Operating Department Practice

In the operating theatre, you need to work as a team, think on your feet and be prepared for anything. At Buckinghamshire New University, we’ll give you the knowledge, practical experience and skills you need to deliver high quality care throughout the patient’s perioperative journey.

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) work autonomously alongside surgeons and anaesthetists within a multidisciplinary team, to care for people when they are at their most vulnerable. Everyone within the surgical environment plays a vital role in making sure procedures go to plan.

ODPs are specialist practitioners within anaesthetics, surgery and recovery. We’ve designed this course to help you put patient safety at the heart of everything you do, show high levels of professionalism and boost your decision-making skills.

We will support your learning in the clinical setting and at university. Our facilities give you the opportunity to perfect your skills in a safe learning environment. The simulation suites on campus look exactly like an operating department to give you confidence in the surroundings. This means you’ll also find a range of industry-standard equipment and realistic high-fidelity manikins that display different symptoms and react to your care.

During your studies, we want to introduce you to a diverse range of views and experiences – this includes bringing in local patients and carers to have discussions and gain a real understanding of the varied needs of our community.

As well as building up your theoretical knowledge and practising techniques on campus, you will also spend time out on clinical placement. We work closely with a number of NHS Trusts in the region to give our students real world experience as part of their course.

Throughout your studies, you will be supported by personal tutors and course leaders, as well as practice visitors. They will help you to develop your confidence, build your knowledge and make informed decisions about practical work.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you’ll be eligible for application to the register with the Health and Care Professions Council, which enables you to practice in the UK.

As well as working in operating theatres as an ODP, there may be opportunities to work in other areas such as Resuscitation teams, ICU, and A&E.