Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship | Operating Department Practice BSc (Hons)
3 Years Full-Time | September Start

The apprenticeship allows apprentices to develop their skills and knowledge through a mix of online supported learning and seminars where they will learn theoretical concepts and explore how to apply theory to the practical role of an Operating Department Practitioner.

During the programme both theory and practice are assessed. Module assessments reflect a variety of tried and tested strategies carefully selected to suit apprentice’s needs, these include assignments, practical and oral examinations and research projects. Practice assessment is yearlong and in the final year will be graded.

Learning will be supported through placements, including critical care and ambulatory care, where apprentices will practice skills under the direction of a practice supervisor. There will also be opportunities to work with expert practitioners and hear from guest lecturers.

Full module information for the programme can be found below.

End Point Assessment

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that - Rigorous, robust and independent End Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.

This apprenticeship normally takes 3 years full-time, followed by the endpoint assessment which will typically be completed within 3-12 months. Full details are available on the IFATE website.

The programme is delivered by a specialist team of academics and clinicians who have extensive knowledge in all areas of clinical practice.  

Our teaching team are experienced healthcare practitioners, qualified educators and researchers who work closely with NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers to ensure the curriculum is relevant and contemporary to meet current healthcare requirements. All aspects of the teams research, specialisms and expertise is integrated into the delivery and learning throughout the apprenticeship.  

During the apprenticeship, apprentices will have access to ongoing support through a Programme Leader and a dedicated Personal Tutor who can be contacted to help with academic queries and specific issues concerning the programme.

Apprentices will learn in a safe practice environment through a variety of strategies such as demonstration, supervised practice and skills rehearsal in our Perioperative Simulation Suite. Our Clinical Skills Centre, based at Coach Lane campus includes an Anaesthetic Room, Operating Theatre and Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit. Our virtual reality equipment, High Fidelity Simulated Mannequins (SimMan, SimJunior and SimBaby), and immersive technologies allows students to practise skills and develop confidence in clinical ability prior to clinical practice.

University study will make up 20% of the apprentice’s learning over the course of the programme. Attendance at tutor-led sessions is very important, however as employees, we appreciate apprentices may unavoidably miss an occasionally taught class, therefore, learning, teaching and seminar materials will be available via our virtual learning environment (Blackboard), accessible to students remotely. Apprentices will also be allocated an academic coach who will provide support in respect of academic development.

Whilst on campus, apprentices will have access to the University’s exceptional facilities including social spaces, IT facilities and lecture theatres and not forgetting 24/7 access to our award winner University Library. 

In partnership with Northumbria University, the employer will support the learner at work to achieve their apprenticeship. Whilst studying, the apprentice will be required to work full-time, for at least 30 hours a week, and will be supported through learning at work to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship standard.

The programme will include a minimum of 20% time away from the workplace developing theory to relate to practice. Apprentices will be allocated blocks of placements, which will include allocated study time, either experiencing face-to-face teaching or undertaking self-directed study working on online learning materials.

In the workplace, apprentices will be supported by a Practice Supervisor and colleagues. Both apprentice and their line manager will be supported by Northumbria University throughout the programme, including access to online support materials for line managers. Apprentices will also meet with their manager/mentor and individual professional development coach in the workplace at least four times each year.

During the programme, many assessments are work-based and aligned to the context and activity of the organisation, leading to increased organisational understanding and performance by the apprentice whilst ensuring they develop new skills and enhance productivity and performance.

To complete the programme, the apprentice will have to demonstrate that they have obtained the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviour required during their workplace training.

Whilst off-campus and in the workplace, apprentices will have access to our technology-enhanced learning (TEL) facilities which provide access to module information, electronic reading lists and online learning resources such as podcasts, e-books and e-journals.

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprentice, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.

Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance. As you are a Degree Apprentice, you will not be liable for fees, these will be paid by your employer from their Apprenticeship Levy (if a large employer) or via Government Funding (for smaller employers). If you are employer is accessing Government funding your employer will pay a 5% contribution for your tuition fess, the Government Funding will cover 95% of your tuition fees.  

Please note Degree Apprenticeship tuition fees do not cover the following:

• Travel costs
• Your wages
• Personal protective clothing and safety equipment required to carry out your day-to-day work
• Any training, optional modules, educational trips or trips to professional events in excess of those required to achieve the apprenticeship framework or meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.
• Registration and examination (including certification) costs associated with a license to practice. This applies even where a license is specified in the apprenticeship standard and assessment plan.
• Registration and examination (including certification) costs for non-mandatory qualifications (qualifications that are not specifically listed in the standard).
• Re-sits for mandatory qualifications or the end-point assessment needed for the apprenticeship where no additional learning is required.
• Accommodation costs where the apprentice is resident away from their home base, because of the requirements of their day-to-day work or because this is convenient for the employer or provider. Residential costs associated with non- mandatory qualifications are also excluded.

Additional Costs

You will be required to purchase a fob watch and suitable footwear for use in placement, which will cost approximately £80. You will need to pay for your own travel costs, which may be approximately £800 per year depending on your placement location. You may be eligible to claim reimbursement of travel costs from the NHS Business Authority. Up to date information relating to this can be found at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/student-services. If using a car to attend placement, you may also need to pay parking charges of approximately £200 per year.

To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.

We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Business and Enterprise team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.

All apprentices are required to be working full-time in a perioperative environment to study the Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship. Students who have evidence of prior learning may be eligible to study our two year route, see our Entry Requirements for further details.

If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.

If you are not working within a perioperative environment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities. Alternatively, you may be interested in our BSc in Operating Department Practice. 

Skills Assessment

Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.