Certificate III in Pathology Collection

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the Certificate III in Pathology Collection Qualification are:

Adequate English language skills and numeracy skills to communicate safely and effectively in study and work environments.

Physical fitness to meet industry requirements

Before going on industry placement students are typically required to show evidence of:

• Successful completion of theory and simulated practical assessment, including Hand Hygiene Certificate, and
• Valid DCSI Clearances for working with Aged, Vulnerable and Children, and
• Applicants must show adequate evidence of competency in communication skills. In particular, applicants need to be able to read, comprehend, interpret, apply, write and share information to standards that will ensure the safety of clients in their care.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 5.5 Academic (min 5.0 in any band). Some programs require a score of 6.0 (overall band score) or higher; TOEFL (IBT): 60 (with Reading and Writing not less than 18); Cambridge English (CAE & CPE): 169 (with no band below 162); PTE (Pearson Test of English): 50 (with Reading and Writing communicative scores not below 50); High School: Successful completion of the last 2 years of high/ secondary school, where the language of instruction was English; OET (Occupational English Test): Pass C, D.

Course Details

Looking for flexibility in your career choice? The Certificate III in Pathology Collection is delivered either as a full qualification or as a Statement of Attainment (part qualification).

The full Certificate qualification requires completion of a professional experience placement over a minimum of 40 hours. Professional experience placements are provided subject to supply and employer availability. Alternatively, students undertaking the Statement of Attainment are able to complete their professional experience placements once they have secured employment. Students undertaking the Statement of Attainment will receive up to 13 units of competency in the full qualification, which has 14 units of competency.

Students undertaking studies in Pathology Collection are encouraged to apply for employment opportunities before they have completed their studies. Studies also provide flexibility and opportunity to pathway into higher qualifications within the health sector.

The Certificate III in Pathology Collection qualification reflects the role of pathology collectors. Workers in this role work independently and as part of a team, contributing to processes and procedures, taking responsibility for their own work. They possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a balanced application of customer service and technical skills, using discretion and judgment to adapt and transfer their skills to different situations.

Pathology Collectors are employed in a variety of settings. They may be employed by a specific health care provider or by an organisation that specialises in pathology collection, storage and transport.

A wide variety of employment opportunities exist for pathology collectors across government and private industry. Employment is typically available on a full time or part time basis and suits a range of individuals with a variety of employment needs.

Graduates of the Certificate III in Pathology Collection qualifies individuals to work as a Phlebotomist or Pathology Collector in the health sector. This qualification offers a direct entry pathway into Diploma level programs in Nursing or other related health care fields.

Study Units

Core Units

CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people

HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures

HLTPAT001 Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection

HLTPAT002 Perform venous blood collections

HLTPAT004 Collect pathology specimens other than blood

HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

BSBCUS201 Deliver a service to customers

BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

Elective Units

HLTCAR001 Perform electrocardiography (ECG)
BSBLDR403 Lead team effectiveness
HLTPAT003 Perform capillary blood collections
HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems
HLTAID003 Provide first aid