First year:
You will develop an understanding of professionalism, including the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards, legal and ethical principles, equality, diversity, inclusion, and effective communication skills.
You will gain practical clinical skills, including scrubbing up, measuring blood pressure, monitoring oxygen saturation, managing airways, and performing basic life support. Using our simulation facilities, you will practise these skills on both manikin and live patients in a safe and supportive learning environment.
The course also covers anatomy and physiology, providing an understanding of the body's major systems, alongside the principles of safe medication practice.
You will be introduced to the role of human factors in patient safety and attend a service users' conference, where patients share their experiences of healthcare to provide valuable insight and feedback that will help shape your understanding of person-centred care.
Second year:
In your second year, you will explore research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods approaches, as well as data collection and analysis techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups.
You will build on your knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, focusing on the safe administration of medicines, the legal and professional frameworks surrounding medication, and the recognition and management of medication errors. You will also develop enhanced recovery skills, learn to recognise and manage the deteriorating patient, and explore safeguarding, dignity, confidentiality, and the role of human factors in post-anaesthetic care.
The course covers the care of a diverse range of patient groups, including paediatric, obstetric, bariatric, and older adult patients. You will examine how changing health needs, co-morbidities, and individual circumstances influence perioperative care and require adaptations to clinical practice.
You will further develop practical clinical skills, including cannulation, ECG recording, urinary catheterisation, and invasive monitoring, through both university-based simulation and clinical placements. You will also explore ear, nose and throat (ENT) anatomy, patient safety initiatives, and the management of difficult airways.
Throughout the year, there is a strong emphasis on professional development, resilience, conflict resolution, and understanding the relationship between personal wellbeing and safe, effective professional practice.
Third year:
In your final year, you will develop the knowledge and skills to lead improvements in the quality of patient care and contribute to the ongoing development of Operating Department Practice. You will also explore service delivery within increasingly complex and integrated healthcare systems.
Leadership and change management are key themes throughout the year, with a focus on clinical leadership theories, accountability, effective communication, teamwork, and leading improvements in healthcare practice.
You will examine theories of learning and teaching, developing the mentoring and supervision skills needed to support others in practice and prepare for your transition to becoming a registered Operating Department Practitioner. The course also focuses on professional development, including CV writing, interview preparation, and understanding HCPC registration requirements.
You will be prepared to respond to clinical emergencies through the study of emergency care, human factors, ergonomics, and patient safety principles, gaining the confidence to recognise how these influence safe and effective care. You will also explore the role of the Surgical First Assistant and its contribution to the perioperative team.
Your final practice placement provides the opportunity to apply, consolidate, and critically reflect on the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the programme, preparing you for autonomous professional practice. Employability sessions will support your transition from student to registrant, offering guidance on job applications, interviews, and career planning. You will also attend a service users' conference, where patients share their experiences to deepen your understanding of person-centred care.