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National code: MSL50122

Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology)

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Overview About this course

Embark on a rewarding career in medical diagnostics as a laboratory technical officer or technical assistant and make a real difference in patients’ lives. Gain an understanding of how disease states in the body are diagnosed and treated.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Understand disease states in the body and how they are diagnosed and treated

  • Identify different types of bacteria and choose the appropriate antibiotics for treatment

  • Use up-to-date laboratory machinery and equipment, including microscopes

  • Collect and prepare tissue samples for analysis to detect cancers

  • Follow work, health and safety procedures, including disposing of infectious waste and contaminated samples

  • Analyse blood samples for disease states and genetic abnormalities

Course outcomes

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

  • A nationally accredited diploma

  • Extensive practical experience working in a laboratory environment

  • The confidence and specialist skills to work independently and as part of a team to perform a variety of pathology tests and procedures

  • The skills to work safely and independently as a qualified laboratory technician

  • Extensive knowledge of disease states in patients and how they are treated

Suitability Is 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.

  • Completion of the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate, or

  • Completion of a Certificate IV or higher in a relevant science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) discipline, as evidenced by your transcript or certificate, or

  • You have technical laboratory skills, knowledge and employment experience as evidenced by a resume highlighting your experience in the area

Entry recommendations

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

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level

Note:

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

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: laboratory technical officer and laboratory technical assistant.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 0 Courses

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

The Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 4 Courses

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 Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 18 units of competency, including 5 core and 13 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.

  • Process and interpret data MSL924005

  • Use laboratory application software MSL924006

  • Maintain instruments and equipment MSL934008

  • Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes MSL934009

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

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.