The Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) pre-registration course will prepare you for demanding clinical practice, promoting continuous improvement in care delivery and continuing with your learning beyond registration.

Youll study professionalism and evidence-based practice in the clinical setting and be introduced to the fundamental skills required for perioperative practice in the operating department environment.

The focus later in the course is the specialist areas of anaesthetic, surgery and post-anaesthetic care and the study of three key concepts the pathogenesis of disease, pharmacology within the operating department and the contribution of research to Operating Department Practice.

ODPs are also experts in the management of specialist equipment and materials in a highly technical environment, for example handling surgical instruments, checking anaesthetic equipment, moving patients and giving medication.

Why study with us

• Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire is ranked 3rd in the North West for academic support - National Student Survey (NSS) 2019.
• On successful completion of this course, youll be able to work in operating departments and be eligible to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Youll have access to our state-of-the-art clinical skills laboratories and anatomy labs.

Why choose a Degree Apprenticeship?

With a Degree Apprenticeship you get a great qualification and a career boost. Its the perfect opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge through work-based learning, as you earn.

Youll grow and nurture your talent through the forward-thinking businesses we collaborate with to offer a Degree Apprenticeship.

Who is this course for?

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are registered healthcare professionals specialising in caring for people of all ages before, during and after surgery. ODPs mainly work in operating departments.

Youll want to work alongside other professionals (such as doctors and nurses) and take a lead role in ensuring a patient is safe during each stage of a patients journey through the operating theatre.

Professional qualifications

Successful apprentices can apply to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as an Operating Department Practitioner, which is a requirement to practice under the protected title of Operating Department Practitioner.

Future careers and job role

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are registered healthcare professionals specialising in caring for people of all ages before, during and after surgery and youre likely to work in operating departments.

Youll work alongside other professionals (such as doctors and nurses) and take a lead role in ensuring a patient is safe during each stage of a patients journey through the operating theatre.