Operating Department Practice Taster Days

Fascinated by the surgical environment? Learn more about the role of the Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) at one of our Taster Days.

You'll get:

• the chance to speak to a course lecturers and students
• an opportunity to explore the role of the ODP
• information about the course and placements
• useful tips on applying, including interview preparation.

Find out more about our BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice.

Book your Taster Day

We're running Taster Days on the following dates.

Cambridge

• 11 March 2025, 9.30am-3pm
• 21 May 2025, 9.30am-3pm

Chelmsford

• 29 January 2025, 9.30am-3pm
• 14 May 2025, 9.30am-3pm

Please book by 3.30pm two days prior to the event. Bookings close then so that the day before the event you can be sent an email with your information on where to come. If bookings have closed and you want to join please contact [email protected]

Working as an ODP

Working as an operating department practitioner is diverse and includes a wide range of skills across the entire perioperative patient journey.

As a registered ODP you’ll work in one or more of three main areas in the theatre environment, as well as in critical care environments such as intensive care and A&E.

As a student here at ARU, you’ll gain competence in all areas of theatres through focused practice modules. The three main areas are: anaesthetics, surgery and Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). You’ll also be supervised throughout your course by qualified mentors.