Belinda brings new blood to the industry

After spending most of her career in pathology, from medical reception to being a qualified pathology collector/phlebotomist, she brings a wealth of industry experience to the Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215) course she teaches.

Her role is face-to-face teaching in the pathology collection stream's theoretical and practical areas.

"I was working in pathology as a trainer, and the opportunity at TAFE Queensland came up, and I was drawn to it. I pretended to be a teacher when I was young, so it's funny now that I am teaching what I'm passionate about," explained Belinda.

Belinda takes immense pride in passing her skills on to the next generation, teaching students the foundation knowledge to perform venous blood collections, including collecting pathology specimens other than blood and identifying and responding to clinical risks in pathology collection.

By guiding and mentoring her students through every step of their course and ensuring best practice delivery of theory and practical learning, Belinda ensures her students successfully transition into the health sector careers, something she finds particularly rewarding.

"Teaching is rewarding, and I think the best, the most rewarding part is the outcomes and the positive impact that we can have on a student's life."

She is often reminded of that positive impact when former students reach out, thanking her for helping them become successful pathology collectors.

"I often receive emails from graduates months or years after they've completed the course, thanking my team and me for helping them on their journey. They often say their training was crucial for their job outcome and that we made it enjoyable."

Belinda is also responsible for arranging for industry representatives to attend campus and present to the students, showcasing their organisation and discussing the role of a pathology collector, placements, and the recruiting process.

"It's very inspiring for our students to see an industry representative, in their uniform, talking about the job. It's exciting for them to think that that's the opportunity they will soon have," she explains.

Belinda also helps manage vocational placements, ensuring the right student is matched with the correct placement – making sure it's a win-win for everyone.

"We have clinic and hospital placements, so we make sure to match the best students with the appropriate location," she explains.

"Clinics and hospitals can be fast-paced and demanding environments to work in, while hospitals need students comfortable being around people who are often unwell, which can be a bit confronting, so it's about knowing my students, what their ambitions are and getting the balance right."

With the health industry growing and up to 25,000 pathology job openings expected in the next five years, Belinda suggests that anyone considering studying should take the leap.

"It's an enriching career with many transferable skills and an excellent way to work with people and patients. You don't need a healthcare background to enter the industry. You just need to be kind and compassionate.

"Through this qualification, my team and I will ensure you get the hands-on skills to work in a pathology collection centre or as a visiting pathology specimen collector. Don't think you can't do it because of the combination of the facilities, equipment, teachers and industry connection we have at TAFE Queensland - you can," concluded Belinda.