Operating Department Practice

Operating department practice is a healthcare profession dedicated to providing skilled, patient-centred care throughout the perioperative journey: before, during, and after surgery. Operating department practitioners (ODPs) work as integral members of the surgical team, supporting patients through the anaesthetic stage, assisting in the scrub role during the operation itself, and caring for patients as they recover from anaesthesia. The profession requires a combination of technical clinical skills, rapid decision-making, and genuine compassion for patients who may be anxious, vulnerable, or in pain.

At Swansea University, this three-year, full-time programme prepares you for registration as an operating department practitioner. You will develop the clinical knowledge and practical skills needed to support surgical patients safely across all three perioperative phases, working as part of complex multidisciplinary teams and as a link between the theatre and other departments within the hospital. The programme covers anatomy and physiology, anaesthetic science and pharmacology, surgical instrumentation and techniques, infection control, patient safety, and professional and ethical practice.

Clinical placement is central to the training, giving you supervised experience in real operating theatre environments across a range of surgical specialties.

A typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the professional and academic demands of the programme. Successful completion leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to practise as an ODP in the NHS, independent sector hospitals, and other surgical settings. ODPs are in consistent demand across the NHS, and the profession offers clear pathways for career development, including progression into specialist practice, management, education, and advanced perioperative roles.

Many graduates continue to further professional development or postgraduate study as their careers develop.