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HLT37415
Begin your career in health sciences with this entry-level course that will qualify you to become a pathology lab assistant.
Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more
Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more
There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more
This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.
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.
HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
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.
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
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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South Bank
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On Campus
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27 Jan 2026
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6 months
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Full time up to 5 days per week
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South BankOn Campus
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
27 Jan 2026
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.
Full time up to 5 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
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.
On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
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| CAMPUS | APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS | DELIVERY MODE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
South Bank
|
Traineeship
|
|
|
|
|
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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.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Learn moreThis may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Learn moreYou 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.
To enrol into this course you must:
In addition, you must:
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
If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.
Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 35 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Criminal History Check
Prior to placement you may need to complete a Criminal History Check (yellow card); this will be confirmed by your course educator.
If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.
Vaccination requirements
Mandatory vaccinations may be required by the owner or operator of the facility providing your placement. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.
It is recommended that you undertake screening for vaccination (and meet any costs incurred) against the following Queensland Health Mandatory vaccination requirements:
Further information will be provided to you at orientation.
Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
