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.
Deliver a service to customersBSBCUS201
Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collectionHLTPAT001
Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and controlHLTINF006
Perform venous blood collectionsHLTPAT002
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