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Free Operating Department Practitioner Course in Preston

CostFREE
Duration3 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start21 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Apply now →

About this course

Free Operating Department Practitioner Course in Preston. Classes run at University of Lancashire Preston Campus. This full-time the course takes three years to complete.

The courses care for patients before, during and after surgery. You'll study the fundamentals of perioperative practice first. Later, the course focuses on anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care. You'll also cover pharmacology, disease pathology, and the use of specialist surgical equipment.

On completion, you can apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You'll finish with a degree-level Operating Department Practitioner qualification.

Who this course is for

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are registered healthcare professionals specialising in caring for people of all ages before, during and after surgery. ODPs mainly work in operating departments.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core skills in perioperative practice and patient care.
  • You'll study anaesthetic, surgical, and post-anaesthetic care environments.
  • You'll learn pharmacology as it applies to the operating department.
  • You'll explore the pathogenesis of disease and its clinical relevance.
  • You'll understand how research contributes to Operating Department Practice.
  • You'll handle and manage specialist surgical instruments and anaesthetic equipment.
  • You'll practise moving and supporting patients safely in clinical settings.
  • You'll build professionalism and evidence-based practice skills throughout.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based teaching and hands-on clinical placements. The course includes practice in state-of-the-art clinical skills laboratories and anatomy labs. Assessment combines academic work with clinical practice. You'll be assessed on your knowledge, professional skills, and performance in real clinical settings.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University of Lancashire Preston Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Operating Department Practitioner, works in surgical and anaesthetic teams in hospitals.
  • Anaesthetic Practitioner, supports anaesthetists before and during procedures.
  • Scrub Practitioner, assists surgeons directly during operations.
  • Recovery Practitioner, cares for patients in the post-anaesthetic care unit.
  • Theatre Team Leader, coordinates the operating department team.
  • Surgical Care Practitioner, takes on extended clinical roles in theatre.

What you could study next

  • MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, for ODPs looking to specialise or move into senior clinical roles.
  • Specialist modules in critical care or surgical care, to deepen expertise in a specific area.
  • Leadership and management qualifications, for those moving into theatre or department management.
Apply on lancashire.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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