Graduate Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Graduate Apprentice Bachelor of Science Operating Department Practice

Another exciting opportunity has arisen for existing Healthcare Support Workers or new NHS employees to undertake an innovative Graduate Apprenticeship Bachelor of Science Operating Department Practitioner (GA BSc ODP) programme being delivered over three years, by the University of the West of Scotland. The Graduate Apprenticeship in Operating Department Practice, cohort 2025 will commence on September 1st and is a blend of practice placements, along with online and taught education.

You are required to have five qualifications, three of which must be at Higher level. For those applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements, applications may be considered on an individual basis from those who possess a minimum of one year’s relevant work experience and meet the previous DipHE entry criteria (passes in five subjects including two at higher level or equivalent SVQ, HNC, HND) where the applicant has demonstrated the development of key skills evidenced through a detailed supporting personal statement.

To meet HCPC (2023) requirements for accreditation all candidates must be able to communicate in English to the standard equivalent to level 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with no element below 6.5.

Academic programme fees will be funded by the Scottish Funding Council. Students will have to apply to Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) individually and their fees will be paid directly to UWS. Please note if you are not eligible for SAAS funding you may still apply to the programme but will need to self-fund the academic programme fees. Access to SAAS funding calculator: Funding Calculator - Student Information Scotland

Posts are available both in Aberdeen and Elgin. The GA BSc ODP programme is undertaken online and will be assessed in a range of perioperative settings throughout NHS Grampian, such as general; orthopaedic; ear, nose and throat; obstetric surgery, anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care (recovery). It is an opportunity to undertake work-based experiential and reflective learning whilst being employed; during the three-year programme you will be paid Annex 21, a percentage of a Band 5 rate. 1st Year will be £25,827, 2nd Year £27,814 and 3rd Year £29,801

Successful completion of the programme will enable you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and a job offer as a Band 5 ODP within NHS Grampian.

The closing date for applications is 25 May 2025; Interviews will be held on the Forresterhill Health Campus on 2 June 2025.

For further information on this exciting opportunity please contact: Shiona McKelvie, Regional Lead for ODP Education (North Region) 

BSc Operating Department Practitioner Graduate Apprenticeship (uws.ac.uk)

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.