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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
Our graduates go onto roles like: phlebotomist, pathology collector, pathology assistant, specimen collection officer and specialist specimen collectors.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
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.
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.
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
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.