Operating Department Practice

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

Our HCPC-approved BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice degree is ideal if you're seeking a rewarding career as a registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) working alongside surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and healthcare colleagues to deliver safe patient-focused care. We'll support you in gaining the skills and knowledge needed to provide a high standard of care during the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery phases of a patient's surgical journey.

ODPs are highly specialised healthcare professionals who work with patients of all ages in operating theatres and other perioperative environments.

The University of Greater Manchester's stimulating BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice strikes an equal balance between surgery's technical and scientific aspects and the softer skills that support communication, wellbeing and patient care. It focuses on helping you learn to provide skilled assistance to surgeons and anaesthetists and work alongside nursing and healthcare colleagues to deliver excellent individualised care and support during anaesthesia, surgery and recovery. We'll guide you as you gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours to respond to patients' needs throughout their surgical experience and perioperative care.

The greater part of your studies will be centred on clinical placement at one of our partner trusts, learning the realities of life as an ODP. Studying at the University will complement and enhance your learning in the workplace. We'll support you as you gain core clinical skills and extensive knowledge of specialist equipment and drugs. Developing teamwork, leadership, and management skills will be an essential part of your training. We'll encourage you as you learn to support and reassure patients on an emotional level, helping them cope with the stress of surgery.

As an ODP, no two days will be the same. Our dynamic and multi-disciplinary course team will work to prepare you to manage the care of patients scheduled for routine procedures as well as respond to life-threatening emergencies.