Pathology collectors play a crucial role in healthcare. They are responsible for collecting blood and other specimens essential for diagnosing diseases and determining treatments.Our Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215) offers a pathway to a rewarding career in this essential field, where you can make a real difference in patient care.This nationally accredited course combines practical skills with essential theoretical knowledge, ensuring that you are well-prepared to work competently in various healthcare settings.
On-Campus Simulation Workshops
Guaranteed Professional Experience Placement
New Batches Starting Every Month
Course Duration : | 6 Months |
AQF Level : | 3 |
CRICOS Code : | 103695G |
Mode of Delivery : | Face to Face Delivery |
Delivery Locations : | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, India (Kochi) |
Professional Experience Placement (PEP): |
35 Hours |
IHNA Policies, Procedures & Forms | |
Check this course currency on the National Register of VET |
The Certificate III in Pathology Collection equips individuals with the necessary skills required to collect, handle, and transport blood and other specimens for diagnostic testing. The course covers areas such as specimen collection techniques, infection control and effective communication with patients. Graduates are prepared for roles as Pathology Collectors or Phlebotomists and can work in different healthcare settings, such as private and public pathology centres, hospitals, clinics, and client residences.
Unit code | Unit Name |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately |
HLTAID011 | Provide first aid |
BSBCUS201 | Deliver a service to customers |
HLTPAT001 | Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection |
HLTPAT002 | Perform venous blood collections |
HLTPAT004 | Collect pathology specimens other than blood |
HLTPAT006 | Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens |
HLTCAR001 | Perform electrocardiography (ECG) |
CHCCCS027 | Visit client residence |
Upon successful completion of the Certificate III in Pathology Collection, you will be qualified to work professionally as a:
IHNA offers the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection. This course is suitable for those seeking a career as a pathology collector or phlebotomist.
Pathology Collectors play a critical role in healthcare by collecting biological specimens from patients, such as blood, urine, swabs, or other samples, to support diagnostic testing. Their duties include preparing patients by explaining procedures, following infection control protocols and collecting specimens with minimal discomfort. They handle, label, and prepare samples accurately for transportation. Additionally, they record patient and specimen details, ensuring accurate data entry into management systems. They also maintain and clean equipment and communicate with patients to provide reassurance and address any concerns.
In addition to these core duties, pathology collectors may also perform Electrocardiograms (ECGs), manage Holter monitors (portable devices for tracking heart rhythms), and work with teams conducting urine and drug screenings, following further training.
Pathways from this course: Students may progress to higher level courses within and/or across the community/health sector such as:
The total tuition cost for international students for the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection is: AUD $8,000
*Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
To know more about the IHNA Fees & Charges, click here.
Melbourne Campus |
Perth Campus |
Sydney Campus |
Brisbane Campus |
India (Kochi) |
Students are required to attend 20 contact hours per week physically at the campus and professional experience placements.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is a mandatory component of the Certificate III in Pathology Collection qualification. IHNA guarantees PEP for all students who meet the required criteria outlined in the Entry Requirements. Students are required to complete 35 hours of practical placement under the supervision of a workplace supervisor at an approved facility.
During the PEP, students will apply essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency in each unit of the qualification. An IHNA trainer and assessor will monitor the student’s progress throughout the PEP. While IHNA arranges all PEPs, students may opt to arrange their own placement, subject to agreement and prior consultation with the course coordinator.
Note: IHNA will arrange placements for students, aiming to keep them as close to their suburbs as possible. However, there may be occasions when this isn’t feasible, resulting in longer travel distances than expected. If a student fails to meet the PEP requirements, they may be excluded from placement, and IHNA will not be held responsible for such exclusions.*Students are required to meet the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements for student visa applications, which may differ from the above course entry requirements. For more information:- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
To learn more about Exceptions to English Language Proficiency Test requirements, click here
All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.
Digital Literacy:(Students are encouraged to disclose any disabilities, disorders, or medications that may require reasonable adjustments to help us provide appropriate support.)
Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
Credit Transfer(CT)
We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.
If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.
Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.
The course will take 6-12 months to complete depending on you finishing your classes/ assessments on time and completing the placement.
Yes you can study at your own time, however you must attend all online Theory sessions and either Online or In class for all SBA’s, Wednesdays is used for self study day, although there is a educator online when needed.
Yes, students must visit our campus to complete simulation Based Training, for us to transfer the skills training, because as phlebotomist you need to know how to perform venous blood collection
There is 9 units that SBA (Simulation Based Assessments) is done in class and there are 15 live bleeds to be completed. (Students themselves will undergo in the presence of a trainer, live blood collection in a simulation environment).Usually 1 day a week will be the In class SBA’s you can attend more days when we are doing the live bleeds, this is up to each student
IHNA’s on campus simulations will give you enough experience on the duties you are required to perform in your role as phlebotomist. So it’s encouraged to make use of our high simulated labs and training sessions.NO flexibility all SBA’s need to be attended to complete each unit
IHNA’s national placement cell will happily help you to find a suitable placement for you, in a registered pathology collection centre. 1 week or 35 hours of professional experience placement is included in the course delivery.
Yes. It’s mandatory.
Yes, all the theory classes are delivered online,The first 5 units SBA’s are online as well, then 9 units SBA’s will be delivered IN class
After submitting the practical placement book, certificate will be issued within 30 working days.As long as all assessments and documentation is completed eg: Police check, Working with children check and your Immunisation form.
Yes, Credit transfer and RPL is available for eligible students. Please get in touch with our team.
No, it is blended.
Yes, it’s available.
Most classes are not full days, our educators will ensure all students get the full delivery of the unit and any questions and answers are completed then the Educator may decide to finish up and allow students to do self study, Although the educator will be online from the time period for any further questions if needed.
It is not encouraged on a regular basis, as your attendance will be affected and you will not be marked for the unit
Monday, Tuesday and half day Wednesday or
Thursday, Friday and half day Wednesday – depending on which intakes.
Times are – 11am to 7pm for Vic and NSW and WA will be 2 hours behind in
winter 9-5 and 3 hrs behind in summer – 8-4
Melbourne – Heidelberg and CBD
WA – CBD
NSW – CBD
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