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Certificate III in Pathology Collection

HLT37215

Pathology specimen collectors (Phlebotomists) are vital members of the pathology laboratory team and can work in a range of healthcare settings—from pathology collection centres through to hospitals, medical practices, and in some cases, a patient’s home or in an aged care facility.

The role requires considerable technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Our Certificate III in Pathology Collection course will arm you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience you need to become a pathology collector.

You will learn:

  • How to collect blood specimens by venepuncture
  • How to collect pathology specimens other than blood
  • Procedures for handling and transporting pathology specimens
  • Standard additional precautions
  • Infection control policies and procedures
  • How to effectively communicate in the workplace
  • How to identify and respond to clinical risks
  • Quality assurance practices

This qualification is approved for the Queensland Government Certificate 3 Guarantee program. To be eligible for the Certificate 3 Guarantee you must meet eligibility criteria. For more information on the available funding options and criteria go to the costs section on this page.

Course information

  • Mater Education wants everyone enrolled into the program to have every opportunity to succeed at their study. Our program is dynamic and delivered in a way that caters to all learning styles.

    When applications are open, you will need to complete an online application including:

    1. addressing the following three criteria:
      1. What motivates you to pursue a career in healthcare at this time?
      2. Why do you think the Mater Education program would suit you?
      3. How do you plan to balance your life, work and full-time study commitments while undertaking the Pathology collection program?
    2. details of your work history and voluntary experience.
    3. details of any prior education, including copies of any qualifications, statements of attainment or a transcript of completed study and/or your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education awarded for the completion of year 12.


    Please note—major employers recruit staff over the age of 18. We recommend that students should be at least 17 when enrolling into this course.

    Selection

    Applicants that address the defined criteria as published and whose answers are clear and informative will progress to the next stage.

    1. To set you up for success, we'll ask you to undergo a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) evaluation before starting the program. The LLN evaluation will give us an insight into your reading, writing and numeracy skills, and help us plan any extra support you may need to succeed in the program. 
    2. Applicants who display competence at or above Exit Level 2 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) across all five core skills of learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy will be invited to an interview.

    Certificates and permits

    Obtain a criminal history check prior to workplace experience placement. 

    Immunisation

    You need to be immunised, or in the process of being vaccinated, for the following communicable diseases:

    • Hepatitis B
    • Varicella (chicken pox)
    • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
    • Pertussis (whooping cough)
    • Seasonal vaccinations (influenza) as required.

    If you are applying for credit for your First Aid certification, your CPR currency must be up to date for the duration of the program.  

    Resources

    Students will require access to a reliable internet connection enabling access to Mater Education’s virtual learning environment, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player.

Work experience placement

Mater Education has a dedicated placement team who will make arrangements for your mandatory placement as part of this program. You will complete a minimum of 35 hours of workplace experience placement at the end of your course.

Learn more

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