Studying Operating Department Practice

Introducing your course leader - Rebecca Wright

I’m Rebecca Wright, course leader for Operating Department Practice. Since qualifying as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) in 2010, I have gained extensive experience across multiple hospitals in the West Midlands, within both NHS and private sectors. My professional roles have included theatre lead across anaesthetics, scrub and recovery, urology & gynaecology theatre lead and deputy theatre coordinator.

I am proficient in all areas of the theatre environment, demonstrating a broad and diverse skill set within the operating theatre. My primary area of interest lies in the surgical role, where I am also a qualified surgical first assistant.

In my current position as course leader on the BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice, I am actively involved in teaching and curriculum development, ensuring students receive a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

View my profile

Student Experience - Simona

Simona's experience of working in an operating theatre

Operating Department Practice (ODP) student, Simona, describes her experience in an operating theatre.

“Welcome to the world of Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), where every heartbeat matters and every second counts.”

Read more

Patient care in the operating theatre

Tap into a future that improves people’s lives, supports better futures and creates positive change.

One of our current Operating Department Practice (ODP) students, Nikhil, talks about the importance of patient care during his time in the operating theatre.

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The importance of Operating Department Practitioners

Gain the skills and opportunities you need to succeed in the career that you want.

Current ODP student Samantha talks about the importance of ODPs and the difference they make in the surgical team.

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Virtual Tour - Centre for Health Innovation

Discover our simulation and immersive facilities at our £5.8m Centre for Health Innovation.

You'll grow your skills in a safe environment before going out on placement and working with real patients. We simulate life-like scenarios so you can practise processes and procedures and familiarise yourself with some of the equipment you'll find in your placement settings.

Explore our facilities

Teaching staff

Sarah Postles

Course Director

I am a Lecturer in Paramedic Science with an interest in Advanced Practice and the evolving role of the Paramedic in the wider health service.

Sarah's profile

Rebecca Wright

Senior Lecturer

I am the lead for direct entry BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice I contribute to both the teaching and planning for both direct entry and apprenticeship students.

Rebecca's profile

Dawn-Marie Sharman

Senior Lecturer

I am Course Lead for Apprentices at the University of Staffordshire, I started at the University in June 2020. I support through inclusive teaching, employer collaboration, and a strong focus on professional development in healthcare education.

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
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Research Excellence Framework 2021

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Research Excellence Framework 2021