Operating Department Practice Apprenticeship

Surgery requires an immense amount of patience, expertise and level-headedness. Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) have these skills in abundance and they set the highest standards for patient care. ODPs work as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including with surgeons and anaesthetists from the lead up to surgery right through to recovery. Working in the Operating Theatre, you’re truly at the sharp end of the care provided to patients undergoing surgery. An operation is often an important step on the road back to normal life, and you’ll become a key member of a team that cares for patients at a crucial time. Working as an ODP is an extremely rewarding career that gives you a real sense of privilege. As a degree apprentice at the Leicester School of Operating Department Practice, you will study alongside our other ODP students and have the same learning opportunities and assessment requirements. The course blends academic study and work-based learning - we believe that this is the best way to develop your knowledge and skills. In the classroom, you'll study areas fundamental to an ODP's role, such as biological sciences, operating department technology, clinical leadership and management and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice. However, building your confidence and breadth of experience with patients is vital, so 65% of your time is spent on placement with your employing hospital. We partner hospitals all over the East Midlands, all providing high quality, supportive placements where you will be mentored, taught, supervised and assessed to ensure you have what it takes to step into the professional environment. We’re really proud to have some of the most satisfied ODP students in the UK. Our exceptional teaching and learning environment was reflected in our National Student Survey (NSS) 2024 results, where we were ranked 8th in subjects aligned to ODP for overall positivity (according to Times Higher Education NSS

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

April and September each year

UCAS deadline (equal consideration)

• Leicester, Campus-based, United Kingdom