This apprenticeship course has been designed to provide the opportunity to study Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons) whilst being employed in the perioperative environment. During this apprenticeship you’ll get a strong grounding in the theory exploring what is involved in the three interconnected aspects of the role: anaesthetic, surgical and post anaesthetic.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation and will spend 80% of your time in your current workplace. The remaining 20% will be spent at the University undertaking theory work. The course culminates in an End Point Assessment (EPA) which is independently assessed outside of the Higher Education Institution (Skills Funding Agency, 2018). The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

If you’re an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

Placements

Work based learning is a compulsory element of the course and you’ll spend at least 80% of your time on the course in clinical practice. You’ll undertake blocks of clinical practice within your employed trust.

You’ll be assessed each year by qualified mentors who meet the requirements of Council of Operating Department Practice (CODP) Standards, Recommendations and Guidance for Mentors and Practice Placements (2009). You and your mentors will be supported by placement education facilitators and university link lecturers whilst undertaking work based learning.

Your Career

Career opportunities after successfully completing this 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, as well as working in other areas where critically ill patients are cared for.