Welcome to your Operating Department Practice course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as an Operating Department Practice student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice.

We hope you are excited to be joining us in September. We are looking forward to welcoming you. Starting an undergraduate course can be quite daunting, so we want to help you prepare in advance. On this page, you will find lots of useful information that will help you get settled into the Staffordshire University family.

Induction will take place between 23rd-27th September cover key aspects of the course, including: an overview of the modules that you will undertake; course expectations; details of learning resources you will have access to; and information about the support you will receive. Further details regarding induction will be made available in due course.

First activity

To prepare for the course, you may want to:

  • Consider how you will travel to campus and placement, research public transport links, walking routes and car parking.
  • Make a list of any worries or concerns you may have and contact a member of the course team to discuss.
  • Consider the key skills that you will need to undertake undergraduate study and how this differs from school/college and other courses you may have completed. Undergraduate study is student driven and requires personal study over and above timetabled teaching.
  • Familiarise yourself with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) webpages and the content they contain The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | (hcpc-uk.org)-
  • Consider your options for self care, we understand the transition to university life is exciting but can also cause some anxieties. Having a self care plan can help with this. Self care and wellbeing will be explored during the course.

Within your first few weeks on the ODP course you will have modules launched, HCPC standards lectures, professionalism, expectations, and support with academic writing and referencing, we also aim to let you know your placement area as soon as possible.

Course delivery

As a student studying for BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice, you will be required to undertake a mixture of face to face, online and directed study as well as virtual practice and traditional clinical placement. All sessions are mandatory and required to achieve your competencies. You will have 7 weeks annual leave per year, these are timetabled within the programme. Details of your flow through and annual leave will be provided in welcome week. Most of your face-to-face teaching will be at Stafford Campus but you may be required to travel to Stoke campus for some sessions where specialist rooms/equipment are required. You will be expected to travel to your placement area. Please be aware this may not be a local hospital to where you live as we have placements over a large geographical area.

For further information click here

Vaccinations requirements

Details regarding the vaccination programme can be found here

For further information click here

Student Uniform

When attending skills sessions and placement you will be required to adhere to uniform policy, this will be discussed during welcome week. Your uniform is a sign of your profession and helps demonstrate your professionalism. You may want to consider a suitable bag for carrying uniform and shoes, changing rooms and lockers will be available on campus.

For further information click here

Introductory Reading

If you would like to carry out some preparatory reading for the course, here are some suggestions (we don’t expect you to read them all!):

What is an Operating Department Practitioner? A Health Education England video.

Fundamentals of Operating Department Practice, 2nd Edition: Daniel Rodger, Kevin Henshaw, Paul Rawling, Scott Miller, 2022

The Healthcare Students' Academic Companion: Steve Moutrey, 2020.

Course Delivery

As a student studying for BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice, you will be required to undertake a mixture of face to face, online and directed study as well as virtual and traditional clinical placement. All sessions are mandatory and required to achieve your competencies. You will have 7 weeks annual leave per year, these are timetabled within the programme. Details of your flow through and annual leave will be provided in welcome week. Most of your face-to-face teaching will be at Stafford Campus but you may be required to travel to Stoke campus for some sessions where specialist rooms/equipment are required. You will be expected to travel to your placement area. Please be aware this may not be a local hospital to where you live as we have placements over a large geographical area.

Downloadable Software

There is a variety of software which can be downloaded from the University’s website and can also be accessed via the button below. This software is free for all of our students, as we understand to reach your full potential and succeed in your degree you need the tools to help you. The software available includes:

  • Microsoft Office 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • SPSS and AMOS
  • Maple
  • NVivo
  • Sophos Antivirus
  • Asure Dev Tools for Teaching
  • VMWare
  • Free Training

For further information click here

Other Useful Links

For further information click here

Meet the team

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.

Stanley Mills

Lecturer

Stan is a registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) and lecturer within University of Staffordshire. He has experience in clinical mentoring and supervision, simulation training and theatre leadership across NHS and private hospital trusts.

Stanley's profile

Ben Woodrow-Hirst

Lecturer

Wendy Johnson

Work Based Education Officer

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Rebecca Wright rebecca.wright1@staffs.ac.uk 

 

 

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