Program Overview

Overview of the Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons) Program

The Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons) program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study while being employed in the perioperative environment. This apprenticeship offers a strong grounding in the theory and practice of operating department practice, exploring the three interconnected aspects of the role: anaesthetic, surgical, and post-anaesthetic.

Program Structure and Duration

• The program is fully integrated and lasts for 3 years full-time.
• Students spend 80% of their time in their current workplace and 20% at the University undertaking theory work.
• The program includes a combination of academic and clinical development, providing links between theory and practice in the perioperative environment.

Entry Requirements

• A Level: BCC
• BTEC: MMM
• NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma: grade C
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits, 15 at Distinction, and 30 at Merit
• GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths: grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme
• Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health clearances
• Employment as an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Course Detail

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Operating Department Practice
  • Introduction to Perioperative Practice and Patient Care (Placement 1)
  • Principles of Anaesthesia for Operating Department Practice
  • Principles of Surgery for Operating Department Practice
  • Research and Professional Accountability for Operating Department Practice

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Critical Care of the Perioperative Patient
  • Implementation of Perioperative Practice (Placement 2)
  • Patho-physiological Processes Related to Peri-operative Practice
  • Research and Professional Accountability for Operating Department Practice 2
  • Theories of Perioperative Practice

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • Developing Perioperative Practice
  • Leadership and Management in the Perioperative Environment
  • Managing Enhanced and Complex Perioperative Practice (Placement 3)
  • Perioperative Research-based Project

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching approaches include seminars, group work, practical sessions, lectures, simulation, and problem-based learning.
• Assessment is centered on achieving the standard of competency outlined by the professional awarding body, including verification of practice competency by a qualified mentor/supervisor and integration with written modular assessment.

Placements

• Work-based learning is a compulsory element of the course, with students spending at least 80% of their time in clinical practice.
• Clinical placements are undertaken within the employed trust, with assessment by qualified mentors and support from placement education facilitators and university link lecturers.

Fees and Finance

• As an apprentice, there is no tuition fee to pay for the higher or degree apprenticeship, as tuition fees are covered by the employer and the government through the levy.

Career Opportunities

• Career opportunities after successfully completing the course and gaining entry onto the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register could include working as a theatre practitioner in hospital critical care environments.
• Other opportunities may include roles as perioperative practitioners, specialist practitioners, team leaders, managers, educators, and academics both in clinical settings and universities.

Accreditations and Professional Links

• The course is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• The University has strong links with NHS Trusts and partners in the private sector, providing clinical placement opportunities and access to specialist skills labs.

Research Excellence

• The University of Huddersfield has a strong research profile, with three-quarters of its research considered world-leading or internationally excellent.
• The University's research informs its teaching, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that is relevant to current practice.