Operating Department Practice

Graduate Apprenticeship

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Description

This apprenticeship supports the development of apprentices working in the healthcare sector, in the role of Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

ODPs provide individualised care and skilled support alongside medical and nursing colleagues during the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery phases of perioperative care.

We've worked with universities and industry employers to create this degree-level qualification. Your employees will gain the skills and knowledge an Operating Department Practitioner needs – and earn a degree.

You can recruit new employees, upskill or reskill existing employees.

Apprenticeship framework(s)

Employees will gain a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 9.

Their qualification includes:

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for Graduate Apprenticeships vary by course and institution.

Each vacancy advert says what qualifications are needed to start each Graduate Apprenticeship. The candidate can also contact the university directly for guidance on entry requirements.

Progression and development

Successful apprentices may progress to roles within:

  • advanced clinical practice

  • education

  • research

  • management

  • clinical governance

  • health informatics

For anyone interested in further professional learning and development, options could include:

  • MProf in Professional Practice

  • MSc Health Studies

  • Master of Public Health

  • Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf)

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Occupation profile

Please read the Occupation Profile for Operating Department Practice. This gives a detailed description of the work situations routinely carried out in this role.

How does it work?

Apprentices will learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. They’ll also study at university about 1 day a week. At the end they’ll have achieved an honours degree.

Cost and funding

As Graduate Apprentices are your employees, you'll pay their salary. This is not set by SDS but we encourage all employers to pay the Living Wage.

Graduate Apprentice learning costs are now funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Funding covers the full duration of the programme. Graduate Apprentices will apply directly to SAAS for the funding.

If you need any further information, visit the SAAS website.

How long will it take?

This is a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 9 (Bachelors or Ordinary degree level) and will take up to 3 years to complete.

Some people might complete the apprenticeship in a shorter time. That’s because they might have prior learning or experience that can be taken into consideration. This means they wouldn't have to repeat some parts of the qualification.

Need information or advice?

Call our advisors to find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships.

0800 783 6000

Sounds right for your business?

The next step is to find a learning provider that offers this apprenticeship.

Find a learning provider