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 Homepage

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
  • How to Become
  • Pathways
  • Qualifications

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.

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

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.

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)

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

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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

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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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