Operating Department Practice BSc (Hons) with foundation year at Coventry University

Operating Department Practice (ODP) is an exciting and rewarding career where you work within the perioperative theatre environment caring for patients undergoing surgery. Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Faculty: Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare  |  Duration: 4 years full-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: November 2026  |  Location: Coventry, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1: Fundamentals of Surgery, Fundamentals of Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Care, Placement 1: Surgical Practice, Placement 2: Anaesthetic Practice, Becoming a Professional Practitioner, Evidence: Your Profession in a Global Context. Stage 2: Developing Surgical Care, Developing Anaesthetic Care, Placement 3: Developing Anaesthetic Practice, Placement 4: Developing Surgical Practice, Pharmacology in Perioperative Practice, Exploring Knowledge Through Curiosity. Stage 3: Placement 5: Complex Anaesthetic Practice, Placement 6: Complex Surgical Practice, Complex Perioperative Patient Care, Post Anaesthetic Care, Leading for the Future as a Health and Care Professional, The Evidence-based Practitioner: Professional Project. Stage 4: Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Pathophysiology and Disease, Introduction to Professional Practice and Regulatory Standards, Approaches to Health and Wellbeing for the Health Professional.

Career pathways

Multiple pathways for professional development and progression are available for ODPs. Beyond the core role, career progression may lead to specialised roles such as Surgical First Assistant, Surgical Care Practitioner, Anaesthetic Associate, or Emergency Care Practitioner.

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