University of Leicester

What you'll study

This apprenticeship combines academic modules with supervised clinical practice to prepare you for work in anaesthetics, perioperative care and recovery. Teaching uses blended delivery: campus-based lectures and labs, simulation suites and practice-based learning in partner NHS trusts. You will build a professional portfolio throughout the programme and complete an End Point Assessment as part of the apprenticeship standard.

• Foundations in health and professional practice – professional regulation, duty of candour, communication skills, legal and ethical aspects of practice.
• Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology – systems-based study relevant to perioperative care and critical illness.
• Pharmacology and therapeutics – medicines used in anaesthesia, analgesia and perioperative medicine, including safe administration and record-keeping.
• Perioperative practice – pre-operative assessment, surgical site preparation, sterile technique, instrumentation awareness and theatre teamwork.
• Anaesthetic and critical care practice – assisting with anaesthesia, airway management principles, monitoring and recognition of deterioration.
• Post-anaesthesia care and recovery – pain management, post-operative complications, discharge criteria and handover.
• Evidence-based practice and research methods – appraisal of literature, quality improvement and applied clinical audit projects.
• Leadership, education and professional development – supervision, team leadership, reflective practice and preparation for lifelong learning.

Clinical placements are arranged with partner hospitals and provide a range of theatre, anaesthetic and recovery experiences. Teaching features simulation and skills laboratories at the University, assessments of clinical competence, written assignments and practical examinations aligned with the apprenticeship standard.

Entry requirements

As an apprenticeship, you must be employed by and sponsored by an approved employer on an apprenticeship contract. Typical entry expectations include Level 3 qualification evidence such as A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma (or equivalent) or successful completion of a relevant healthcare qualification. Employers and the University also consider applicants with relevant healthcare experience or mature applicants with appropriate workplace evidence.

Applicants will be required to meet professional and statutory checks: an enhanced DBS (or equivalent), occupational health clearance (including immunisation status), and meet the English and maths requirements of the apprenticeship standard (typically GCSE or equivalent). Selection commonly includes employer shortlisting, an interview or assessment centre, and literacy/numeracy checks as part of recruitment.

Career prospects

Graduates complete the apprenticeship ready to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as operating department practitioners. Qualified ODPs work across anaesthetics, surgical theatres and post-anaesthesia recovery, in a range of specialities including orthopaedics, general surgery, cardiac and emergency surgery.

Career progression can move toward senior practitioner or team leader roles, advanced clinical practice, education and training posts, theatre management, or specialist perioperative nurse/ODP consultant roles. Many graduates undertake postgraduate study (e.g. MSc) or take on quality improvement, research or leadership responsibilities within hospital trusts.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester provides practice-focused allied health education with strong links to local NHS trusts, ensuring placement diversity and employer engagement throughout the apprenticeship. Students benefit from dedicated simulation facilities and multi-professional learning environments that mirror clinical settings.

Teaching is delivered by experienced clinicians and academic staff from the School of Allied Health Professions, emphasising evidence-based care and reflective practice. The University supports apprentices with structured academic tutorials, practice assessors and a central student support network to balance workplace and university commitments.