Certificate III in Pathology Collection
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
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Overview
6 months full time
February, April, July
February
Become an important player in the health sector
Pathology collectors are essential to the healthcare system, collecting blood and other specimen samples from patients for laboratory analysis. Qualified pathologists with strong communication, active listening skills and confidence with technology are in demand. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate III in Pathology Collection HLT37215 will teach you to confidently explain procedures to patients and work with specialised equipment in the healthcare system. Pathology collectors can expect stable employment prospects with low unemployment rates as part of a rewarding career providing first line care and support for patients.
An industry-connected course with hands-on learning
At Melbourne Polytechnic, we will equip you with the technical competency and communication skills required to find a rewarding career as a vital medical support worker. You will master technical skills to collect and process blood and other specimen samples, learn about the structure and function of body systems, develop communication skills to work in culturally diverse settings and gain an understanding of legal and ethical requirements. Melbourne Polytechnic students learn in a hands-on environment, training in our purpose-built classroom that simulates an industry-based pathology collection centre. You’ll be supported by teachers currently working in the industry, who will teach you best practice and industry secrets. You will also complete 35 hours of practical placement at a pathology collection centre or hospital in Melbourne and perform blood collections on patients and other students.
Graduate lab-ready
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate III in Pathology Collection HLT37215 will qualify you to work as a pathology collector in the private and public health sector, at medical centres, hospitals and pathology collection centres. Many of our students find ongoing employment at the workplaces where they completed their placements. At Melbourne Polytechnic, we’ll ensure the day you graduate, you’re ready to step into a lab with confidence.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate III in Pathology Collection HLT37215 take me?
Successful completion of this course, means you may find employment as a pathology collector in the private and public health sector, including medical centres, hospitals and pathology collection centres.
- Pathology Collector
Study Pathways
Successful completion of this course can enable you to go onto further study in pathology related areas, such as a laboratory assistant, or nursing paramedical studies and health sciences.
Course Details
Delivery methods
This course is taught through blended learning (on campus and some remote delivery) at the Preston campus.
Please note it is compulsory requirement of the course to undertake 35 hours of practical placement and to perform at least 20 ‘live bleeds’.
Due to large number of practical sessions this course is only suitable for students who can commit to 4 days a week of attendance for the duration of the course.
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
February Intake:
Commences February 10th 2025
Preston: Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs - 9am - 3.30pm
April Intake:
Commences April 23rd 2025
Preston: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Friday - 9am - 3.30pm
July Intake:
Commences July 28th 2025
Preston: Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs - 9am - 3.30pm
Assessment Methods
Questioning, practical demonstration, assignments/essays, role plays, simulation and practical placement. Please note it is compulsory requirement of the course to undertake 35 hours of practical placement and to perform at least 20 ‘live bleeds’. The course is not suitable for people who cannot perform blood collection.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| BSBCUS201 | Deliver a service to customers | Core | 40 |
| BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately | Core | 60 |
| CHCCCS027 | Visit client residence | Elective | 50 |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | Core | 30 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | Core | 40 |
| HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems | Elective | 70 |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | Elective | 18 |
| HLTCAR001 | Perform electrocardiography (ECG) | Elective | 90 |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | Core | 35 |
| HLTPAT001 | Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection | Core | 35 |
| HLTPAT002 | Perform venous blood collections | Core | 100 |
| HLTPAT004 | Collect pathology specimens other than blood | Core | 45 |
| HLTPAT006 | Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens | Elective | 15 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | Core | 20 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $780 | $3900 | $6700 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $955 | $4150 | $6950 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Courses in health services
Requirements
While you are enrolling, we highly recommend you attend an information session. You must also complete an additional application form and give it to your enrolment officer. The form asks if you:
- Understand that you are enrolling a course that prepares you to be a pathology collector and not a pathologist.
- Are willing to wear sleeves that are above the elbow to comply with Infection Control procedures in both simulated and workplace environments. This requirement is not negotiable.
- Are willing to take blood from other students and have blood taken from you. This prepares and enables you to meet the requirements of the compulsory core unit HLTPAT002 Perform Venous Blood Collections unit.
- Are 18 years of age to collect blood.
- Understand that the unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid requires you to perform at least two minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult resuscitation manikin placed on the floor.
Compulsory Work Placement requirements:
- A clear Police Check. This requirement is not negotiable.
- You must have already received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (or have an exemption) to be able to work and undertake placement in a healthcare setting. See https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/vaccination-for-healthcare-workers for recommended vaccination doses
- A current influenza vaccination
- A recent Hepatitis B protection serology report confirming you have undertaken a course of immunisation
- Some placement partners may also require you to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to placement
- Any other requirement as per updated health advice
Recommended vaccinations and immunisations:
See health.gov.au for recommended immunisations for health care workers.
Language and literacy requirements
You will undertake a pre-training review and a literacy and numeracy assessment. Learners will be best equipped to achieve the course outcome if they have:
- a minimum level of literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Working Level 3 Reading and Working Level 3 Numeracy
- A good standard of digital literacy
English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
English language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) level.
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form. You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
You must also complete an additional application form and give it to your enrolment officer.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment. Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend of our Skills and Job Centres, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Related Links
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.