Certificate III in Pathology

Overview

Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.

Introduction

Become a vital member of the healthcare team with our comprehensive qualification in pathology collection. As pathology collectors, individuals play a crucial role in assisting with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases by collecting and processing specimens.

Our program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to follow known routines and procedures, and take responsibility for their work under general supervision. Students will combine communication, customer service, and technical skills, and use discretion and judgment to adapt and transfer their skills to different situations.

To achieve this qualification, candidates must have completed at least 35 hours of placement.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

Employment outcomes after completing this course include:

• Specimen Collection Officer
• Laboratory Aide
• Pathology Collector
• Pathology Assistant
• Specimen Reception Assistant
• Operational Officer

Further study

Students wishing to continue with their studies may wish to undertake the:

• HLT43021 Certificate IV Allied Health
• HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

General public blended delivery | 6 months course length | Full-time study load 

Students are expected to:

• Attend on campus two days per week (6 hours) and one day per week for a virtual class (2x3 hours).
• Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
• Spend approximately 15 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
• Complete 35 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.

Placement

• Practical placement is organised by GOTAFE.
• A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
• 35 hours of mandated placement occurs in one block, over a two week period. Placement may involve shift work and hours will vary,  depending on the placement host requirements.
• Students may need to travel throughout Regional Victoria.
• Students are required to wear a GOTAFE polo shirt on placement.

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

Before you begin

Enrolment

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into this course applicants must:

• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
• Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.

Before commencing placement, applicants will need:

• To be at least 18 years of age (placement is undertaken in Week 20).
• A current National Police Check with no disclosable outcomes.
• A current Working With Children’s Check (Volunteer).
• To be immunised against:
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) Boostrix

It is strongly recommended that students have received at minimum 2 COVID vaccinations & a booster.

Inherent requirements

Students should have:

• Good communication skills and the ability to work and interact in small teams and independently.
• The ability to comprehend and interpret written information (procedures, instruction manuals, safety documentation) and problem solve when information is out of the expected results, including identifying potential causes.
• Basic digital, literacy and numeracy skills.
• The physical stamina to stand for long periods of time and to provide 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on a manikin on the floor.

Student resources

Students must have:

• A laptop/computer with internet access.
• Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
• GOTAFE polo shirt to be worn during placement.

Recommended textbooks

• McCALL & TANKERSLEY. Phlebotomy essentials. 7th ed
• McCALL & TANKERSLEY. Student workbook for phlebotomy essentials. 7th ed

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your English language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Koorie Unit

The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.

Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.