DIPHN Operating Department Practice

The Diploma of Higher Education (Operating Department Practice) is designed to offer students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to become safe and competent practitioners. In addition to this, the programme offers the opportunity to develop the skills that are required to function effectively and efficiently in a multi-disciplinary team, within the operating department environment. This programme was developed in partnership with and is managed conjointly with NHS Trusts in Norfolk.

This programme is a 2 year full time course consisting of 8 compulsory modules of learning, 4 in each of the 2 years of the programme. The learning year will comprise 42 weeks (in accordance with the University’s Common Course Structure), divided into 3 terms, each of 14 weeks duration. The programme comprises 50 weeks (1875 hours) practice-based learning and 34 weeks (1275 hours) theory, predicated on a notional 37.5 hour learning week.

The practice hours will be in the form of placements, which will be divided into 3 blocks, and will commence in the first module after an initial period of preparation and learning will be consolidated during the final week(s) of each module. During the practice hours, students will undertake placements with different "teams" in the operating departments (e.g. general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, etc). During placement experiences, the learning will be supported and supervised by a Placement Mentor who is an experienced and qualified operating department practitioner or nurse. Enquiry-based learning is used as the key teaching and learning strategy in this programme. This promotes active participation and direction from the student, under the guidance and facilitative skills of a lecturer, who is well versed in the subject as well as in the skills of facilitation.

Students will have practice placements at one of three local NHS Trust hospitals based in Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Norwich. A preference to these placement sites will be discussed during the selection process.

Click on the relevant trust below to be taken to their respective website:

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Trust

James Paget Hospital University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Interprofessional learning forms a compulsory part of our course and highlight the interdependence of various professions in effective healthcare provision. Click here for further information.

On successful completion of the programme, the student will be eligible to apply for entry to the Register of the Health and Care Professions Council (statutory).

Most employers will offer a period of preceptorship post qualification, this can vary in length. Once you have qualified, pay and responsibility will depend upon experience and further specialist skills you may acquire. It is possible to become a senior ODP, perhaps running a theatre unit. ODPs may work in a wide range of areas including transplant teams, orthopaedic clinics and special care baby units. There are also opportunities in research, education and training. Options exist to work in other countries such as Australia and New Zealand, although job roles may vary slightly from those in this country.

Course Organiser:Mr. David Huggins

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Entry Requirements International Baccalaureate: 29 points Scottish Highers: DDDDD Scottish Advanced Highers: DD Irish Leaving Certificate: DDDDDD Entry Requirement

September 2013 Entry

Our admissions criteria include: a clear understanding of the profession ideally with relevant voluntary or paid work in health care; an interest in people; a strong academic attainment and a broad academic base at GCSE level.

We do not consider Apprenticeships, NVQs (Any Level) or Level 3 Diplomas (Previously NVQs) as meeting the minimum academic entry requrements, although these can be used as evidence of recent study.

School Leavers

The minimum entry requirements for university matriculation and the requirements of the School are five GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English Language or Literature and Mathematics, and preferably a Science subject. Offers are usually made on grades not points.

International Baccalaureate 29 points Scottish Highers DDDDD Scottish Advanced Highers DD Irish Leaving Certificate DDDDDD

Other criteria:

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of recent study (within the last 5 years) and be able to provide their original qualifications should they be invited to attend an interview.

Other Candidates

Applications are encouraged from those with non-traditional qualifications. Applicants with the following qualifications are required to demonstrate GCSEs at Grade C or above in English Language or Literature and Mathematics, except the Access to Higher Education which does not require additional GCSE qualifications unless English and Mathematics are not included.

Suitable qualifications would include:

BTEC National Diploma (18 Unit)
in a Health, Care or Science subject PPP BTEC National Diploma in Early Years MPP CACHE Diploma in Childcare E Foundation Degree
in a Health, Care or Science subject Pass Open University (minimum 60 Credits Level 1)
in a Health, Care or Science subject Pass Science Foundation Year Pass Certificate of Higher Education Pass Diploma of Higher Education Pass Bachelor Degree 2:2 Accepted Access to Higher Education Diploma
in a Health, Care or Science subject Pass with 45 Credits at Level 3 Merit

Other criteria:

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of recent study (within the last 5 years). Applicants must able to provide their original qualification documents on the day of selection otherwise that they are not eligible for interview, and/or following results day prior to commencing the course.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 98 overall (minimum 22 in Listening, Reading and Writing components and 23 in Speaking component)
• PTE: 70 overall (minimum 70 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

Special Entry Requirements

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check, an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and two satisfactory references.

Intakes

September

Course Offered At

We do not consider International Applicants to study on this course.

Course Open To

Please note that, at this time, we are unable to accept international applications for this course.

The School of Nursing Sciences is the perfect place to both start and continue your health career in Nursing, Midwifery or Operating Department Practice. We offer a wide range of both pre- and post-registration courses that will help develop your passion and capability, and give you the skills you need to succeed in a wide range of healthcare environments.

You are provided with the highest standard of academic and clinical education, whether your career choice is Nursing, Midwifery or Operating Department Practice. Our facilities are second to none and with innovative teaching methods and passionate, dedicated staff you will be inspired and challenged throughout your studies.

Students have told us our courses are dynamic and fascinating. That’s because our approach is based on enquiry-based learning, clinical skills acquisition, and early patient contact. The courses include the following elements:

• Enquiry Based Learning – Early on in the course you will be given real problems from real patients to solve as both groups and individuals. This ensures you experience how to apply your new knowledge in practice.
• Essential Clinical Skills – clinical skills are embedded in the course right from the start. Simulated skills are taught and practiced in the classroom prior to placements and throughout the course.
• Clinical Placements – all our placements are monitored so as to meet the quality standards for learning. The School has well established, excellent working relationships with our Clinical Partners, and we work together to ensure the best quality clinical learning environment for our students.
• Interprofessional Learning – You will meet and work with students from other health-related disciplines to exchange knowledge, practice and ideas.
• Research – The teaching staff are continually involved in research, which means you will benefit from their knowledge of the very latest practices and techniques.
• Supportive Culture – Teaching groups are small, which encourages a close-knit student body and a supportive learning culture. You will be assigned your own personal mentor and qualified professional who will be there every step of the way to guide you through the course.
• Elective Placements – You will have the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned in the clinical environment of your choice.

This interactive and highly effective approach to teaching and learning means that our School of Nursing Sciences is continually recognised for its excellence and ranks highly in both student surveys and league tables:

• The School is 3rd for Nursing and Paramedical Studies (Guardian University Guide 2012).
• For five years running the UEA has been placed in the top five universities in the UK for student satisfaction.

The UEA is a fantastic place to study and has a unique atmosphere. You will love being here, learning and making lasting friendships.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding

This course is funded by the East of England Strategic Health Authority
https://www.uea.ac.uk/sixthform/2012+Fees/Health+related+courses

Students can also apply to the NHS Student Grants Unit for a means tested bursary. A means tested scheme is also available which operates alongside the NHS Student Bursary Scheme which can provide financial assistance towards Childcare Costs for students who use OFSTED inspected childcare facilities.

For further details about the NHS Student Bursary Scheme or to obtain a Bursary Estimate please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students.

Once nominated, all successful candidates should apply for this means tested bursary. Students should also apply to the Student Loans Company in advance of starting their course, if they wish to ensure that they are later eligible to apply for a student loan.

Further information is available from: www.slc.co.uk