HLT37415

Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

Begin your career in health sciences with this entry-level course that will qualify you to become a pathology lab assistant.

Apply now

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane

WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 27 Jan 2026 Duration: 6 months View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Fee-Free TAFE

Concession

$1,470

Subsidised

$2,145

Full Fee

$5,295

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Begin your career in health sciences with this entry-level course. The health sector is growing, and this course will give you the foundation knowledge you need to make a start in the industry as a pathology lab assistant.

You will get the practical skills needed to receive, prepare and dispatch specimens, prepare culture media, perform basic tests, and more. Our highly-experienced industry professionals will guide you every step of the way to ensure your transition into the health sector is a success.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a pathology lab assistant. You will also have a solid foundation for further study.

What can I do?

Specimen Reception Staff Member
Laboratory Aide
Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Course outcome:

HLT37415 Certificate III in 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.

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Focus on your studies, not your finances and seize your opportunity to get job ready with the industry-relevant skills employers are looking for (eligibility criteria apply). Learn more

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 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
BSBWOR204

Use business technology

UNIT CODE :
BSBWOR204

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use computer software and organise electronic information and data.
UNIT NAME
Use business technology

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
HLTPAT006

Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens

UNIT CODE :
HLTPAT006

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

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
MSL933002A

Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

UNIT CODE :
MSL933002A

Unit description :

This unit of competency covers the development of a working knowledge of quality principles and their application in laboratory/field work.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

UNIT CODE
MSL933005

Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose

UNIT CODE :
MSL933005

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to clean laboratory work surfaces, clean and store laboratory equipment and monitor laboratory stocks under direct supervision.
UNIT NAME
Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose

UNIT CODE
MSL953001A

Receive and prepare samples for testing

UNIT CODE :
MSL953001A

Unit description :

This unit of competency covers the ability to log samples, check sample documentation, schedule and prepare samples for testing in accordance with enterprise procedures. This unit does not include testing, tissue processing or similar techniques.
UNIT NAME
Receive and prepare samples for testing

UNIT CODE
MSL973007A

Perform microscopic examination

UNIT CODE :
MSL973007A

Unit description :

This unit of competency covers the ability to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics.
UNIT NAME
Perform microscopic examination

UNIT CODE
MSL973025

Perform basic tests

UNIT CODE :
MSL973025

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare samples and perform tests and measurements using standard methods with access to readily available advice from supervisors.
UNIT NAME
Perform basic tests

UNIT CODE
TLIF3091

Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements

UNIT CODE :
TLIF3091

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify and apply an awareness of hazardous substances and dangerous goods requirements.
UNIT NAME
Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	6 months	Full time up to 5 days per week	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,470 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,145 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,295 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
South Bank On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time up to 5 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,470 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,145 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,295 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 Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choose your study location

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

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, online or a mix of all these options. Learn more

You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

Costs:

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.

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Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415)

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Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

COURSE CODE: HLT37415

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.

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.

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

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

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Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Highly experienced teachers

Fee-Free TAFE

Core units

Elective units

South Bank

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Pathology Assistance

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Placement

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate III in Pathology Collection

Careers

First Aid and CPR Skill Set