Operating Department Practice (ODP)

University of South Wales

Our Operating Department Practice (ODP) degree is aimed at individuals who have an interest in anaesthetics, surgery and patient care and wish to work in operating departments or any other healthcare settings where anaesthetic or surgical intervention is required. You will learn about perioperative practice, supporting a wide range of functions including preparation of patients and facilities, working alongside surgeons to ensure safe and effective practice and dignified and respectful care. Operating departments have a special place in healthcare practice, instantly recognised as highly specialist and skilled facilities that fulfil a crucial role in managing a wide range of conditions. Their safe and effective function relies on a wide team, within which operating department practitioners assume a central role. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) to enable them to practice as a qualified Operating Department Practitioner bringing a wide range of employment opportunities.Operating Department Practitioners are found in and around operating departments, and there are opportunities to work in different theatres across a range of specialities. Opportunities are emerging for ODPs to develop advanced and extended skills that support career progression, and this includes into role emergent areas such as increased involvement in pre-operative practice. This course prepares graduates to work in Operating Departments in a range of locations in the NHS and in private healthcare. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) to enable them to practice as a qualified Operating Department Practitioner bringing a wide range of employment opportunities.