A student operating department practitioner administers CPR to a patient on a trolley, while two of his peers observe.

BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice

Train to provide high standards of care during the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery phases of hospital patients' treatment and graduate eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.

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      Overview

      UCAS Code: B991
      Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time
      Start Dates: September 2021, January 2022, September 2022, January 2023
      Subjects: Health and Social Care
      Location: Edge Hill University
      St James', Manchester
      Example Offers: BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
      View full entry criteria

      Please note, this programme is closed to further applications for September 2021 and January 2022 entry. 

      Operations are complex and require experts in every position. Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) play a vital role in the perioperative team, working in this specialist and dynamic environment, they provide care during the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery phases of a patient’s hospital treatment. ODPs require in-depth knowledge and skills in areas such as anatomy and physiology, illness and disease, surgical and anaesthetic procedures, legal and ethical issues, and teamwork. With practical experience gained in a variety of settings, upon successful completion of this programme you will be equipped with the skills to enable you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified ODP. You can choose to study at the Edge Hill University campus or St James’, our Manchester city centre location.

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      In Depth

      What will I study?

      You will study a wide range of subjects including health, anatomy and physiology, research, perioperative care, communication, pharmacology, perioperative skills and procedures, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

      Year 1 modules cover issues including maintaining health and safety in clinical practice, anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical aspects of practice, as well as introducing you to surgery and anaesthetics and providing an overview of basic pharmacology.

      In Year 2 you will examine research and evidence-based practice, explore the care of different patient groups, and immerse yourself in recovery and pharmacology, studying the drugs used, their effects and contraindications.

      Year 3 builds on your knowledge and skills from the previous two years, critically reflecting on and analysing complex perioperative issues, emergency and trauma situations. You will study and practice enhanced roles in both anaesthetics and scrub while consolidating your basic skills and competencies in all three perioperative areas. An analysis of leadership, management, clinical governance and the professional role will also equip you for registration and professional practice.

      This programme adheres closely to the six core values of the NHS. These values, enshrined within the NHS Constitution, have been developed by patients, the public and staff to inspire passion in the NHS, guide it in the 21st century, and provide common ground for cooperation in achieving shared aspirations. Further information about the core values can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england.

      How will I study?

      The course is approximately 50% practice and 50% theory. Class sessions are in large blocks and occur at two main points within the year, followed by the necessary weeks of practice. While most classes will take place at either Edge Hill University or St James’, some modules may involve studying at other sites in which case you will be responsible for travel and parking costs.

      When you are studying in practice, you will be working in a placement in Merseyside, East Cheshire or Greater Manchester. We will endeavour, where possible, to place you in a placement near to where you live, however you will be responsible for travel and parking costs while on placement.

      As operating departments are accessible 24 hours a day you will be required to work at weekends, evenings and night time as well as through the day.

      How will I be assessed?

      Assessment will be ongoing throughout the programme. Theoretical assessments can consist of exams, written assignments, oral presentations, oral examinations, and practical exams called Objective Structured Clinical Examinations. Practical assessments take place in the workplace and in clinical skills facilities.

      Who will be teaching me?

      The main teaching team for this programme are experienced tutors with an extensive background in perioperative care. In addition, anaesthetists, perioperative practitioners, practice facilitators, workplace mentors and other academic members of staff will be involved in elements of teaching and assessment. The programme team will support you through the provision of a module leader, personal tutor and link teacher who are able to offer academic and pastoral support as required.

      A Great Study Environment

      Two student operating department practitioners prepare an IV solution with a tutor looking on.The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the leading providers of education and training for health and social care professionals in the North West of England.

      Offering some of the best facilities for health, social care and medicine students in the country, the outstanding teaching and learning resources include leading edge clinical skills facilities, an 860-seat lecture theatre, and a variety of teaching rooms and social learning spaces.

      The leading edge clinical skills facilities include ward simulations and operating theatres with industry standard equipment, as well as robot-style mannequins that can simulate a wide range of symptoms, from pregnancy to a temperature, to ensure your learning experience is as realistic as possible.

      These facilities are complemented by a further modern, clinical skills facility at St James’ in Manchester City Centre, which houses an extensive clinical simulation suite, including a mock operating theatre, simulated ambulance bay and clinical skills stations. St James’ also has an open plan library and IT facilities. Further information about St James’, including an image gallery, can be found at ehu.ac.uk/stjames.

      Edge Hill University has excellent relationships with NHS hospital and community trusts, enabling us to offer practice-based learning opportunities across a variety of care contexts, with placements at over 600 locations in Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire.

      The faculty is also home to a thriving research culture which includes a series of staff and student conference programmes, guest lectures and seminars, as well as active research groups.

      Modules

      Expand All

      Year 1

      ODP1000Preparation for Professional Practice (20 credits)

      Preparation for Professional Practice enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of fundamental operating department practice. You will be introduced to key health and safety issues in the perioperative environment. These will include infection control, policies and procedures, moving and handling and risk management of yourself and others. The module will ensure that you have the skills, knowledge and understanding to engage in safe and effective patient care.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      ODP1001Fundamental Principles of Perioperative Care (20 credits)

      Fundamental Principles of Perioperative Care enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of some of the principles relating to perioperative practice. You will be introduced to some of the key concepts associated with safe anaesthetics and surgical care. These will include a broad understanding of how both the perioperative environment and the role of the operating department practitioner can impact on the quality of care for the patient undergoing surgery and their confidence in the service. Some of the key topics explored in this module will include the perioperative journey, perioperative communication, five steps to safer surgery, anaesthetics and the basic principles of surgery.


      Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

      ODP1002Legal, Ethical and Social Issues in Perioperative Care (20 credits)

      Legal, Ethical and Social Issues in Perioperative Care recognises that safe and effective delivery of patient care is dependent on practitioners who understand the legal, ethical and social issues that impact on perioperative practice. This module provides you with the knowledge and understanding of these key areas to empower you to act as an advocate for the perioperative patient.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      ODP1003Anatomy and Physiology in Perioperative Practice (20 credits)

      Anatomy and Physiology in Perioperative Practice introduces the knowledge of the basic scientific principles that enable an understanding of the structure and function of the body in health and disease across the human lifespan that may require surgical and/or anaesthetic intervention. The anatomy and physiology of each system of the human body will be studied in depth across the life continuum. The principles of pharmacology will be introduced, specifically focusing on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and how the human body interacts with specific medications.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      ODP1004Clinical Practice and Simulation 1 (40 credits)

      Clinical Practice and Simulation 1 will develop your proficiency in a range of practical and professional experiences to develop and acquire key skills which are underpinned by professional knowledge. The module will facilitate your understanding and acquisition of skills within the perioperative environment. You will also explore the context in which the operating department practitioner works within the inter-professional team to deliver safe, compassionate and person centred evidenced based care.


      Assessment: Practical(s): 100%.

      Year 2

      ODP2000Clinical Practice and Simulation 2 (40 credits)

      Clinical Practice and Simulation 2 will consolidate your skills in relation to your clinical and professional practice. You will be exposed to an increasing range of experiences and be expected to consistently demonstrate skills and activities, at an emerging level of competence, with care, compassion, underpinning knowledge and appropriate attitudes. You will take responsibility and develop autonomy for care delivery with less direct supervision.


      Assessment: Practical(s): 100%.

      ODP2001Pharmacology in Perioperative Practice (20 credits)

      Pharmacology in Perioperative Practice enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of drugs used in the perioperative setting. You will build on the basic principles of pharmacology and apply these to specific groups of drugs. You will also learn about the legislative and regulatory frameworks that underpin safe medicines management within operating department practice. The module will cover medication safety, storage and handling of drugs, the safe use of medical devices, as well as the applying the principles of aseptic non-touch techniques for drug preparation and administration.


      Assessment: Written Exam(s): 100%.

      ODP2002Holistic Perioperative Care Across the Lifespan (20 credits)

      Holistic Perioperative Care Across the Lifespan enables you to develop your knowledge and skills in providing holistic care for patients across the age spectrum in all aspects of perioperative care. The module will develop your knowledge relating to life, disease and pathological processes and explore how these impact upon patient care at various stages of life. The aim is to reaffirm knowledge relating to patient assessment while developing an analytical and evidence base for effective patient assessment, implementation and evaluation of care, relating to specific stages in the lifespan.


      Assessment: Written Exam(s): 100%.

      ODP2003Appraising Research in Health and Social Care (20 credits)

      Appraising Research in Health and Social Care introduces you to the core methods which underpin quantitative and qualitative research designs and the application of research evidence to practice. You will develop an understanding of the research process and the need for an evidence base to guide decision making in health and social care practice. The module will also enhance your skills in information retrieval, data organisation and evaluation. You will be introduced to literature searching, the research process, quantitative and qualitative research methods and research dissemination.


      Assessment: Practical(s): 100%.

      ODP2004Principles of Post-Anaesthetic Care (20 credits)

      Principles of Post-Anaesthetic Care enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of post-anaesthesia recovery. The core elements will include communication, assessment and management of the airway, assessment and management of breathing, assessment and management of circulation, assessment of level of consciousness, assessment and management of post-operative pain, as well as nausea and vomiting. You will also focus on monitoring during recovery, intravenous access and fluid balance, managing recovery emergencies and post-surgical care.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Year 3

      ODP3000Enhanced Skills in Perioperative Practice (30 credits)

      Enhanced Skills in Perioperative Practice enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of enhanced scrub practice, utilising an evidence-based approach. You will be introduced to key concepts in relation to the rights and wellbeing of patients in surgical care. These include preparing and maintaining a safe and appropriate surgical environment for a diverse range of patients and acknowledging and implementing appropriate risk management strategies.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      ODP3001Clinical Practice and Simulation 3 (40 credits)

      Clinical Practice and Simulation 3 offers you a range of practical and professional experiences to achieve proficiency in key skills which are underpinned by professional knowledge. You will be prepared to work safely in practice based professions and develop the skills to meet the needs of various service users across a range of care settings.


      Assessment: Practical(s): 100%.

      ODP3002Leadership and Governance (30 credits)

      Leadership and Governance focuses on the importance of effective collaborative inter-professional relationships, developing an understanding of human factors and the resolution of potential inter-professional conflicts. The module will support you in evaluating how collaborative service improvement is the bedrock of practice and facilitate development of enhanced communication, management and leadership skills. The aim is to build on your existing knowledge of leadership and clinical governance and its relevance to professional practice and delivery of evidence-based healthcare. You will become an autonomous and accountable professional, able to work effectively within the diverse professional working environment, identifying, evaluating and addressing tensions and conflicts as they arise.


      Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

      ODP3003Emergency Care in Anaesthesia (20 credits)

      Emergency Care in Anaesthesia prepares you to participate in the safe delivery of care at acute stages of the patient’s perioperative journey. The module places particular emphasis on the management of emergency and clinically complex cases in a range of settings, including accident and emergency, trauma, as well as anaesthetic emergencies within the operating department. You will be introduced to the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of complex concepts to reach clinical judgments and decisions. This may include, for example, the interpretation and analysis of arterial blood gases and managing the complex needs of a critically ill patient.


      Assessment: Written Exam(s): 100%.

      Timetables

      Timetables are normally available one month prior to enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

      Disclaimer

      Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

      Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

      Entry Criteria

      Entry Requirements

      Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

      Eligible candidates must provide evidence of study within the five years prior to application. An interview forms part of the selection process.

      If you accept an offer from Edge Hill you will need to satisfy the requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council in respect of physical and mental fitness and will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

      Example Offers

      Some examples of how you can achieve 104-112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

      • A Level: BCC-BBC;
      • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
      • International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points;
      • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

      Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

      As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

      For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

      EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

      Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

      If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

      Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

      Recognition of Prior Learning

      Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

      Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

      Career Prospects

      What are my career prospects?

      There is a high demand for operating department practitioners within the UK. As such, employment prospects for those that successfully complete the programme and register as ODPs are excellent. Following registration as an Operating Department Practitioner not only will you be well placed to apply for a job as a registered practitioner in operating theatres, but there are also fantastic opportunities to progress your career in various directions, including advanced clinical roles, educational research or management positions in your chosen area of expertise.

      Finance

      Tuition Fees

      If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 a year.

      If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2022/23, the tuition fee is still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.

      EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

      The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

      Financial Support

      Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. This includes a training grant of at least £5,000 per annum for Operating Department Practice students.

      For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2021.

      Financial support arrangements for eligible UK students joining undergraduate degrees in academic year 2022/23 are still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.

      EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/eufinance for further details.

      Scholarships

      Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.

      These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

      An additional scholarship, which you may qualify to receive, rewards outstanding A Level and BTEC grades.

      To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

      Apply

      How to Apply

      Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

      Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

      Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

      Visit Us

      If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

      If you are interested in studying at St James’ in Manchester, you may also wish to attend a drop-in afternoon at our Manchester city centre location. You can view dates and book your place at our St James’ events at www.edgehill.ac.uk/manchester.

      Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day or drop-in afternoon, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

      Request a Prospectus

      If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

      Get in Touch

      If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

      A prospective student and her parents read a printed open day guide while stood on a bridge near the Catalyst building.

      Course Changes

      Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

      This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years. No material changes have been made to the information for this programme in that time. Any future amends will be tracked here.

      Covid-19 - Operating Department Practice Essential Information

      Operating Department Practice Course Statement

      Weekly delivery will consist of six hours of onsite teaching supported by a maximum of 24 hours of online learning comprising synchronous (seminar, tutorial, lecture, clinical skills, critical debate/discussion and peer group activities) and asynchronous (lecture, discussion board, self-directed study, learning activities and academic support).

      Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

      Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.