We're here to help
Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch, and we'd love to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online.
Fees and Funding
£9,535
per year*£16,200
per year*Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
*Obligatory
Students will be expected to pay for a DBS or certificate of good behaviour from their home country. The DBS fee includes £49.50 for the enhanced DBS certificate, the Post Office Administration fee and the online administration fee
Cost: £64.74
Subscription required for each year of the course for a yearly fee of £16. Please note the service has to be joined within 30 days of receipt of your enhanced DBS certificate
Cost: £16
University Quality Assurance
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
Life at USW
Halls are a big part of your student experience and there’s accommodation at all three of our locations. If you don’t want to live near the campus, there are great transport links to keep you connected.
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/07-student-life/75-cafe-bars-pubs/student-life-students-on-campus-treforest-su-52657-1.jpg)
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/01-campus-and-facilities/11-campus-exterior-shots/campus-exterior-glyntaff-alfred-russell-wallace-sunshine-7472.jpg)
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/02-accommodation/23-pontypridd-accommodation/accommodation-pontypridd-double-room-50964-1.jpg)
How to apply
All applications for full-time undergraduate courses or foundation degrees should be made via UCAS. Take the next step: Apply through UCAS. You can apply to us directly for all part-time undergraduate courses, if you’re seeking advanced entry or you’re an international student. To apply directly, please choose the application form below for your preferred start date and mode of study (full-time or part-time.)
Advanced entry
If you already have a relevant qualification or experience related to the course you're applying for, you may be eligible to start at a later stage of the course. For example, students from partner colleges can ‘top up’ their qualifications to a degree by joining us in Year Two or Year Three of a course. This process is known as ‘advanced entry’, you can apply directly to the University for 'advanced entry' using the application forms provided above.
International admissions
International applicants can apply to us directly. If the University has an in-country team in your region, your application will be assigned to them for assistance.
.png)
