This qualification covers workers who maintain a mortuary service and assist in autopsies in a hospital or forensic mortuary. Some workers may also be involved in receiving and storing tissues as part of a Tissue Bank role.
This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeships pathways.
Occupational titles for these workers may include:
Mortuary technician | Mortuary assistant |
Pathology technician | Post mortem assistant |
Mortuary attendant |
PACKAGING RULES 15 units of competency are required for award of this qualification, including: 10 core units 5 elective units A wide range of elective units is available, including: Group A electives for culturally aware and respectful practice - at least one unit required Group B electives which are required for work in mortuary theatre practice Group C elective which is recommended for mortuary technicians with pathology museum duties Group D elective which is recommended for mortuary technicians who need to operate sterilisers Other relevant electives listed below Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Health and/or Community Services Training Packages Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, up to 2 units of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages or accredited courses where the details of those courses are available on the NTIS or other public listing |
Core units
HLTAP301B Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context
HLTHIR301B Communicate and work effectively in health
HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
HLTMS208C Handle waste in a health care environment
HLTMT303C Maintain a mortuary service
HLTMT304C Assist with autopsy
HLTMT306C Maintain, clean and store autopsy equipment
HLTMT307A Clean location to achieve low bacteria status
HLTMT310C Collect, preserve and store post mortem samples
HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes
The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice
All workers undertaking work in health need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Health Training Package.
Group A electives - at least one unit required for culturally aware and respectful practice
At least one of the following units is required for this qualification. Where work involves a specific focus on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and/or culturally diverse clients or communities, both units are recommended.
HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Group B electives - required for work in mortuary theatre practice
The following units or units with equivalent competency outcomes are required to work in mortuary theatre practice.
BSBFLM303C Contribute to effective workplace relationships
HLTAMBPD401C Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Group C elective - recommended for mortuary technicians with pathology museum duties
The following unit is recommended for mortuary technicians who are required to undertake pathology museum duties.
HLTMT305C Maintain and record tissue sample collection
Group D elective - recommended for mortuary technicians who operate sterilisers
The following unit is recommended for mortuary technicians who are required to operate sterilisers.
SIFMWK003A Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment
Other relevant electives
Electives are to be selected in line with the specified Packaging Rules. Employers may specify that certain electives are required to address identified workplace needs. Relevant electives may also be identified in the Health, Laboratory Operations, Funeral Services, Business Services and/or Public Sector Training Packages.
HLTMT411B Screen tissue donors
HLTMT412B Receive, store and track evidence
HLTPAT302C Assist with microbiology testing
HLTPAT303C Transport specimens and blood products
MSL973004A Perform aseptic techniques
MSL973007A Perform microscopic examination
MSL974006A Perform biological procedures (Note pre-requs: MSL973004A and MSL973007A )
MSL974011A Prepare tissue and cell cultures
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Refer to the Topic: Introduction to the Employability Skills Qualification Summaries