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National code: HLT37215

Certificate III in Pathology Collection

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Overview About this course

Challenge yourself with a rewarding career in pathology when you gain the skills to work as a phlebotomist or pathology collector. Work with specialised equipment, provide support to your patients as you take samples for pathology tests and play a vital role in the health care system.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Take blood samples and swabs

  • Perform electrocardiograms

  • Prevent and control infections

  • Collect specimens other than blood

  • Use and understand medical terminology

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level

  • Real-world experience with a mandatory 35 hours of work placement in industry

  • Skills to perform venous blood collections and collect pathology specimens other than blood

  • Confidence and knowledge to work in pathology labs, GP clinics and medical centres

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • A Working with Children Check

  • A National Police Check

  • Vaccination and health screenings

  • Anything else your work placement provider needs

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to follow routines and procedures

  • The ability to take responsibility for your own work under general supervision

  • Good customer service and technical skills and communicate clearly

  • The ability to use discretion and judgement to adapt and transfer your skills to different situations

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: phlebotomist, pathology collector, pathology assistant, specimen collection officer and specialist specimen collectors.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Pathology Collection qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 14 Units of competency, including 9 core and 5 speciality units.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Perform venous blood collections HLTPAT002

  • Collect pathology specimens other than blood HLTPAT004

  • Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection HLTPAT001

  • Deliver a service to customers BSBCUS201

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Delivery options Find a location to enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.