BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Studies

**September and January intakes.****Summary**: This patient centred course prepares you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure that you can contribute fully to healthcare delivery in a dynamic and fast moving surgical environment. This course leads to the achievement of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners (ODP). On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to apply for registration with HCPC as an ODP.**Course details**: The programme is designed to ensure early exposure to practice where you will gain experience across a variety of specialist areas including general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, ear, nose and throat, obstetric surgery, anaesthetic and post anaesthetic care. You will be allocated to surrounding NHS Hospital Trusts to enable you to develop essential skills and knowledge and this will be supported by evidence based learning in University with lectures, seminars and practical activities in our clinical skills labs and simulated operating theatre. As a student ODP, there will be a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and clinical decision making throughout the programme as you work towards achieving the requirements for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.Over 50% of the course is completed within the practice environment in NHS and private operating theatres and placements throughout the North East region where you will engage in supervised practice. You will work alongside experienced clinical staff following various shift patterns including nights and weekend working in order to gain the maximum learning experience. The academic components of the course are completed within the University setting with lecture rooms and simulation suites. As with all healthcare professionals, the public place a high level of expectation and trust in their Operating Department Practitioners and therefore to work in this sector, it is essential that you are able to demonstrate the core values embedded within the NHS Constitution: working together for patients, respect and dignity, compassion, improving lives and everyone counts.**After the course**: The qualified Operating Department Practitioner is trained in all areas of theatre work and can specialise in surgery, anaesthetics or post anaesthetic care. They can develop their role through teaching or pursue theatre management roles. New areas of practice are also opening up to the Operating Department Practitioner such as accident and emergency and intensive care units. Career opportunities exist within NHS Hospital Trusts and private hospitals, primary care trust clinics and the armed forces.