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    National code: HLT37215

    Certificate III in Pathology Collection

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    OverviewAbout 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.

    OutcomesWhat 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

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

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

    • A teacher will contact you to make sure this course is right for you.

    • You must complete a RU Ready / Basic and Key Skills Builder (BKSB) assessment. This will be arranged through your TAFE NSW campus. We will provide you with all the relevant details in your application process. You must achieve an English language and math result of exit level 3 or above to be accepted into the course.

    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

    • If successful in gaining a place in the course, you must provide evidence of having received, or of an application to receive, the above checks and vaccinations at orientation.

    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

    • Been informed about student pathology collections and are comfortable being asked if you consent to having your blood taken by students as part of their course work. Please note: Consent can be withdrawn or given at any stage during the course. If you choose not to give consent for procedures executed by students, your entry into the course will not be affected.

    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.

    PathwaysFuture 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 study0 Courses

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

    The Certificate III in Pathology Collection does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Certificate III in Pathology Collection does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study1 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.

    UnitsUnits 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.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    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.

    • Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collectionHLTPAT001

    • Collect pathology specimens other than bloodHLTPAT004

    • Perform venous blood collectionsHLTPAT002

    • Deliver a service to customersBSBCUS201

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol