Pathology collector job description
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.
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.
Intellectual
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Cooperative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Physical
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
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
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.
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.
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.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
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
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
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.
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.
Median salary
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hard skills
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.
Performing tests and procedures
Sample collecting procedures differ and have their own unique precedes to adhere to (depending on your workplace).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to become a pathology collector
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
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.
1 providers offer this course
Related subjects
The health care sector is enormous and hosts a vast range of job opportunities, all needing enthusiastic and caring workers.
Reviews
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.
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.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
Jana
Sep 08 2021Enjoy helping others.
What are the best parts of the job?
Knowing that my career is constantly helping people.
What's the most challenging part?
Getting abused by people who do not have any patience or respect.
Grace
Sep 09 2021Enjoy 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.
What's the most challenging part?
Time management and critical analysis can be a challenge.
Kirsteen
Sep 09 2021Always meeting new people and learning new skills.
What are the best parts of the job?
Meeting different people, always upgrading skills, good pay.
What's the most challenging part?
Time management and ensuring I stay on top of tasks.
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Job cluster: The Carer
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?
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.
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.