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HLT37215

Certificate III in Pathology Collection

Begin your career in health science with this entry-level course that will qualify you to become a pathology specimen collector.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Far North Queensland North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 15 Apr 2024 Duration: 6 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$2,480
Subsidised
$3,130
Full Fee
$6,170
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Start your career in health with this entry-level course. The health industry is growing with up to 25,000 job openings expected in pathology in the next five years. This qualification will ensure you have the hands-on skills needed to work in a pathology collection centre or as a visiting pathology specimen collector.

This course will give you the foundation knowledge to perform venous and capillary blood collections, collect specimens other than blood, and collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing. 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 specimen collector.

What can I do?

  • Pathology Collector

Course outcome:

HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection

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. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 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
  • HLTPAT001
    Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTPAT001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise client risk factors, identify emergency situations and provide emergency or first aid response to client reactions associated with pathology specimen collection.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTPAT002
    Perform venous blood collections
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTPAT002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm collection requirements, prepare client and equipment, and perform routine blood collections using venous blood collection.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Perform venous blood collections

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTPAT004
    Collect pathology specimens other than blood
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTPAT004
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm collection requirements, prepare client and equipment and make routine pathology specimen collections.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Collect pathology specimens other than blood

  • 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
  • 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
08 Jul 2024
22 weeks
Full time up to 5 days per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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. 

08 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

22 weeks

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
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport
On campus with some online
15 Apr 2024
6 months
Full time with online content Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekly on campus workshops plus residential schools
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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. 

15 Apr 2024

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 with online content Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekly on campus workshops plus residential schools

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

Southport
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
6 months
Full time with online content. Weekly on campus workshops plus residential schools
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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. 

08 Jul 2024

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 with online content. Weekly on campus workshops plus residential schools

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

Southport
On campus with some online
30 Sep 2024
6 months
Full time with online content. Weekly on campus workshops plus residential schools
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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. 

30 Sep 2024

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 with online content. Weekly on campus workshops plus residential schools

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Cairns
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
6 months
Full time - Zoom session Monday evening and on campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am -3.00pm
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
demo

Cairns

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. 

08 Jul 2024

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 - Zoom session Monday evening and on campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am -3.00pm

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

Cairns
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
6 months
Full time - Zoom session Monday evening and on campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am -3.00pm
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
demo

Cairns

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. 

28 Jan 2025

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 - Zoom session Monday evening and on campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am -3.00pm

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

Cairns
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
6 months
Full time - Zoom session Monday evening and on campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am -3.00pm
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
demo

Cairns

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. 

14 Jul 2025

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 - Zoom session Monday evening and on campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am -3.00pm

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Townsville - Pimlico
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
6 months
Full time: Zoom session Monday 5.00pm. On Campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
demo

Townsville - Pimlico

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. 

08 Jul 2024

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: Zoom session Monday 5.00pm. On Campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

Townsville - Pimlico
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
6 months
Full time: Zoom session Monday 5.00pm. On Campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
demo

Townsville - Pimlico

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. 

28 Jan 2025

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: Zoom session Monday 5.00pm. On Campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

Townsville - Pimlico
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
6 months
Full time: Zoom session Monday 5.00pm. On Campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
demo

Townsville - Pimlico

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. 

14 Jul 2025

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: Zoom session Monday 5.00pm. On Campus - Thursday and Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,480
  • Subsidised: $3,130
  • Full fee: $6,170
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.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

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.

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 Collection (HLT37215)
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

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

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.

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 $25.00.

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

Placement

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.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This course requires you to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check to be eligible to attend the vocational placement assessment component of your studies.

Prior to Placement, you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:

  • You must complete your online NDIS Worker Screening Clearance application at this link - NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU), and nominate TAFE Queensland as your employer. There is no cost to students. TAFE Queensland will verify each student.
  • Students must also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules/approximately 90 minutes in total). Upon completion, students will need to provide their Certificate of Completion to both TAFE Queensland and their placement provider.
  • If you work with children on Placement, you will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check. This is called Blue Card in Queensland or you will need the equivalent if you are completing your Placement outside of Queensland.
  • Please note: you can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU).

If your 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 Placement Coordinator for further information.

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application.  For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.

Vaccination requirements 
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

You will not be able to commence Vocational Placement unless you have provided the following evidence:

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Minimum two doses. You must provide evidence of immunity (provide a serology/blood test result indicating immunity) or evidence of a minimum of two documented doses (vaccinations) of MMR at least one month apart.
  • Hepatitis B: Minimum two doses. You must provide evidence of Hep B vaccination for a minimum of two doses and a serology to confirm current immune status. A third vaccination is required; please see below for details regarding the Australian Guidelines:
    • Commence a Hepatitis B course which is 3 injections (0, 1 and 6 months) with positive serology supplied 4-6 weeks following 3rd vaccination or supply evidence of an Age-appropriate Hep B course.
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox): Minimum one dose. You must provide documented history of vaccination or evidence of immunity (serology/blood test report).
  • Pertussis: One dose. You must provide documented history of one adult dose of dTpa within the past ten years (pathology reports are not acceptable evidence for pertussis).
  • Influenza Vaccination: Annual vaccination.
  • COVID-19 vaccination (strongly recommended)

You may be required to provide evidence of immunity and / or vaccinations depending on the requirements of the placement provider.

You may be required to complete live bleeds and perform venipuncture on fellow students or volunteers during the course.

Further information will be provided to you at orientation.

Important information

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.

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 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