Operating Department Practice

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. We have an excellent reputation, being ranked 1st in the UK Overall for Health Professions (Guardian University Guide 2025).

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 Practitioner:

• Clinical Practice (anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care)

• Facilitation of Learning (of self and others)

• Leadership

• Evidence, Research and Development

We draw together the disciplines of health, nursing, midwifery and social care to offer a wide range of courses that make a difference to people's lives and society as a whole. Our students tell us that our enthusiasm and passion motivate and inspire them to work hard, think differently and succeed.

Our academic staff are qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, providing an exceptional combination of theoretical rigour, professional insight, and practical expertise.

Our excellent facilities in the School of Health and Social Care include realistic clinical suites - including a simulated operating theatre - so you can learn practical perioperative skills in a safe, supervised environment before using them in a real-life situation. You will also have access to realistic workplace experiences across Hywel Dda and Swansea Bay University Health Boards.

Half of your course will be taught at our Singleton Park campus on the edge of the beautiful Gower Peninsula and the other half will take place in key clinical placements within the NHS.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:

• Foundations of Academic and Professional Learning in Operating Department Practice
• Becoming an Allied Health Professional (AHP): Operating Department Practice
• Manual Handling
• Violence & Aggression Passport
• Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice for Perioperative Care
• Essential Biosciences for Perioperative Care
• Perioperative Clinical Skills

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:

• Leadership Skills for the Operating Department Practitioner
• Application of Evidence-Based Practice for Perioperative Care
• Manual Handling
• Violence & Aggression Passport
• Pharmacology for Perioperative Practice
• Diversifying Perioperative Care Delivery
• Perioperative Clinical Skills
   
  In Year 3, you will typically study areas including:
• 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
• Violence & Aggression Passport
• Perioperative Clinical Skills

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.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Health and Care Professions Council