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HLT37415

Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

Begin your career in health sciences with this entry-level course that will qualify you to become a pathology lab assistant.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession
$1,390
Subsidised
$2,045
Full Fee
$5,085
Eligibility calculator
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Course overview

Begin your career in health sciences with this entry-level course. The health sector is growing, and this course will give you the foundation knowledge you need to make a start in the industry as a pathology lab assistant.

You will get the practical skills needed to receive, prepare and dispatch specimens, prepare culture media, perform basic tests, and more. Our highly-experienced industry professionals will guide you every step of the way to ensure your transition into the health sector is a success.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a pathology lab assistant. You will also have a solid foundation for further study.

What can I do?

  • Specimen Reception Staff Member
  • Laboratory Aide
  • Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Course outcome:

HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

Highly experienced teachers

Our teaching staff are at the top of their game and are still heavily involved in the industry. This means you're being taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 6 elective units from the list below.  You will also be required to undertake vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBCUS201
    Deliver a service to customers
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBCUS201
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to deliver all aspects of customer service at an introductory level. It includes creating a relationship with customers, identifying their needs, delivering services or products and processing customer feedback.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Deliver a service to customers

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBMED301
    Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBMED301
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and respond to instructions; to carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal/external clients in a medical environment; as well as use appropriate medical terminology.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBWOR204
    Use business technology
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBWOR204
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use computer software and organise electronic information and data.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Use business technology

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM005
    Communicate and work in health or community services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate and work in health or community services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTINF006
    Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTINF006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTPAT006
    Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTPAT006
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to receive specimens, complete the administrative process to prepare samples for pathology testing, and dispatch specimens. This unit does not cover the dispatch of dangerous goods or the transport of specimens to external facilities.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS001
    Participate in workplace health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in workplace health and safety

Ways to study
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CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
South Bank
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online

At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more

You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).


Costs:

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.

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Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415)

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Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

COURSE CODE: HLT37415
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

This qualification has no formal entry requirements however TAFE Queensland has the following selection criteria:

  • Completion of Year 10 or equivalent; and
  • Skills in gathering and communicating information equivalent to Senior English will be required to successfully complete this program.
  • The minimum age for enrolment is 18 years, due to vocational placement.
  • Physically fit to be able to stand for long periods of time

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 35 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

Criminal History Check
Prior to placement you may need to complete a Criminal History Check (yellow card); this will be confirmed by your course educator.

If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.

Vaccination requirements 
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Students who are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations will be ineligible for placement at a Queensland Health Facility. However, they may still have the opportunity to complete their placement at another organisation that does not mandate vaccinations. It's important for students to be aware that the availability of facilities/organisations without vaccination requirements may be limited, and this could potentially affect their ability to fulfil the placement requirements of the course.

It is recommended that you undertake screening for vaccination (and meet any costs incurred) against the following Queensland Health Mandatory vaccination requirements:

  • Up to date COVID-19 Vaccination may be required at Queensland Health facilities.
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) (persons born during or since 1966 who have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine should have a second dose)
  • Chickenpox (if not previously infected)
  • Pertussis (whooping cough -an adult booster dose)
  • Influenza (annual vaccination)

Further information will be provided to you at orientation.

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Prior Experience

I already have an experience, can i get credit?

Fastrack your way to formal education by earning credit for the things you already know.

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