Unlocking the future through phlebotomy

With her sights set on a career in medicine, 21-year-old Carli van der Merwe sees working in phlebotomy as the vital first step.

“I’m currently studying biomedical science at university part-time, but I really wanted to start working in a healthcare environment as soon as possible,” she said.

“Studying a Certificate III in Pathology Collection is a great option to get out there and start making a difference in people’s lives.”

With a clear interest in healthcare and science, the McDowall resident has enjoyed the speed at which she has learned the skills needed to become a phlebotomist and how far she has come in just 15 weeks of study with Mater Education.

“Every week you learn something new. Your world gets a little bigger as you further develop your skills and practice phlebotomy in real-time, with real needles and real equipment,” she said.

“It’s cool to unlock this new skill when we didn’t know anything before we started.”

Above all, the biggest skill that Carli has developed is interacting with patients and supporting them when they come in for tests.

“This course has changed the way I go out in the world and interact with others. I’ve become more aware of how I’m having conversations and how I’ve developed my listening skills,” she said.

“I didn’t expect to learn so much about communication in this course.”

Having completed placement, Carli has enjoyed spending time working in specimen collection before she dives back into her university studies to continue pursuing her long-term goal of medicine.

“I want to become a doctor and work rurally. I love getting out of the city and I think I can make a significant impact out there.”