Operating Department Practice
Swansea University
UCAS Code: B991 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
Science or health related subjects would be an advantage
Access to HE Diploma
Any other combination to provide 102-106 UCAS points.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Minimum five grade A*- C / 9-4 GCSEs including English, Maths and a Physical Science or Double Award Science.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
BTEC Extended Diploma in Health Studies preferable. BTECs in alternative subjects alongside other academic qualifications and any relevant work or volunteer experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
UCAS Tariff
Science or health related subjects would be an advantage
Welsh Baccalaureate will be accepted in lieu of one A level
About this course
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) provide skilled and holistic care and support to patients at all stages of an operation, from anaesthetics, throughout surgery and into recovery. They play a critical role in the hospital’s ability to carry out surgery. It is a varied role, encompassing patient care, teamwork and attention to detail.
ODPs work as part of the surgery team and link this team to other teams and departments in the hospital. They provide a vital role in managing the preparation of operating theatres, such as preparing drugs, instruments, devices and equipment for anaesthesia and surgery, including microscopes, endoscopes and lasers. During operations they are responsible for providing instruments and materials to the surgeon. They are also responsible for treating patients while they recover from anaesthesia or surgery until they can be discharged home or back to a ward.
The course follows a spiral design based around four 'Pillars of Practice' to help you develop the knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence required to be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to become a registered Operating Department Pratitioner:
- Clinical Practice (anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care)
- Facilitation of Learning (of self and others)
- Leadership
- Evidence, Research and Development
Modules
Year 1:
> 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 Care
> Perioperative Clinical Skills Year 1
Year 2:
> Leadership Skills for the 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
> Perioperative Clinical Skills Year 2
Year 3:
> 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
> Perioperative Clinical Skills Year 3
Assessment methods
Assessments will include practical OSCEs, written exams, oral presentations, written assignments, and clinical skills assessments. The range of assessment methods is chosen to develop and demonstrate a range of skills transferable to the modern healthcare environment including reflection, oral and written communication, confidence and competence in care delivery and the ability to research, appraise and evaluate evidence.
Placement competency will be assessed by your practice educator during formative learning such as simulation and clinical skills delivery in specialist areas.
Extra funding
If you can commit to working in Wales for two years after graduating, you could get your tuition fees covered in full through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, as well as maintenance funding and a reduced rate loan from Student Finance.
Please see our NHS Funding webpage to check your eligibility for funding before applying: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/student-loans-and-grants/nhs-funding/.
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