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.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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
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: 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.
Deliver a service to customersBSBCUS201
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriatelyBSBMED301
Use business technologyBSBWOR204
Communicate and work in health or community servicesCHCCOM005
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