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How to Become a Pathology Collector: A Cooperative Job That Offers Room to Grow

To work as a pathology collector, you need skills in the healthcare industry and strong attention to detail. Although formal qualifications aren’t mandatory for a job in pathology collection, a phlebotomist course like a Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215) provides you with the knowledge and essential skills you need to perform this job at the best standard.

Find out what else, aside from being a blood collector, is involved in a job in pathology collection. Learn more about job prospects and how to become a pathology collector in Australia.

pathology-collector
  • Overview
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Skills
  • How to Become
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  • Reviews

Pathology collector job description
info Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed pathology collectors about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Pathology collectors work in collection centres, hospitals, or the community. They collect biological samples and investigate health issues by sending pathology specimens to a laboratory, and the results to the requesting health provider. While pathology collectors take blood, urine, faeces and saliva samples, they don't take tissue or skin samples. A doctor collects any samples that need to be cut out of the body.
Intellectual

Intellectual
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Cooperative

Cooperative
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Physical

Physical
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Tasks and responsibilities for a pathology collector

A pathology collector’s responsibilities include:

  • Collect specimens including blood, urine, faeces, swabs and saliva
  • Deal with anxious patients
  • Follow the chain of custody procedures 
  • Accurately label and record pathology collection 
  • Take delivery of samples
  • Prepare samples for pickup by courier

Reasons to choose this job
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.

Learning opportunities

Learning opportunities

A job in pathology collection opens you up to a wealth of knowledge and experience in biology and the healthcare industry. There are many reasons patients need a biological sample analysed — from trying to find the reason for a health symptom to drug screenings. The varied nature of pathology collection brings new learning opportunities every day.

Read More
Job security

Job security

A role in the health care system makes you one of society’s most essential workers. With strong market growth imminent, jobs are plentiful in the health care and social assistance industry. Prospective employers value enthusiastic and capable staff committed to long-term work.

Read More
Makes a difference

Makes a difference

A pathology collector works every day to help patients in a variety of ways. For instance, by playing your part in diagnosing health issues or drug testing to assist the recruitment process, you can significantly impact people’s lives.

Read More

Job satisfaction

Overall job satisfaction
info
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.

Stress level
info
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

high

Fulfilment
info
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

very-high

Skill level
info
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.

high

Job market trends for a pathology collector

Jobs in pathology collection are here to stay — and in abundance. 

Pathologists fall into the Technicians Support Services subsector under the broader health care and social assistance industry. Reports indicate that the industry will see strong growth over the next few years and could reach 1.9 million workers by 2023.

With around 41% of pathology collectors employed full-time, many choose to work casual or part-time hours in this role. 

$60,268 Per Year

Median salary
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Projected job growth
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Pathway options
info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

A role in pathology specimen collection could be a great entry point to other careers. Senior positions within pathology or different roles in the health sector are plentiful.

Junior

  • Pathology assistant (laboratory aide)

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415)

Mid

  • Pathology collector

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215)

  • Phelmbotomist

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215)

Skills you might already have
info
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.

Jobs that have you working directly with people, especially in a healthcare environment, require specific interpersonal skills. You may already possess many of the soft skills needed for a career in pathology collection.

These skills may include:

Empathy

A job collecting pathology samples requires compassion and sometimes patience. Occasionally patients have anxiety around having blood taken, and some might even have a physical reaction like dizziness, fainting or vomiting. Taking your time to make a patient feel comfortable and perform the blood collection as carefully as possible makes the process much more pleasant.

Read More

Patience

Patients may feel embarrassed about some procedures. Providing a urine sample, for example, can cause people to feel uncomfortable and even halt the ability to give a sample at all. Patience and a personable attitude ensure the patient is not rushed and reduces discomfort. 

Read More

Communication

Good communication skills are essential in a role that deals with the public and other team members in an organisation. You are required to give direct instructions and record information clearly to ensure a smooth-running system. 

Read More

Time management

A day in pathology collection can be fast-paced and keep you on your toes. You may have a full day of patients to see, so organisation and time management are essential to make sure you don’t run behind.

Read More

Hard skills
info
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.

Particular practical skills are required to work as a pathology collector. You can learn these skills by studying a course through a TAFE or an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Some of the skills required are:

Phlebotomy procedures

Phlebotomy is the process of using a needle to take blood samples from a vein. A pathology collector needs to know how to perform the procedure correctly and safely.

Read More

Performing tests and procedures

Sample collecting procedures differ and have their own unique precedes to adhere to (depending on your workplace). 

Read More

Using laboratory equipment and software

As a pathology specimen collector, you need to have a solid knowledge of all the equipment you use, how to use it safely, and the processes of recording information in a medical software platform. 

Read More

Data analysis

There might be some basic data analysis to perform before sending your samples off for analysis. For example, you may need to record urine temperature to ensure it is a genuine sample.

Read More

Pathology administration

There are a lot of steps to take in pathology collection to ensure compliance. Sound knowledge of the administration processes is vital to perform the role effectively.

Read More

Working with diverse people

You come across all types of people from all walks of life in a job as a pathology collector. Interpersonal skills are the key to patients feeling safe and a successful procedure.

Read More

Infection prevention and control policies

A healthcare clinic, hospital or collection centre is occasionally exposed to infectious illness. Skills in infection control are essential for the safety of patients and people that work within the organisation, especially while COVID still threatens communities. 

Read More

First aid

Work within the healthcare industry usually requires an up-to-date first-aid certificate and knowledge of the emergency procedures to take should a patient need them.

Read More

How to become a pathology collector

Ensure you are ready to start work as a pathology collector by taking these steps:
  1. Study

    Completing a qualification, like a Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215), provides you with the skills you need to perform the job safely, effectively and confidently.

  2. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date

    People who work in the health care and aged care industries are at risk of catching vaccine-preventable diseases. Ensure all of your immunisations are current to reduce this risk.

  3. Get some work experience in a laboratory

    You could contact a local pathology laboratory and enquire about getting some work experience. Knowing what is involved in the whole pathology process gives you valuable insight into the role.

Explore related qualifications

Certificate III in Pathology

Study method In-class

This course provides all of the skills and knowledge to begin a role in pathology collection. It includes core units of competency in preparing samples for testing, medical terminology, workplace health and safety, infection control, and communication and customer service skills, to name a few. There are also elective units available.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 35 hours of work placement.

The average duration for this course is six months full-time, and delivery can be in a blended learning setting with a practical placement. 

Enrolments are open several times a year, government funding and fee concessions are available to eligible students, and payment plans for course fees are available from some providers. 

Entry requirements may vary, but many course providers may include literacy and numeracy assessments and a Working with Children Check to enrol. Enquire about a course to find out more.

Read More

1 providers offer this course

The Gordon Institute of TAFE

Related subjects

The health care sector is enormous and hosts a vast range of job opportunities, all needing enthusiastic and caring workers.

Health
Health
Health Services Assistance
Health Services Assistance
Pathology
Pathology

Reviews
info How we collect reviews

Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.

Is this your job title?

Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Jana
Sep 08 2021

Enjoy helping others.

What are the best parts of the job?

Knowing that my career is constantly helping people.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Getting abused by people who do not have any patience or respect.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Grace
Sep 09 2021

Enjoy the consistently busy environment and helping others.

What are the best parts of the job?

Caring and interacting with people, working at a busy, fast-paced orthopedic ward.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management and critical analysis can be a challenge.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 10+
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Clinical nurse specialist orthopedics and paediatric
Kirsteen
Sep 09 2021

Always meeting new people and learning new skills.

What are the best parts of the job?

Meeting different people, always upgrading skills, good pay.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management and ensuring I stay on top of tasks.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 10+
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Specialisation Pathology specimen collection
Lizzy
Sep 09 2021

Enjoy helping doctors with their jobs, and helping patients get better.

What are the best parts of the job?

Helping doctors determine how healthy their patients are. Giving patients respect & care.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Difficult bleeds can be challenging. Patients sometimes get upset & irrate because they have to wait to be attended.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 10+
Organisation size 200+ employees
Bianca
Sep 15 2021

Job is enjoyable when people aren't difficult.

What are the best parts of the job?

Interacting with all sorts of unique people and getting to know them.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Dealing with difficult people who are rude and don't care what impact their behaviour has on you.

Read More
Qualification Graduate certificate
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 200+ employees
Breanna
Sep 15 2021

Need time management skills, but love meeting new people.

What are the best parts of the job?

Getting to meet new people from different lifestyles and backgrounds.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Getting everything done on time and to an exceptional standard.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 200+ employees
1 2

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The Carer Take the Career Quiz

Job cluster: The Carer
info What are job clusters?

The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.

The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.

This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.

Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?

Roles within health care require compassion and empathy and are best suited to the career personality of The Carer. 

People with the ‘Carer’ personality type thrive in environments where they can help people, work as part of a team and make people feel at ease in their presence. Ideal roles for The Carer are jobs in healthcare or community services.

Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

What does a pathology collector do?

A pathology collector collects biological samples and sends them to a laboratory to be further analysed. 

Do you need qualifications to be a phlebotomist?

There is no formal qualification needed to begin a job as a pathology collector, but having prior training in venous blood collection is necessary to perform the job.

How long is phlebotomy training?

A Certificate III in Pathology Collection takes, on average, six months to complete. 

How much does a pathology collector earn?

The average salary for a pathology collector in Australia is $60K per year. 

What makes a good pathology collector?

A good pathology collector has the qualities of empathy and patience, with the core knowledge in pathology collection to perform the collection process safely and confidently. 

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