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HLT37525

Certificate III in Pathology

Begin your career in health science with this entry-level course and develop practical skills for a role in pathology collection or pathology assistance.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 27 Jan 2027 Duration: 6 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$560 - $1,710
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$1,415 - $2,580
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$5,460 - $6,625
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Begin your career in the health industry with this entry-level course. You will develop foundational practical skills in infection prevention and control, the understanding and use of medical terminology, effective communication for the workplace, providing high quality customer service, and applying workplace health and safety standards. You will also receive certification in First Aid (valid for 3 years). Your studies will require you to choose the pathology pathway that aligns with your career goals, in either pathology collection or pathology assistance. For either path, you will learn from highly experienced industry professionals who will support your transition into the health sector and prepare you for employment.

Pathology collection
In the pathology collection pathway, you will develop the knowledge and skills to perform venous blood collections, obtain specimens other than blood, to recognise and respond to clinical health risks, and to provide hands-on professional patient care. You will be trained and qualified to work in pathology collection centres, or in clinics, hospitals, and community centres as a visiting pathology specimen collector or phlebotomist.

Successful completion of this pathway will provide a solid foundation for further study in health care or the health sciences including possible credit transfer of successful units for further TAFE courses or qualification RPL for higher education studies.

Pathology assistance
In the pathology assistance pathway, you will develop the practical skills to receive, prepare and dispatch specimens, prepare culture media and working solutions, prevent cross-contamination, maintain a fit-for-purpose laboratory or field workplace, and perform basic tests, as part of the preparation for specimen analysis and possible diagnosis.

Successful completion of this pathway will qualify you to work as a pathology laboratory assistant and provide opportunity for further studies in the health industry, including possible credit transfer of successful units for further TAFE courses or qualification RPL for higher education studies.

What can I do?

  • Pathology Collector
  • Specimen Reception Staff Member
  • Laboratory Aide
  • Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Course outcome:

HLT37525 Certificate III in Pathology (Pathology Collection)

or

HLT37525 Certificate III in Pathology (Pathology Assistance)

Highly-experienced teachers

Our teaching staff are at the top of their game and are still heavily involved in the industry. This means you're being taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 6 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake a minimum of 35 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBCUS201
    Deliver a service to customers
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBCUS201
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to deliver all aspects of customer service at an introductory level. It includes creating a relationship with customers, identifying their needs, delivering services or products and processing customer feedback.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Deliver a service to customers

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBMED301
    Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBMED301
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and respond to instructions; to carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal/external clients in a medical environment; as well as use appropriate medical terminology.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM005
    Communicate and work in health or community services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate and work in health or community services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTINF006
    Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTINF006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBTEC201
    Use business software applications
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBTEC201
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use software and organise electronic information and data.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use business software applications

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAID011
    Provide First Aid
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAID011
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide First Aid

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTPAT011
    Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTPAT011
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to receive specimens, complete the administrative process to prepare samples for pathology testing, and dispatch specimens. This unit does not cover the dispatch of dangerous goods or the transport of specimens to external facilities.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS001
    Participate in workplace health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in workplace health and safety

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On campus with some online
27 Jan 2027
6 months
Pathology collection: Full time up to 5 days per week
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

South Bank

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

27 Jan 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Pathology collection: Full time up to 5 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Loganlea
On campus with some online
12 Jul 2027
9 months
Pathology collection: Part time up to 2 days per week
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Loganlea

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

12 Jul 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

9 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Pathology collection: Part time up to 2 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
South Bank
On campus with some online
12 Jul 2027
6 months
Pathology collection: Full time up to 5 days per week
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

South Bank

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

12 Jul 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Pathology collection: Full time up to 5 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport
On campus with some online
27 Jan 2027
6 months
Pathology collection: Full time 3 days per week with weekly practical workshops on campus
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Southport

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

27 Jan 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Pathology collection: Full time 3 days per week with weekly practical workshops on campus
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (South Bank)
27 Jan 2027
6 months
Pathology assistance: Full time up to 5 days per week
  • Concession: $560

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,415

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,460

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online with on campus practical training (South Bank)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

27 Jan 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Pathology assistance: Full time up to 5 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $560

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,415

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,460

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Online with on campus practical training (Southport)
27 Jan 2027
6 months
Pathology collection: Full time 3 days per week with weekly practical workshops on campus
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online with on campus practical training (Southport)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

27 Jan 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Pathology collection: Full time 3 days per week with weekly practical workshops on campus
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,710

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,580

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $6,625

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
South Bank
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Pathology (HLT37525)
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology. 

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.


Selection criteria

To enrol into this course you must:

  • have completed of Year 10 or equivalent
  • have skills in gathering and communicating information equivalent to Senior English
  • be 18 years of age due to industry preferences for attending vocational placement assessment

In addition, you must:

  • be physically fit sufficient to be able to stand for long periods of time, bend and twist, and to assist with clients' movements
  • have sufficient fine motor skills and dexterity to operate precise equipment
  • be able to self-regulate and sustain your emotional and mental health in order to work safely in a structured supervised environment and with a diverse range of clients

Traineeship pathway
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.

Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

Inherent Requirements
Before deciding if a course is right for you, it's important to make an informed choice and consider the key skills, knowledge, and assessment requirements involved. Review the inherent requirements for this course and reflect on whether any of them might present difficulties for you, and if they align with your abilities and goals. If you feel you may have challenges due to a disability, a health condition, or for any other reason, we encourage you to speak with a regional Education Manager, a student services team member, or the regional AccessAbility Officer to discuss your concerns and confirm if the course is suitable for you.
 

You will need to complete the Inherent Requirements declaration to confirm that you have read and understood the information provided, as part of the enrolment process.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

You may also be required to purchase a USB, uniform items, including TAFE Queensland branded items, enclosed leather shoes, long corporate slacks and a long sleeved cotton shirt or plain black polo. These details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of the TAFE Queensland branded uniform items may incur additional costs of approximately $48.

You may also be required to cover any travel/accommodation costs associated with vocational placement or work experience.

Placement

Placement assessment in industry is a mandatory requirement of this course. Full requirements can be found on the Placement information for health and nursing page. Please ensure you read all the information provided and click on the links to your preferred course for its specific needs.

You will need to complete the Placement Information declaration to confirm that you have read and understood the information provided, as part of the enrolment process.

Important information

If you have an existing medical condition that requires possible reasonable adjustment or personalised support during practical assessments, you need to discuss your specific needs with the region’s placement team prior to enrolling. You are advised that industry may not be able to accommodate personal support needs or preferences that do not align to industry safe practice guidelines, organisational policy and procedure or national standards, or are not structurally or financially feasible (such as adding infrastructure to accommodate mobility aids). Should you be unable to complete a mandatory placement component you may not be able to meet all the requirements of your course and therefore would not be eligible to graduate.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more