Operating Room Nurses program

The school is authorized by the president of the Regional Council of Normandy to welcome a class of 25 IBODE per year.

The school is run by a director, approved by the president of the Normandy Region . She has the authority to grant approvals and authorizations for the school to operate.

The University of Caen Normandy, the managing body of the IBODE school, is responsible for the teaching related to the Master's degree.

Course description, University of Caen Normandy

AFNOR certifies that the CAEN University Hospital Center has been judged to comply with the requirements for carrying out training activities.

Certificate No. 2022/98983.1

• Decree No. 2022-732 of April 27, 2022, relating to the procedures for awarding the State Diploma of Operating Room Nurse and the awarding of the Master's degree
• Order of 27 April 2022 relating to the training leading to the state diploma of operating room nurse. Decree No. 2008-824 of 21 August 2008 relating to lifelong professional training of hospital public service employees
• Order of 09 May 2023 amending Order of 27 April 2022 relating to the training leading to the state diploma of operating room nurse
• Amended decree of 24 February 2014 relating to the organisation and validation of acquired experience for obtaining the State diploma of operating room nurse.
• Order of 19 December 2016 amending that of 24 February 2014 relating to the procedures for the organization and validation of prior learning for obtaining the State Diploma of Operating Room Nurse

The training leading to the IBODE diploma – Master's level – is provided by IBODE schools affiliated with universities. It is organized over two years.

Diploma level : 7, Master's degree (instead of 6)

Duration : 4 semesters (instead of 3)

Training reference

The training is provided in accredited or co-accredited higher education institutions.

Back to school : September or October

Duration : 3600 hours, or 4 semesters (120 European credits)

Continuous or discontinuous, over a maximum period of 3 years (except in VAE).

Theoretical instruction can be carried out remotely depending on the modules concerned, up to a limit of 50% of the total duration of the theoretical training.

12 teaching units (UE)

• EU Nursing Sciences and Operating Room (5 European credits)
• EU Medical and Surgical Sciences (16 European credits)
• EU Complex Surgical Assistance Techniques (7 ECTS credits)
• EU Coordination of care activities related to the perioperative, pre-, peri- and postoperative processes (5 European credits)
• EU Prevention and Risk Management (14 European credits)
• EU Training, tutoring and skills development (3 European credits)
• EU Modern Language (4 European credits)
• EU Dissertation (6 European credits)
• EU Professional Practice Analysis (4 European credits)
• Optional course unit (1 ECTS credit) chosen by the school

Work-based training (47 ECTS credits)

47 weeks of 35 hours (i.e. 1,645 hours), including a minimum of 6 weeks to carry out surgical assistant missions.

Possible pathways for learning and validation of acquired experience (VAE)

RNCP file 

link to the UFR Health website – Unicaen

Upon completion of the training, the operating room nurse must be able to:

• to organize and carry out care and activities related to the surgical procedure, in pre, peri and post-intervention for people benefiting from surgical, endoscopic and other invasive technical procedures for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.
• to implement hygiene and safety measures taking into account the risks inherent in the nature of the interventions and the specificity of the patients, working in a protected area and using specific medical devices.
• to implement the acts and activities falling within its exclusive competence.

In accordance with the February 2005 law for equal rights and opportunities, participation and citizenship of disabled persons, the principles of non-discrimination and accessibility are applied to training.

A disability advisor is in contact with all departments of the CHU de CAEN paramedical campus. Students concerned can contact her at: pfp-sec-dir@chu-caen.fr

Vigilant point:

There is no obligation for the student to disclose their disability status to their training institution, whether at the time of the competition or during their training.

The disability status of a candidate or student is confidential, even if it may be subject to a secret shared between professionals in the training structure.

Training funded either by healthcare facilities, by OPCOs ( ), or by Pôle Emploi (French Public Employment Service)...

Before entering the school, you must make sure of the method of financing your training and of your resources for the duration of your training.

From the start of the academic year in September 2023, those eligible for regional funding (in reference to article 2.1.1 of the attached regulations) will benefit from full coverage of the educational cost.

For ineligible audiences, the educational cost for 2025-2027 will amount to €8,500 for the year.

• theoretical training and guided work time of 33 weeks spread over each semester in several fields: Nursing Sciences and operating room, Medical-surgical Sciences, Coordination of care activities related to peri-operative, pre-, peri- and post-operative processes, prevention and risk management, foreign language and research.
• A 47-week clinical training program Internships are arranged on an alternating basis from the first year onwards in all areas of activity of theIBODE:
  • 9 weeks of internships in Semester 1
  • 5 weeks of internships in S2
  • 15 weeks of internships in S3
  • 18 weeks of internships in S4
• Annual leave: 2 weeks of annual leave during the academic year, the dates of which are determined by management.

Educational project

Start : 1st week of September

End : end of June of year N+2

Apprenticeship Training

The Operating Room Nurse program at the paramedical campus has chosen to integrate Open and Distance Learning (ODL) into its curriculum. A valuable pedagogical tool, ODL facilitates students' reflective practice. This tool also allows for greater flexibility in accessing course content, utilizes alternative communication channels, and enables collaborative activities.

Reflexivity and analysis of practices find meaning in professional training in order to develop the skills necessary for a competent IBODE

By combining reflective practice with the analysis of practices using methods such as debriefing (after simulator work or real-life training), remediation based on online learning, and clinical placement analysis, the student operating room nurse (IBODE) reflects on their practice and works collaboratively to construct meaning and/or improve their professional techniques. The training supervisors thus aim to mobilize the learner's analytical, self-assessment, and constructive criticism skills.

The learning situations offered to students are carefully considered and constructed as a team, as it is not only a matter of having situations that are familiar to everyone, but also of offering progressively representative situations.

The individualization of learning paths is characterized in particular by the choice of internship placements based on the student's professional experience. Students are informed of the placement procedures. The school establishes an internship schedule over the three semesters, taking into account the curriculum framework, the educational project, available internships, and each student's professional background. Two to three internships will take place away from the student's home institution. Students develop their learning path in consultation with the entire cohort and under the supervision of the teaching staff. Adjustments may be made based on individual student projects, available internships, and practical feasibility.

Optional internships are planned according to the student's experience and career goals. They take place in at least 3 different operational sectors.

The training is provided by health professionals who are State-Certified Operating Room Nurses, who have varied professional experience and university qualifications: University Diplomas, Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees.

The permanent trainers work in collaboration with university teachers and professionals in the field. Since 2013, students have benefited from a university digital platform that allows them access to educational content remotely.

List of speakers

Each student is supported throughout their training by a designated training manager who guides them in acquiring their skills. They receive individual and/or group guidance from the teaching team.

This monitoring can be organised regularly according to the stages of training and at the request of the student or the referring trainer.

The validation of the training is based on a continuous evaluation system. Each validation of teaching unit and each internship is valued by one or more European Credits ( ECTS ):

• 73 ECTS credits for the teaching units.
• 47 ECTS credits for practical training in internship.

Assessment methods: Individual or collective

Online homework submissions, table assignments, oral presentations (in groups or individually) of work, simulated situations, analysis of clinical situations.

Midterm schedules 24-26

The operating room nursing school is part of a training cluster that includes:

• initial training : nurse, paramedic, nursing assistant, medical electroradiology technician
• Specialty training : nurse anesthetist, childcare worker
• the training of health managers
• medical training : medicine, pharmacy, maieutics, speech therapy

The grouping of these training courses on a single site makes it possible to develop shared and innovative educational activities: lessons and multi-professional internships.

The building is accessible to people with disabilities. A disability adviser is in contact with all the training structures. The students concerned can contact her via the school secretariat.

Internships are carried out in sectors approved by the school and take place mainly at the CAEN University Hospital and in hospitals in the region by agreement.

At the request of a student, an internship in another establishment can be accepted if it meets the “qualifying” internship criteria defined by the school according to the recommendations of the training framework.

The training program comprises 47 weeks of 35 hours of clinical instruction in the following areas of activity:

• Osteoarticular surgery (8 weeks)
• Visceral surgery (8 weeks)
• Centralized sterilization, hospital hygiene, endoscopy, interventional radiology (1 week / discipline)
• Research (4 weeks)
• Surgical assistant assignments (minimum 6 weeks)
• Internships in other disciplines depending on the student's experience and career goals, as well as the school's educational program (17 weeks)

The framework results in the allocation of credits in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System. The principle governing the allocation of credits is 30 credits per semester of training.

The State Diploma for Operating Room Nurses certifies a level validated by obtaining 120 European credits; corresponding to the acquisition of 73 ECTS for theoretical teaching and 47 ECTS for clinical teaching.

Training credits, associated with the modules and internships, are awarded by an allocation committee (semester jury) , chaired by the director of the IBODE .

The validation of several teaching units within the same skills block and belonging to the same semester can be carried out during a single assessment. The grades corresponding to each teaching unit can then be identified.

The student must obtain a grade of at least ten out of twenty in the assessment of each teaching unit in order for it to be validated.

To validate each skills block, the student must complete the relevant course units and internships. Depending on the skills blocks, assessment may be conducted through simulated situations. Compensation between skills blocks is not permitted.

The state diploma and the awarding of the master's degree are granted upon successful completion of 120 ECTS credits over the four semesters of study. It is awarded by the University of Caen.

Operating room nurses most often work in the operating room but may also work in interventional radiology departments. They can advance to management positions after four years of professional experience.

Each year, the school offers preparation for the selection tests for entry into operating room nurse training, the duration, dates and content of which are defined in the preparatory training sheets available below.

“ Preparation for the written application for admission to IBODE school ” on 12/01/2026 (1/2 day).

“ Preparation for the individual interview for admission to IBODE ” on 06/05/2026 or 20/05/2026 (half day), open only to eligible candidates.

Selection for admission to the Operating Room Nurse program at the paramedical campus is based on the submission of an eligibility application and an interview, after submitting an online application via the Caen Normandy University Hospital's competitive entrance exam :

All supporting documents must be provided complete and unstapled before midnight on April 3, 2026 (postmark date will be considered proof) .

Submit your application to the reception desk of the Health Training and Research Center or in the mailbox located at the building entrance at the following address:
PFRS , 2 rue des Rochambelles, 14000 Caen
, or by mail to Campus Paramédical Filière IBODE · CHU Caen Normandie · CS 30001 · 14033 Caen Cedex 9

The selection tests for operating room nursing training, as defined by the decree of April 27, 2022 relating to the training leading to the State Diploma of Operating Room Nurse, include:

• An eligibility test based on application and
• An admissions based on an individual interview

For more information, click HERE .

The selection tests assess the candidates' ability to follow the training leading to the State Diploma of Operating Room Nurse.

This eligibility file must include the following documents:

1. A copy of an identity document
2. A written request to participate in the selection tests
3. A letter of commitment from the candidate to pay the tuition fees
4. A curriculum vitae
5. Copies of the originals of their titles, diplomas or certificates
6. For nursing students, the required documents are the 3rd year IFSI (Nursing Training Institute) certificate and , on the day of the interview, the results of the credit allocation committee for semester 5; and for nurses indicating salaried or self-employed practice.
7. A valid Level 2 Emergency First Aid and Care Training Certificate
8. A medical certificate of vaccinations in accordance with the regulations in force setting out the immunization requirements for healthcare professionals in France
9. A portfolio outlining the professional project

Candidates who have obtained a score of 10 out of 20 or higher are declared eligible.

All candidates are personally informed in writing whether or not they are eligible for an individual admission interview. Only this letter has legal value.

The interview, in accordance with Article 10 of the Decree of April 27, 2022 relating to the training leading to the State Diploma of Operating Room Nurse, lasts 20 minutes and is marked out of 20 points.

It comprises an oral presentation by the candidate on their career plan, marked out of 8 points, followed by an interview with the jury, marked out of 12 points. This assessment aims to evaluate the candidate's ability to express themselves and organize their ideas to argue coherently on the elements presented in the application file, to assess the candidate's aptitude and capacity to follow the training program, and to evaluate the candidate's career plan and motivation

Any grade below average is a failing grade.

• Registration closes : April 3, 2026 midnight.
  Any application received after this date (postmark as proof) will be rejected.
• Eligibility results : April 29, 2026 at 12pm
• Individual admission interviews : June 17-18, 2026
• Publication of results: June 19, 2026 at 12pm

In addition to the approved theoretical capacity and up to a limit of 5% of the approved workforce, the following may be admitted:

• Persons holding the State Diploma of Midwife;
• Students who have completed the third year of the second cycle of medical studies;
• Holders of a state diploma in nursing and a diploma recognized at the master's level.

For these candidates, the selection process includes only the admission interview defined in article 10 of the decree of April 27, 2022.

Registration for the admission interview is done by submitting an application file including:

• A written request to participate in the selection tests
• A copy of an identity document
• A curriculum vitae
• Copies of the originals of their titles, diplomas or certificates
• A portfolio outlining the professional project
• A valid Level 2 Emergency First Aid and Care Training Certificate
• A medical certificate of vaccinations in accordance with the regulations in force setting out the immunization requirements for healthcare professionals in France
• A letter of commitment to pay tuition fees

In addition to the approved theoretical capacity and up to a limit of 5% of the approved staff, individuals holding a foreign nursing diploma that does not allow them to practice in France may be admitted. To be admitted, these individuals must complete tests to assess their professional level and a test to evaluate their proficiency in French.

These selection tests are organized under the responsibility of the school director, in consultation with the cultural service of the French embassy in the country concerned. The questions are proposed and graded by the teaching staff of the school chosen by the candidate.

To register for these events, individuals must submit an application containing the following documents:

• A copy of an identity document
• A curriculum vitae
• Copies of the originals of their titles, diplomas or certificates
• A portfolio outlining the professional project
• A medical certificate of vaccinations in accordance with the regulations in force setting out the immunization requirements for healthcare professionals in France
• Proof of financial and medical-social support for the duration of the studies
• A letter of commitment to pay tuition fees

The documents must be translated by a translator accredited to the French courts or authorized to act before the judicial or administrative authorities of a Member State of the European Union or of a State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or of the Swiss Confederation or of the Principality of Andorra.

Candidates with disabilities taking the entrance exams may request accommodations. They must submit their request to one of the doctors designated by the Commission for the Rights and Autonomy of Persons with Disabilities and inform the training institutes.

The school principal implements the recommended adjustment measures according to the possibilities.

The score out of 40 for the admission tests is the sum of the scores obtained in the application file and the individual admission interview. The highest-ranked candidates are admitted, up to the school's approved capacity.

Upon publication of the results, a main list and a supplementary list will be drawn up. The main and supplementary lists (without mention of candidates' scores) are posted in the PFRS and available on this website , and on the Caen Normandy University Hospital's competitive examination .

• Eligibility: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 12 p.m.
• Admission: Friday, June 19, 2026 · 12 p.m.

In accordance with Article 27 of the French Data Protection Act (law no. 78-17 ), you have the right to access and rectify your personal information. You may therefore object to the publication of your name on these lists. In this case, please ensure that you tick the box provided for this purpose on the competition registration form.

All candidates are personally notified of their results by mail. If, within 10 days of the posting of the results, the candidate has not given their written consent , they are presumed to have declined their admission and their place is offered to the next eligible candidate on the waiting list.

If, within 10 days of posting, a candidate placed on the main list or on the supplementary list has not confirmed in writing his wish to enter training, he is presumed to have renounced his admission or his place on the supplementary list and his place is offered to the candidate registered in a useful rank on the latter list.

The results of the selection process are valid only for the academic year for which it was organized.

However, the school director may grant, for a period he determines and within the cumulative limit of two years, a deferral for entry into schooling in the training institute (article 13- II of the training decree of April 27, 2022) .

In accordance with the decree of April 27, 2022 relating to the training leading to the State Diploma of Operating Room Nurse, to access the training at the School of Operating Room Nurses, it is necessary to:

• To hold either a diploma, certificate or other qualification mentioned in Article L.4311-3 or Article L.4311-12 of the Public Health Code allowing them to practice the nursing profession without limitation, or an authorization to practice issued by the regional prefect pursuant to Article L.4311-4 of the Public Health Code, by the following means:

1. Initial training under student status or through apprenticeship
2. Continuing professional development
3.  The validation, partial or total, of acquired experience, under the conditions set out in the aforementioned decree of 24 February 2014
   • Having successfully passed the selection tests of the entry process
   • Having paid the school registration fees set annually by ministerial decree
   • Having formally agreed to pay the tuition fees.

Admission to training is subject to the selection process defined in article 8 of the training decree of April 27, 2022.