Operating Department Practice

This degree is designed for healthcare workers with an interest in becoming registered operating department practitioners (ODPs), able to offer compassionate, safe and effective care through the perioperative period - a time when people can be at their most vulnerable. You develop the skills to offer coordinated, patient-centred care alongside surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre nurses in a range of perioperative care settings including operating theatres, emergency departments, intensive care and recovery.

Course Accreditation/Industry Endorsement

This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (the registering body). On course completion, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as an operating department practitioner.

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

Fully immersive simulation suites which allow you to practise your skills in ‘real-world’ situations including: a state-of-the-art mock operating theatre; anaesthetic equipment; recovery room; immersive suite, to practise simulation safely in different environments.

Partnerships and Collaborations We currently work closely with the following practice partners:

Bedfordshire Hospitals

Milton Keynes Hospital

Northampton General Hospital

Lister Hospital

Spire Harpenden

Great Ormond Street Hospital

Royal Papworth Hospital

Harefield Hospital

Keech Hospice Care

Feed Up Warm Up, a homeless charity in Hertfordshire

Your Student Experience

Develop the knowledge, competencies and clinical skills to provide high-quality, evidence-based care and to work confidently within a multi-professional team.

Practise your skills in high-tech simulation suites, supported by staff who are healthcare professionals.

Gain hands-on experience across a range of healthcare environments.

The University organises your placements for you within local trusts and other external partners - so you don’t have to worry about sourcing your own work experience.

Extend your knowledge with field trips to the Old Operating Theatre museum and the Wellcome Collection museum and library, both in London.

Take the opportunity to learn from sector-leading guest speakers at an ODP conference hosted by the University.

Benefit from a course that offers you the support of a qualified mentor.

Hone your critical thinking and decision-making skills so you can respond quickly to complex critical situations.

Gain a HCPC-approved qualification and a skill-set much sought after in the job market.