Operating Department Practice, BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Swansea University's Operating Department Practice program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become registered Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs). The program emphasizes clinical practice, facilitation of learning, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for a rewarding career in operating departments with a starting salary of £28,407.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Operating Department Practice (ODP) programme at Swansea University provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to launch a successful career in operating departments. ODPs provide comprehensive patient care, offering support throughout all stages of surgery from anaesthetics, through surgical intervention, and into recovery. They play a crucial role in the smooth operation of operating theatres and serve as vital links between surgical teams and other departments within the hospital.

Objectives:

• Develop a solid foundation in clinical practice, encompassing anaesthesia, surgical procedures, and post-anaesthetic care.
• Gain proficiency in facilitating learning for both oneself and others.
• Cultivate effective leadership skills to excel within operating department settings.
• Foster a deep understanding of research, evidence-based practice, and development in the field of operating department practice.

Outline:

The program follows a spiral design centered around four key Pillars of Practice :

• Clinical Practice (anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care)
• Facilitation of Learning (of self and others)
• Leadership
• Evidence, Research, and Development
The balanced development of knowledge, skills, understanding, and confidence within these pillars provides graduates with the eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Operating Department Practitioners. Modules are structured around the four pillars, with varying coverage from year to year.

Year 1 (Level 4):

• Compulsory Modules:
• Foundations of Academic and Professional Learning in Operating Department Practice
• Becoming an Allied Health Professional (AHP): Operating Department Practice
• Manual Handling 1
• Violence & Aggression Passport 1
• Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice for Perioperative Care
• Essential Biosciences for Perioperative Practice
• Optional Modules (choose exactly 40 credits):
• Perioperative Clinical Skills Year 1
• Sgiliau Clinigol Amdriniaethol Blwyddyn 1 (Welsh Language Option)

Year 2 (Level 5):

• Compulsory Modules:
• Leadership Skills for Operating Department Practitioner
• Application of Evidence-Based Practice for Perioperative Care
• Manual Handling 2
• Violence & Aggression Passport 2
• Pharmacology for Perioperative Practice
• Diversifying Perioperative Care Delivery
• Optional Modules (choose exactly 40 credits):
• Perioperative Clinical Skills Year 2
• Sgiliau Clinigol Amdriniaethol Blwyddyn 2 (Welsh Language Option)

Year 3 (Level 6):

• Compulsory Modules:
• Facilitation of Learning and Teaching in Operating Department Practice
• Advancing Leadership and Management for the Operating Department Practitioner
• Independent Research for Operating Department Practice
• Manual Handling 3
• Violence & Aggression Passport 3
• Optional Modules (choose exactly 40 credits):

Careers:

Graduates who successfully complete the program and register with the HCPC as Operating Department Practitioners can expect a starting salary of £28,407, with opportunities for advancement to £42,618 as experienced practitioners. Specialisation opportunities exist in areas such as management, education, research, and advanced practice.