Overview
A crucial role
Operating Department Practitioners are vital members of the multidisciplinary team working within theatre departments. They ensure safe, effective, and holistic care throughout the patient’s perioperative journey. ODPs can also be found working in other areas of the hospital such as A+E, critical care areas, endoscopy units, and imaging departments. The profession is regulated by the Health and Care Professions council (HCPC), and upon qualification apprentices can apply to the HCPC for registration to practice under the protected title of ‘Operating Department Practitioner’. The integrated apprentice degree at LSBU allows apprentices to work alongside other ODP students undertaking the standard degree pathway
Why Operating Department Practice at LSBU?
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- Ranked 2nd in London overall for Health Professions (Guardian University Guide 2023).
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- The course is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners.
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- Thanks to our professional links, you can become a registered operating department practitioner, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
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- Take valuable work placements across a variety of clinical settings, such as NHS acute Trusts, community placements and the independent sector.
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- Our Operating Department Practice critical care laboratory is part of the great facilities available and has been carefully designed to reflect hospital acute care environments.
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- Career opportunities: 94 percent of Health Professions graduates get graduate level jobs or are in further education at professional or higher education level, within 15 months of graduation (Guardian University Guide 2023).
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- LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are the second highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and the sixth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).
| ModePart-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code5620 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Course Accreditations
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HCPC
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
- 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths, Science and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above), or equivalent in functional/key skills.
- Evidence of study within the last 3 years.
- The care certificate must be completed before the commencement of the HEI taught component of the apprenticeship. Candidates will be expected to be up to date with all their Trust’s mandatory training requirements including basic life support and manual handling.
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old upon commencement of the programme.
- Offers are also subject to a satisfactory joint interview with the employer and HEI, and completion of apprenticeship pre-course documentation.
- Entry requirements that are the equivalent of 112 UCAS points e.g.
- A Level BBC or;
- BTEC National Diploma DMM or;
- Access to HE qualifications in Nursing or similar with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 112 UCAS points
- An appropriate Level 3 qualification e.g. Senior Healthcare Support Worker/Theatre Apprenticeship or NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care.
- and 20 credits at level 4. (the university offer a 20 credit level 4 CPPD module, please ask for further details)
All applicants must have the following:
Additional Entry Requirements:
Alternatively for those candidates who do not meet 112 UCAS points, applications will be considered who have both of the following:
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Funding
The cost of the apprenticeship is paid fully by the employer (sometimes part funded by the government) through apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is a pot of money some companies pay into, which all businesses have access to spend on the training costs of apprenticeships. Companies fall into two categories: levy-payers (who pay into the pot) and non-levy payers (who do not). You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers
The apprentice does not contribute toward the cost of study.
Bands
Apprenticeship standards are all assigned a funding band by the Government – these funding bands are the maximum amount the Government will fund via the levy towards a given apprenticeship standard. There are currently 30 funding bands ranging from £1,000 to £27,000.
Incentives
Employers with less than 50 staff sending an apprentice aged 16-18 will have 100% of the training costs paid by the government. All employers who employ an apprentice aged 16-18 on the first day of teaching will receive a £1,000 incentive from the government. You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers.
Cost
You can find out the funding band for an Apprenticeship Standard on the Government website. To find out how much we are charging, please get in touch with us at apprenticeships@lsbu.ac.uk
Field trips
Some modules include field with and site visits, which may be residential or outside the United Kingdom, ranging from three to five days. These are organised by the Division and students are required to contribute towards the cost. If there are any field trips or any course visits as part of your course, we will let you know in good time.
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| Mode Part-time | Duration 3 years | Start date September | Application code 5620 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
An Apprenticeship Standard is comprised of a programme of study, an End Point Assessment and on-the-job learning. This means that in addition to meeting academic requirements, you’ll need to be employed in a role related to your apprenticeship. The process of applying depends on whether you have an employer to sponsor (and support) you.
If you are employed and your employer has confirmed they will support your apprenticeship:
You are welcome to submit an application via our application system. You’ll need to provide details of your employment/employer as part of the application. You’ll also need to ensure you and your employer meet the requirements – find out who can be an apprentice to see if you meet the entry requirements and employer commitments to find out more about your employer’s role.
If you are not employed:
- You will need to find a job role related to the apprenticeship you wish to apply for, with an employer who is happy to support you. If you would like to find an employer to support your apprenticeship with LSBU, you can search which employers are currently advertising Apprenticeships via the National Apprenticeship Service website searching for ‘London South Bank University’ as keywords.
- If there are no search results, this means there are currently no vacancies. We update our vacancies regularly, so please do check back regularly.
- Many employers advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on their websites or via other portals. You could search for ‘find an apprenticeship’ online.
- When you’re ready to apply, see the government's advice on how to write a winning apprenticeship application and make your application.
Further information for apprentices
If you’re a prospective apprentice, you can find out more about who can be an apprentice on our student pages.
Further information for employers
If you’re an employer, you can find information about the employer commitments and further related information on the related pages for business.
See our admissions policy 1.0 MB and complaints policy 516.0 KB.
Prepare to start
There are steps the apprentices, the employer and the University need to complete before you start your course. Take a look at the steps to be completed in the Enrolment section. Employers may also like to look at our steps to offering an apprenticeship.
Important statement for new and continuing students studying Health and Social Care courses
An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.
Please be aware that from 1 April 2022, all NHS and Social Care personnel (including students) will be required to have evidence of double vaccination against Covid. This measure has been taken to protect the public, patients and staff.
If you are unable, or unwilling, to be vaccinated, we will not be able to provide you with the practice placements necessary to complete your health care degree. If this is the case, you may wish to look at an alternative career.
See the government's press release statement.
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete. The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2021.
DBS update service
If you're part of the DBS Update Service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk
How to complete your DBS
Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS. Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out. You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS. When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.
The university programme is based on a 3-year model, taking 36 months to complete. Apprentices undertake work-based clinical placements interspersed with attendance at university study blocks, and complete the corresponding assessments during semester’s 1 and 2 of each academic year (September-June). Then during the summer months (June-Aug), apprentices undertake further work-based learning according to their level; surgery and anaesthetic placements during year 1, surgical, anaesthetic and recovery placements during year 2, and advanced perioperative placements during year 3. Throughout the summer, apprentices will be required to complete reflective learning logs for all placements undertaken and utilise feedback received from their mentors/practice supervisors to identify additional areas for development.
Year 1
- Basic anatomy and physiology for peri-operative practice
This module will introduce you to anatomy and basic physiological principles. It will introduce the concept of systems, and how the relationship of the different body systems contributes to homeostasis. Functional anatomy of the respiratory and cardiovascular system will be covered in detail. Anatomy, disease process and treatment modalities relevant to surgical procedures will also be covered for a number of systems. - Introduction to peri-operative practice skills
This module provides some basic principles of peri-operative practice. It is intended to be an introduction to the clinical area with a lot of emphasis on working safely within the Operating Theatre environment. This module will enable you to develop an awareness of the key structures, policies and principles which govern the healthcare sector with particular relevance to the Operating Department. It will prepare you to better understand and appreciate the peri-operative environment. - Caring for individuals in the peri-operative environment
This module will introduce the concept of individualised care of the surgical patient. You’ll be encouraged to consider the breadth of impact a surgical procedure may have on an individual’s life. Ways in which practitioners may be able to alleviate or reduce such an impact, through improved understanding of cultural and social issues and development of interpersonal skills will be appreciated. - Understanding fundamental surgical practice
During this module, you’ll undertake core aspects of the Operating Department Practitioner’s scrub and circulating activities, in a variety of clinical specialities. A series of University lectures and workplace tutorials will underpin the placement activity, and encourage you to identify and apply the theoretical basis to your practice. - Understanding fundamental anaesthetic practice
During this module, you’ll undertake core aspects of the Operating Department Practitioner’s anaesthetic related activities, in a variety of clinical specialities. A series of University lectures and workplace tutorials will underpin the placement activity, and encourage you to identify and apply the theoretical basis to your practice. - Concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice
During this module you’ll be introduced to the place and value of inter-professional and collaborative working in health and social care delivery. The module aims to support the development of the necessary communication, personal, partnership working and reflective practice skills required to meet the needs of clients/carers and diverse populations who are at the centre of inter-professional health and social care delivery. You’ll work collaboratively online to explore and develop understanding of the purpose, scope and range of inter-professional and collaborative working.
Year 2
- Developing Operating Department Practice skills – complex care needs
This module provides the opportunity to apply knowledge of advanced altered physiological parameters, and more complex clinical conditions to the anaesthetic and surgical management of patients. You’ll develop basic skills attained in year 1, in order to be able to participate fully as a member of the multi-professional team in all areas of main theatre care. In particular, mandatory specialist areas of Trauma, Obstetrics (planned and emergency) and ENT/Maxillo facial will be covered. Completion of the module will be dependent on achieving specific competencies from the practice assessment document, including attainment of IPL specific competences. - Ambulatory care/ Day surgery practice skills
This module focuses on the development of skills associated with the whole patient journey through day surgery / ambulatory care. You’ll build on practice skills from year 1, developing skills and responsibilities in patient assessment, short stay anaesthetic and surgical management, and an understanding of step down and discharge. - Applied anatomy and physiology for peri-operative practice
This module will develop your knowledge of anatomical and physiological principle, exploring human anatomy and physiology in greater detail and building upon content studied in year 1. Using a systems approach, it aims to broaden your understanding of renal physiology, Endocrine disorders, the nervous system and disease process. - Post anaesthesia care skills
This module will develop your knowledge and practical skills pertaining to the unique needs of the patient in the immediate post-operative period. You’ll learn to identify potential or actual problems or complications which may occur whilst patients are recovering from general, regional or local anaesthesia. The patients’ emotional and psychological needs will be considered in addition to physiological issues. - Scope of professional practice for ODP
This module gives the opportunity to consider and discuss the scope of practice for a qualified Operating Department Practitioner, and how this will develop with the profession. - Appraising evidence for research informed practice
This module will extend your understanding of the concept of evidence based practice and research in practice. The module will equip you with the core skills and understanding to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness to be implemented into practice. The steps in conducting research, main research methods, approaches to data analysis and presentation are explored.
Year 3
- Preparation for Advanced Perioperative Practice
This module recognises the need for operating department practitioners to monitor and develop their skill sets in relation to service provision. Students will use this module to facilitate the development of a set of advanced perioperative skills, in preparation for joining the multidisciplinary workforce as an autonomous practitioner. It will also consider the specialist nature and challenges involved with caring for children in the perioperative setting, as well as the advanced knowledge and skills required to provide holistic and individualised care. - Pathophysiology and pharmacology for peri-operative practice
This module aims to consolidate your understanding of human anatomy and physiology, as well as introduce the pharmacological principles of a range of drugs relevant to the peri-operative arena. Using the systems approach, it aims to facilitate a wider understanding of structural anatomy and the physiological principles that underpin daily human function, and how these are affected by a range of drugs. - Contemporary issues in peri-operative practice
This module aims to prepare you to work in a changing environment and develop awareness of issues that impact on patients and professionals. Particular emphasis will be placed on the management of patients with complex needs or co-morbidities in the context of professional and technological developments, and changes in health care policy. It will enable critical evaluation of professional responsibility in relation to clinical, service and patient experience within the context of ethical frameworks and evidence-based practice. - Enhanced recovery and emergency care in theatres
This module is designed to prepare you for the care of seriously ill peri-operative patients, and those whose clinical status deteriorates suddenly within the clinical environment. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to think clearly in difficult circumstances, follow agreed national emergency protocols, and adopt safe practice in the management of a range of clinical emergencies. - Improving quality, change management and leadership
This module is the final inter-professional learning module that will explore leadership, quality improvement and change within organisations from an inter-professional perspective. The module looks at a strategic, evidence based approach to change management in a range of environments. It will integrate the perspectives of service users and take an inter-professional approach.
Facilities
Critical Care Laboratory
The Operating Department Practice (ODP) critical care laboratory has been carefully designed to reflect hospital acute care environments. At one end it resembles an operating theatre and at the other there is a recovery/intensive therapy unit.
The theatre has an operating table, theatre lights, anaesthetic machine with oxygen pipelines, patient monitoring, suction machine, resuscitation trolleys and the fully functioning SimMan equipment. There is also a scrub area, with sinks, gowns and gloves so students can get "scrubbed up" when taught to handle instruments.
There are various anatomical trainers and we can teach students about airway management and intubation as well as CPR. The operating table is used to teach patient positioning and patient anaesthetic scenarios are recreated using equipment and a mannequin.
Facilities
Critical Care Laboratory
The Operating Department Practice (ODP) critical care laboratory has been carefully designed to reflect hospital acute care environments. At one end it resembles an operating theatre and at the other there is a recovery/intensive therapy unit.
The theatre has an operating table, theatre lights, anaesthetic machine with oxygen pipelines, patient monitoring, suction machine, resuscitation trolleys and the fully functioning SimMan equipment. There is also a scrub area, with sinks, gowns and gloves so students can get "scrubbed up" when taught to handle instruments.
There are various anatomical trainers and we can teach students about airway management and intubation as well as CPR. The operating table is used to teach patient positioning and patient anaesthetic scenarios are recreated using equipment and a mannequin.
Careers
Employability Service
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
When you finish the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as an ODP with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This allows you to practice both within the UK and a range of other countries. In recent years, all students who qualified as operating department practitioners through LSBU have gained employment in theatre departments in UK hospitals. Day-to-day duties range from preparing the operating theatre and equipment, to providing the surgical team with items needed during an operation. After surgery, ODPs provide care and expertise to patients in recovery.
ODPs need to be well-organised, have effective communication skills, maintain composure and act calmly. They usually work shifts, which can mean evening and weekend work. Promotion routes include progressing to team leader or senior ODP. There are also opportunities in research, education, training and management.
In recent years, all students who qualified as operating department practitioners through LSBU have gained employment in theatre departments within UK hospitals.
If you graduate from this course, you will be able to apply for further study at postgraduate level as well as gaining additional specialist skills and expertise through continuing professional development frameworks. You can find out more about professional development courses on offer through our online CPPD prospectus.
We’re proud of our professional links with the College of Operating Department Practitioners and the Health and Care Professions Council, the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals.
The Health and Care Professions Council is the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals.
Compulsory placements
Trusts will need to ensure that the following placement areas can be provided for their apprentices, either directly by the employing Trust or alternatively via a contractual agreement with another Trust/s. Such contracts should be in place prior to the commencement of the apprenticeship.
- Day Surgery – including pre-admissions, pre-assessment, and step-down / discharge areas.
- General Surgery – to include exposure to open complex cases (laparotomies and/or thoracotomies)
- Trauma / Emergency / Orthopaedic trauma
- Shared airway procedures – ENT
- Obstetrics
During their training, apprentices should be exposed to patients of varied acuity from a range of specialties in anaesthetic, surgical and recovery areas. This will need to include an Advanced Recovery area such as overnight recovery, CCU, HDU or ITU.
A third-year Paediatric anaesthetic placement should be offered. For hospitals that do not have a paediatric specialism, an alternative advanced anaesthetic specialist area can be offered. Further advice on this 3rd year specialist anaesthetic placement can be discussed with the course team.
Support from a mentor
Each Trust has a Practice Educator who undertakes the organisation and allocation of individual placements. They provide an interface between the University and the Trust and act as work-based mentors.
The Practice Educator will regularly meet with and provide you with a year-on-year practical training programme, designed to make best use of learning and assessment opportunities. They are also responsible for providing regular structured tutorial sessions for you, collating clinical assessment documentation and ensuring all required competencies are facilitated. Practice Educators are able to assist you with portfolio construction and management, and are the first point of contact if you are experiencing difficulties in the workplace.
Teaching and Assessment
A varied teaching and assessment diet is used to allow apprentices to learn in a variety of ways and build competence in various methods of assessment. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, skills-lab training, online learning, role-play, debates/discussion, computer labs, as well as supervised learning within the clinical area. Assessment methods utilised include assignments and projects, written examinations, presentations, and OSCEs.
Apprentices must demonstrate competence in all skills, knowledge, and behaviours, as defined by the integrated Degree Apprenticeship Standard. In order to successfully complete the award apprentices must also evidence a minimum of 20% of their time in ‘of the job training’ activities, this can be achieved in a variety of ways; attending lectures, seminars/workshops, tutorials, skills-lab sessions, e-learning, blended learning and self-managed learning.
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