Operating Department Practitioner, BSc Hons

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Operating Department Practitioner program at the University of Greenwich equips students with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality surgical patient care. Through a combination of academic study and clinical practice, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice abilities. Upon graduation, they are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as registered Operating Department Practitioners, with career opportunities in NHS Trust Hospitals and the independent sector.

Program Outline

Operating Department Practitioner, BSc Hons - University of Greenwich

Degree Overview:

This BSc Hons Operating Department Practitioner course prepares students to provide high-quality care to patients undergoing surgery. The program combines academic study with clinical practice, allowing students to develop the skills needed to care for patients in the operating department.

Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to provide high standards of care to patients undergoing surgery.
• To prepare students to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in the operating department.
• To develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• To enable students to apply evidence-based practice to their work.
• To prepare students for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered Operating Department Practitioner.

Outline:

Full-time:

• Year 1:
• Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology (30 credits)
• Technology to Support Patient Care Within the Operating Theatre Department (30 credits)
• Introduction to Operating Department Practice (30 credits)
• Academic Skills Development - Nursing Associates and Operating Department Practitioners (30 credits)
• Year 2:
• Pathophysiology: Illness and its impact upon individuals (15 credits)
• Enhancing Operating Department Practice (30 credits)
• Care of the Emergency Surgical Patient (30 credits)
• Medicines Management (15 credits)
• Understanding Research in Evidence Based Practice (30 credits)
• Year 3:
• Advancing Operating Department Practice (30 credits)
• Role Transition to Registered Operating Department Practitioner (30 credits)
• Exploring Evidence for Professional Practice (30 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Surgical First Assistant Skills (30 credits)
• Surgical First Assistant Skills (Endorsement) (30 credits)

Part-time:

• Year 1:
• Introduction to Operating Department Practice (30 credits)
• Academic Skills Development - Nursing Associates and Operating Department Practitioners (30 credits)
• Year 2:
• Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology (30 credits)
• Technology to Support Patient Care Within the Operating Theatre Department (30 credits)
• Year 3:
• Pathophysiology: Illness and its impact upon individuals (15 credits)
• Enhancing Operating Department Practice (30 credits)
• Medicines Management (15 credits)
• Year 4:
• Care of the Emergency Surgical Patient (30 credits)
• Understanding Research in Evidence Based Practice (30 credits)
• Year 5:
• Advancing Operating Department Practice (30 credits)
• Role Transition to Registered Operating Department Practitioner (30 credits)
• Exploring Evidence for Professional Practice (30 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Surgical First Assistant Skills (30 credits)
• Surgical First Assistant Skills (Endorsement) (30 credits)

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module.
• Students are assessed through a combination of coursework, exams, and clinical practice evaluations.

Teaching:

• Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and clinical placements.
• Students have access to a brand-new simulation suite where they can practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
• The course is taught by a team of experienced academics and healthcare practitioners with relevant clinical experience.

Careers:

• Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered Operating Department Practitioner.
• Graduates can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including NHS Trust Hospitals and the Independent sector.
• Graduates can also pursue higher degrees at Master's and PhD level.

Other:

• Students are required to complete a minimum of 1,800 hours in clinical practice.
• Students are allocated a practice educator who supports their learning and development.
• The course is not open to overseas applicants requiring a Student Visa.
• Applicants are encouraged to obtain appropriate healthcare experience through work shadowing or observation.
• The course team includes senior academics and healthcare practitioners with relevant clinical experience.
• 97% of lecturers hold a teaching qualification.
• The course is informed by research and consultancy work.
• The University of Greenwich provides accommodation options for students.
• The University of Greenwich has a Careers Service that provides support to students and graduates in their transition to a rewarding graduate destination.

Full time: £9,250 Part time: £2,312 per 30 credits Accommodation: £126.35 per person per week (bills included) Books: £150 per year Shoes and clothing: £60 and £100 respectively (dependent on field, non-uniform policy)