ODP career change

Looking for a career change and may need to go to uni. I will be a mature (33 year old) student.

Many years ago I worked on for the NHS nurse bank as a HCA and really enjoyed it. I left to raise my children (I had them young) I recently worked as a property manager part time.

Would love to return to the NHS now and after speaking with an ODP friend I think this is something I would love to do!

So a few questions for anyone in the know!

Where can I take my functional skills maths and english? This would massively help me get into uni/find an apprenticeship in ODP. Can they be done online in my own time? Must be accredited and accepted my work/unis.

I have a Level 3 national diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) it’s in uniformed public services. Would this be helpful towards applying for uni?

And last thing, if I did go back to uni on a ODP course. For placements do they put you in any hospital or can I ask for a certain hospital (one closer to home) my children are still primary school age so can’t really live away from home or travel huge distances.

Any other advice or help appreciated. I feel so confused researching all this 🤯

Thank you

Reply 1

CCCU Health Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Nkm91

Looking for a career change and may need to go to uni. I will be a mature (33 year old) student.
Many years ago I worked on for the NHS nurse bank as a HCA and really enjoyed it. I left to raise my children (I had them young) I recently worked as a property manager part time.
Would love to return to the NHS now and after speaking with an ODP friend I think this is something I would love to do!
So a few questions for anyone in the know!
Where can I take my functional skills maths and english? This would massively help me get into uni/find an apprenticeship in ODP. Can they be done online in my own time? Must be accredited and accepted my work/unis.
I have a Level 3 national diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) it’s in uniformed public services. Would this be helpful towards applying for uni?
And last thing, if I did go back to uni on a ODP course. For placements do they put you in any hospital or can I ask for a certain hospital (one closer to home) my children are still primary school age so can’t really live away from home or travel huge distances.
Any other advice or help appreciated. I feel so confused researching all this 🤯
Thank you

Hey,

Operating Department Practice is a fantastic career which is very rewarding!

Functional Skills in Maths and English can be taken online. However, you are right that it needs to be accepted by universities. I am sure many colleges also offer functional skills which you can have a look into.

A level 3 national diploma is definitely helpful in applying for university.

At Canterbury Christ Church University we are the first university in the UK to develop a BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice approved by the HCPC.

I would highly recommend attending some open days/answers days for a variety of universities. At open days you can meet academics and student ambassadors and get your questions answered. You can also check out the facilities and the local area. It would be beneficial to attend some open days so you can ask about your functional skills, entry requirements and placement questions. It is sometimes easier to speak to someone face to face. You will also be able to ask any questions about the course to make sure it is right for you. Check out the universities websites to find out when there next open/answer days are.

Alternatively, if you want your questions answered quicker you can reach out to the university directly. Again, check out their website for the best way to do this.

Regarding placements, this can differ between universities. However, at Canterbury Christ Church we recognise mature students who have commitments to their children for example. Before students start at CCCU they can fill out a form to tell us their commitments and can express an interest in a particular placement etc. However, this is not always guaranteed and throughout your degree you will go to a variety of different placements as this is a requirement. Students will not be asked to travel more than 90 minutes from their home address.

I hope this helps.

Check out our webpage to find out more about Operating Department Practice: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/operating-department-practice#courseOverview

Good luck. :thumbsup:

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Nkm91

... I have a Level 3 national diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) it’s in uniformed public services. Would this be helpful towards applying for uni? ...

You need to check the entry requirements on the course page on uni websites and then call the admissions departments. Some unis might want to see more recent study, others might accept you because of your work experience. Every uni will be different.