Undergraduate study

(Keele base cohort entry is a September start date, Staffordshire base cohort entry is a March start date.)

This two-year diploma programme is currently a direct entry course providing eligibility to apply for professional registration as an Operating Department Practitioner.

The programme comprises two years’ full-time study and clinical practice leading to the award of Diploma (HE) in Operating Department Practice.

More information can be found by accessing:
www.codp.org.uk
www.hpc-uk.org

Further information, please call:

Course Applications Administrator
Tel: 01785 353795

Course Admissions Tutor
Tel: 01782 679614

Keele University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Customer Services
Tel: 01782 679600

Staffordshire University, Main Reception Desk
Tel: 01785 353766

All applications via UCAS www.ucas.com/apply

The Diploma programme has been developed in accordance with professional requirements. The course aims to prepare operating department practitioners who can practise safely, competently and independently and in accordance with professional codes of conduct.

The operating department practitioner will be qualified to care for patients within three areas of the perioperative environment: anaesthetics, surgical and post-operative phases.

The Diploma (HE) in Operating Department Practice is offered both at Staffordshire University and Keele University, both of which have extensive academic facilities and bases within their NHS partner hospitals. The Universities have close links with several NHS trusts in Shropshire and Staffordshire.

The aim of the programme is to prepare Operating Department Practitioners who will be enquiring, analytical, independent, critically self-aware, creative in their approach to perioperative practice and able to cope with change.

Students will develop a range of academic skills and refine the ability to apply analytical thinking to each clinical situation, so that upon qualification, they will be able to combine competency and critical thinking with caring and an awareness of the uniqueness of each client’s individualised needs.

The Pre-Registration two-year full-time Diploma will provide:

• 120 credits at Level I in the first year 

• 120 credits at Level II in the second year

Successful completion of 240 credits, achievement of clinical practice outcomes and confirmation of 3,000 hours will lead to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council.

Diploma (HE) modules

Students will study a variety of subject areas to include evidence-based practice, professional, legal and ethical studies, biological sciences, health and social well-being and operating department practice.

Clinical practice

Clinical placements will be undertaken in a variety of local Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Trusts. Sixty per cent of course time will be spent focused on clinical practice with opportunities to work alongside qualified Operating Department Practitioners, nurses and members of the health care team.

The following partner organisations will be involved in providing student placement experience:

• University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust
• Mid-Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust
• The Princess Royal Hospital NHS Trust
• The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust
• The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
• Burton Hospitals NHS Trust
• North Staffordshire Nuffield Hospital

The Diploma (HE) will operate within the Pre-Registration Department of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Keele University and the Faculty of Health and the Pre-Registration/Undergraduate Modular Framework of Staffordshire University Faculty of Health. The programme will be delivered over two extended academic years.

The majority of the taught sessions for the Diploma programme will be held at the student’s base university at either the School of Nursing and Midwifery based at the Clinical Education Centre (CEC), University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme or at Staffordshire University Faculty of Health University sites.

A variety of teaching, learning and assessment strategies are integrated into the Diploma programmes and will include lectures, seminars, tutorials, problem-solving and group work facilitated by a variety of University lecturers. Clinical specialists and practitioners from local health care providers contribute to the delivery of the programmes and where appropriate members from other disciplines are involved.

The course aims to produce diplomats who develop a professional perspective in relation to self and others, who are effective communicators, able to contribute productively as part of a multidisciplinary team and who are organisationally aware. To enhance this, where appropriate, the Diploma programme involves shared and inter-professional learning between different health profession pre-registration students. The ODP programme is scheduled to run alongside current pre-registration/undergraduate modules to ensure that where appropriate shared and inter-professional learning can be facilitated.

Module assessments will be through a variety of integrated essays, examinations, viva voce, seminars and practical assessments. Progression through the course depends on successful completion of assessments for each year of the programme and the achievement of any professional requirements.

160 UCAS points (which translates for example to 2 ‘A Levels’ both at grade C or 3 ‘A Levels’ at grades D, D and E) and GCSE passes at grade C or above in English, Mathematics and a Science subject.

Access to Higher Education Diploma – 60 Credits: 45 Level 3 and 15 Level 2.

BTEC National Diploma (for example awarded with Merit, Pass, Pass) and GCSE passes at grade C or above in English, Mathematics and a Science subject.

BTEC National Certificate (for example awarded with Merit, Merit) and GCSE passes at grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and a Science subject.

Foundation Year in Health Sciences awarded by Staffordshire University.

Applicants who have a degree or other health-related higher education qualifications.

Evidence of recent study is necessary, i.e. within the last five years.

A range of other qualifications may be accepted. Please discuss this with the Course Applications Administrator. Telephone 01785 353794.

Additional Requirements

• A place offered is conditional on the applicant successfully meeting the following additional requirements:
• Successful selection interview
• Meeting all Occupational Health requirements
• Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check (Operating Department Practice application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act)

The University follows the CRB Code of Practice in these issues (see www.crb.gov.uk) and can provide a copy of the Code on request. Please note that having a criminal record is not
necessarily a bar to obtaining a place on this programme.

All applications via UCAS www.ucas.com/apply

The Clinical Education Centre is a light and airy, 21st Century building adjacent to modern, local hospitals with a well resourced health library and dedicated librarians who enable students to make the most of all the library resources.

The Clinical Skills rooms and laboratories enable students to engage in simulated, practical learning to support their practice experiences, which constitute 40% of the programme.

The School has robust pastoral care and student support systems to ensure that students know there is always help available for their personal and professional development.