Certificate III in Pathology

This qualification covers workers who undertake the collection of blood and other pathology specimens under supervision. It should be noted that this qualification does not cover collection of a range of specimens for specialised testing, collection of arterial blood gases or team leadership and training. This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.

Occupational titles for these workers may include:

Specimen collection officer

Pathology assistant

Laboratory aide

Specimen reception assistant

Pathology collector

Operational officer


Subjects

PACKAGING RULES

14 units of competency are required for award of this qualification, including:

6 core units

8 elective units, including:

Group A electives which are required for work in pathology collection

Group B electives - required for work in pathology assistance

Group C electives which are recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice

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

add topic BSBFLM303C Contribute to effective workplace relationships

add topic BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

add topic HLTFA301C Apply first aid

add topic HLTHIR301B Communicate and work effectively in health

add topic HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

add topic HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes

Group A electives - required for work in pathology collection

The following three (3) electives must be selected for pathology work involving collection:

add topic HLTPAT305C Operate efficiently within a pathology and specimen collection environment

add topic HLTPAT306C Perform blood collection

add topic HLTPAT308C Identify and respond to clinical risks associated with pathology specimen collection

Group B electives - required for work in pathology assistance

The following five (5) electives must be selected for work involving pathology assistance:

add topic BSBCUS301A Deliver and monitor a service to customers

add topic HLTPAT305C Operate efficiently within a pathology and specimen collection environment

add topic HLTPAT317B Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

add topic MSL953001A Receive and prepare samples for testing

add topic MSL973002A Prepare working solutions

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 C electives - recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice

Where work involves a specific focus on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and/or culturally diverse clients or communities, one or both of the following electives is recommended:

add topic HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

add topic HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Other relevant electives

Additional electives are to be selected in line with the specified Packaging Rules. The following list of relevant electives may facilitate selection. Employers may specify that certain electives are required to address identified workplace needs.

add topic AURS241608A Carry out cash and/or credit/funds transfer transactions

add topic BSBCMM201A Communicate in the workplace

add topic BSBCUS201A Deliver a service to customers

add topic BSBCUS301A Deliver and monitor a service to customers

add topic BSBINM301A Organise workplace information

add topic BSBINN201A Contribute to workplace innovation

add topic BSBWOR203A Work effectively with others

add topic BSBWOR204A Use business technology

add topic BSBWOR301A Organise personal work priorities and development

add topic HLTPAT301C Receive and prepare pathology specimens

add topic HLTPAT303C Transport specimens and blood products

add topic HLTPAT304C Collect pathology specimens other than blood

add topic HLTPAT315B Provide donor care

add topic HLTPAT316B Pack and consign blood products

add topic HLTRAH302B Undertake home visits

add topic MSL973003A Prepare culture media

add topic MSL973004A Perform aseptic techniques

add topic MSL973007A Perform microscopic examination

add topic MSL974006A Perform biological procedures

add topic MSL974011A Prepare tissue and cell cultures


Pathways...

    Not Applicable


Entry Requirements

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Refer to the Topic: Introduction to the Employability Skills Qualification Summaries