Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This degree apprenticeship integrates academic modules with substantial practice-based learning. Core areas include anatomy and physiology relevant to perioperative care, pharmacology for anaesthesia and pain management, and the principles and practice of anaesthetic, perioperative (scrub) and post-anaesthetic (recovery) care. You will study professional practice and ethics, infection prevention and control, patient safety and human factors, and the application of evidence-based practice and research methods to clinical problems.

The programme emphasises hands-on skills through simulation and supervised clinical placements, with assessments that typically include practice portfolios, workplace-assessed competencies, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), reflective practice, academic essays and a final research or service-improvement project. Modules also cover communication and teamwork, leadership and service improvement to prepare you for practitioner-level responsibilities within multidisciplinary teams.

Entry requirements

As an apprenticeship, entry requires employment with an NHS trust or approved healthcare provider that is willing to sponsor you for the apprenticeship framework. Applicants are normally expected to hold a Level 3 qualification such as A-levels, a BTEC, or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, or to demonstrate relevant healthcare experience. GCSEs in English and mathematics (or equivalent functional skills) are normally required; applicants without these may be asked to achieve equivalent qualifications before or during the programme.

All accepted applicants must meet professional and statutory checks required for clinical placements, which typically include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health screening and required immunisations. Successful completion of the programme enables graduates to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Operating Department Practitioner, subject to meeting HCPC standards of proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for practice across perioperative services: working as ODPs in anaesthetic, surgical (scrub) and recovery roles within hospital theatres, day surgery units and specialist surgical centres. Career pathways include advanced clinical practice, theatre coordination and management, education and training roles, research and quality improvement, and specialist roles in areas such as paediatric surgery, trauma, vascular or transplantation services.

Many graduates continue professional development through short courses, postgraduate study (for example in advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership or education) or through employer-led secondments into specialist or advanced practice positions. The apprenticeship route supports employers to develop workforce capability while giving individuals a taught and practice-focused route to professional registration.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University combines workplace-focused apprenticeship delivery with academic support and simulation facilities designed for healthcare education. The university has experience delivering allied health and healthcare professional programmes with strong links to local and regional NHS providers, ensuring placement opportunities and employer engagement are central to the curriculum. Teaching draws on staff with clinical and educational expertise and uses simulated clinical environments to develop safe technical and non-technical skills before practice placements.

As an apprentice at Bournemouth University you study while remaining employed, gaining paid workplace experience alongside academic credits and a degree that meets the professional standards required to apply for HCPC registration as an Operating Department Practitioner.