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    National code: HLT37415

    Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Set yourself up to play an important role in the growing health and community services industry. Build essential skills to work in pathology labs, GP clinics and medical centres, as a pathology assistant, specimen reception staff member or biomedical laboratory assistant.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

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

    • Communicate and work effectively in health or community services

    • Work with diverse people

    • Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures

    • Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens

    • Participate in workplace health and safety

    Course outcomes

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

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

    • Foundations to move into a further study in laboratory technology and medical science

    SuitabilityIs 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.

    Entry recommendations

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

    • An interest in community health

    • The ability to follow known routines and procedures

    • Good organisational skills

    • You can follow a routine and ask for help if you need it.

    • You can understand documents you see often in everyday life.

    • You can write short sentences and paragraphs that others can understand.

    • You can speak clearly and explain your thoughts in a group.

    • You can solve maths problems you often see in real life.

    • You can use digital tools to do everyday tasks like writing or finding info.

    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.

    Find Your Fit

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    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: pathology assistant, specimen reception staff member and biomedical laboratory assistant.

    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 Assistance 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 Assistance 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 Assistance qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 14 Units of competency, including 8 core and 6 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.

    • Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimensHLTPAT006

    • Deliver a service to customersBSBCUS201

    • Use business technologyBSBWOR204

    • Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriatelyBSBMED301

    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