Certificate III in Pathology Collection

Program Overview

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HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection

Introduction

Pathology collectors play a crucial role in healthcare. They are responsible for collecting blood and other specimens essential for diagnosing diseases and determining treatments. Our Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215) offers a pathway to a rewarding career in this essential field, where you can make a real difference in patient care. This nationally accredited course combines practical skills with essential theoretical knowledge, ensuring that you are well-prepared to work competently in various healthcare settings.

Course Details

• Amount of Training: 670 Hours
• AQF Level: 3
• Mode of Delivery: Blended and Face to Face
• Delivery Locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, India (Kochi)
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP): 35 Hours

Accreditation

• State Government Funding

Course Overview

The Certificate III in Pathology Collection equips individuals with the necessary skills required to collect, handle, and transport blood and other specimens for diagnostic testing. The course covers areas such as specimen collection techniques, infection control, and effective communication with patients. Graduates are prepared for roles as Pathology Collectors or Phlebotomists and can work in different healthcare settings, such as private and public pathology centres, hospitals, clinics, and client residences.

Why Study Certificate III in Pathology Collection at IHNA?

• Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
• Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
• Monthly Intakes: New batches starting bi-monthly.
• Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
• Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments.

Course Structure

• 14 units are required for award of this qualification, including:
  • 9 core units
  • 5 elective units

Core Units

• CHCDIV001: Work with diverse people
• CHCCOM005: Communicate and work in health or community services
• BSBMED301: Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
• HLTINF006: Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
• HLTWHS001: Participate in workplace health and safety
• HLTPAT002: Perform venous blood collections
• HLTPAT001: Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection
• HLTPAT004: Collect pathology specimens other than blood

Electives

• HLTAAP001: Recognise healthy body systems
• HLTAID011: Provide first aid
• CHCCCS027: Visit client residence
• HLTPAT006: Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens
• HLTCAR001: Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

Course Start Dates

• 03 March 2025
• 05 May 2025
• 07 July 2025
• 01 September 2025
• 03 November 2025

Possible Career Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Certificate III in Pathology Collection, you will be qualified to work professionally as a:

• Pathology Specimen Collector
• Phlebotomist
• Pathology Specimen Receptionist/Administrative assistant

How Can I Become a Pathology Collector?

IHNA offers the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection. This course is suitable for those seeking a career as a pathology collector or phlebotomist.

What Does a Pathology Collector Do?

Pathology collectors play an important role in healthcare by collecting samples from patients for tests. These include blood, urine, faeces, sputum, swabs, and other samples depending on the test required. Their duties include explaining procedures to patients, following infection control protocols, and collecting samples with minimal discomfort. They are responsible for accurately handling, labelling, and preparing samples for testing, recording patient and specimen details, maintaining and cleaning equipment, and communicating with patients to provide reassurance and address any concerns. Additionally, after receiving further training, pathology collectors may perform Electrocardiograms (ECGs), manage Holter monitors (portable devices for tracking heart rhythms), and conduct blood pressure monitoring.

Pathways

Pathways from this course: Students may progress to higher level courses within and/or across the community/health sector, such as:

• Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology)

Fees & Funding

• Victoria: If the student is eligible for Government funding, student pays:
  • For Funding Non-Concession Tuition Fee: $900
  • For Funding Concession Tuition Fee: $180
• Western Australia: If the student is eligible for government funding, the student pays $1,300.86. If the student holds a valid concession card, the student pays $385.44
• New South Wales: Funding options are available for eligible students. Contact us to learn more!

Delivery Locations

• Melbourne Campus
• Perth Campus
• Sydney Campus
• Brisbane Campus

Mode of Delivery

• Blended: (Blended: online real-time theory tutorials with on-campus simulation-based training)
• Face to Face Delivery: (For WA funding requirement only)

Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

• Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is a mandatory component of the Certificate III in Pathology Collection qualification. IHNA guarantees PEP for all students who meet the required criteria outlined in the Entry Requirements. Students are required to complete 35 hours of practical placement under the supervision of a workplace supervisor at an approved facility.

Entry Requirements

• There are no mandatory entry requirements for this course; however, following IHNA admission criteria will be applicable:
  • 18 years of age and above at the time of commencement of the course
  • Successful completion of an Australian Year 10 qualification or equivalent
  • In addition to meeting the educational requirements, applicants must demonstrate their competence in literacy and numeracy levels in an Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) at exit Level 3 and participate in a pre-training review when enrolling into the course.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND)

• All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements

• A National Police Clearance or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation prior to undertaking Professional Experience Placement (PEP) in healthcare facilities
• Declaration of having a disability, disorder, or on any medication that will need reasonable adjustments to fulfil these requirements
• Working with Children Check (WWCC): Students may have the opportunity to work with patients under the age of 18. Before students are allowed to contact with minors, students need to obtain a WWCC check.

How is the Course Assessed?

• Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:
  • Theory Assessments (TA)
  • Knowledge-Based Assessments (KBA)
  • Simulation-Based Assessments (SBA)
  • Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT)

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): With RPL, we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
• Credit Transfer (CT): We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

Ready to Apply?

• Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
• Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria, you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant.
• Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview, you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
• Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance, an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
• Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a confirmation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long will it take to complete this course? The course is designed to be completed in 670 hours. Course extensions may be available, subject to conditions and after discussion with the course coordinator.
• Do I need any prior qualifications to enrol in this course? No prior qualifications are required to enrol, though some basic knowledge in healthcare may be helpful.
• What resources or materials will I need for the course? Having access to a computer or laptop is typically essential for completing online modules, accessing course materials, and participating in virtual classes or discussions. All other required learning materials, including online resources and equipment for practical exercises, will be provided by IHNA.
• What should I do if I miss a class or need extra help during the course? If you miss a class or need extra assistance, you can contact your trainer or access support services to catch up on missed content and receive additional guidance.
• Can I complete the course fully online? No, the course is not available fully online. It is delivered in a blended and face-to-face mode for both domestic and international students.
• What is blended mode of delivery? Blended mode of delivery combines both online and in-person learning. Students will complete a portion of their study online, through digital materials and virtual classrooms, while also attending in-person classes or practical sessions for hands-on experience. This mode allows flexibility for students to manage their learning while still benefiting from face-to-face interaction and practical training.
• Is there any pre-recorded session available? Yes, pre-recorded sessions are available to help you review content at your own pace.
• How long does it take to mark my assessments? Assessments are typically marked within 14 days of submission.
• Do I get another chance if I fail the assessments? Yes, if you fail an assessment, you will be given the opportunity to reattempt it, subject to conditions and after discussing it with your trainer and course coordinator.
• I have already studied and received competency for some of the units in the course. Will I need to study them again? If you have previously completed and achieved competency in units that are part of this course, you are eligible for a credit transfer. The credit transfer process will verify that your prior studies meet the necessary course standards, and if approved, you will not need to repeat the units.
• What is RPL, and can I apply for it? RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is a process that recognises your existing skills and knowledge gained through work, life experience, or previous studies. If you meet the RPL requirements, you can apply to have these competencies formally recognised, potentially reducing the amount of study needed for your course.
• Does each campus in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth have the same simulation-based assessment facilities? Yes, IHNA campuses provide industry-standard simulated labs with all necessary equipment for Certificate III in Pathology Collection training.
• How will I learn blood collection (venepuncture) during the course? You will learn blood collection (venepuncture) by first practicing on a dummy arm to develop your technique. Following this, you will participate in reciprocal live blood collection sessions, performing a minimum of 20-25 live bleeds on fellow students under supervision. This hands-on experience ensures you gain the necessary skills and confidence for performing venepuncture in a real-world setting.
• What support is available during the course? IHNA offers 24/7 student support to help you throughout your studies. Whether you require academic guidance, technical assistance, or have course-related questions, support is available anytime to help you succeed. Weekly support sessions are also offered for students who need additional help.
• What are the document requirements for Professional Experience Placement (PEP)?
  • Current police check
  • Proof of immunisation
  • Working with Children check
• Are there any uniform requirements for placements? Yes, there are uniform requirements for placements. Students are typically required to wear a professional uniform and any additional requirements specified by the placement provider. Specific details will be provided by IHNA, and it’s essential to adhere to the dress code to ensure safety and professionalism during your placement. Students can either purchase the uniform from IHNA or arrange it themselves.
• What happens if I don’t participate in or fail to attend my professional placement? Professional placement is a mandatory requirement of the course. Failure to complete it will result in unsuccessful course completion and ineligibility for the qualification. If a student fails to attend or withdraws from a scheduled placement without a valid reason, they will be liable for the placement costs, which range from $350 to $500.
• How long does it take to issue a certificate? After the completion of the placement and submission of all required assessments and documents, IHNA will issue the certificate within 30 days.

Program Outline

Outline:

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Core Units

• CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
• CHCCOM005 - Communicate and work in health or community services
• BSBCUS201 - Deliver a service to customers
• BSBMED301 - Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
• HLTINF006 - Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
• HLTWHS001 - Participate in workplace health and safety
• HLTPAT002 - Perform venous blood collections
• HLTPAT001 - Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection
• HLTPAT004 - Collect pathology specimens other than blood

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Elective Units

• HLTAAP001 - Recognise healthy body systems
• HLTAID011 - Provide first aid
• CHCCCS027 - Visit client residence
• HLTPAT006 - Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens
• HLTCAR001 - Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

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Assessment:

Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:

• Theory Assessments (TA)
• Knowledge Based Assessments (KBA)
• Simulation Based Assessments (SBA)
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

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Teaching:

• Blended: online real time theory tutorials with on campus skills training in a simulation environment
• 20 contact hours will be delivered through synchronised online learning which includes on- campus simulation based training and Professional experience placement.
• Besides the above structured learning, students are advised that they will be required to do approximate 10 hours per week of unstructured self-learning.

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Careers:

With the Certificate III in Pathology Collection in hand, you’ll be able to work professionally as a:

• Pathology Assistant (Laboratory Aide)
• Pathology Collector (Visiting)
• Pathology Specimen Collector

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Career pathway

• Certificate III in Laboratory Skills.
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology)