This qualification covers workers who undertake the collection of blood and other pathology specimens for routine and specialised testing. Workers at this level are expected to have an in depth knowledge and may work with clients with complex needs. This qualification also coversworkers that assist with the receipt and processing of pathology samples through the pre-analytical phase. Supervision may be direct, indirect or remote and must occur within organisation requirements

This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.

Occupational titles for these workers may include:

Core units

HLTHIR402D Contribute to organisational effectiveness in the health industry

HLTHIR405B Show leadership in health technical work

HLTHIR506C Implement and monitor compliance with legal and ethical requirements

Group A electives - must be selected for specialisation in pathology collection

The following two (2) electives must be selected for work involving a specialisation in pathology collection:

HLTPAT410D Collect pathology specimens other than blood for specialised testing (Note pre-requ: HLTPAT304D )

HLTPAT411D Perform blood collection for specialised testing (Note pre-requ: HLTPAT306D )

Group B electives - must be selected for specialisation in pathology assistance

The following three (3) electives must be selected for work involving a specialisation in pathology assistance:

HLTPAT419C Perform pathology tests

MSL924002A Use laboratory application software

MSL974006A Perform biological procedures (Note pre-requ MSL973004A Perform aseptic techniques and MSL973007A Perform microscopic examination)

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:

HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

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

Other relevant electives

Additional electives are to be selected in line with specified Packaging Rules. The following grouping of electives is intended to facilitate selection. Electives may be selected from one or more groups and employers may specify that certain electives are required to address specific workplace needs.

HLTIN403C Implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures

HLTWHS456A Identify, assess and control WHS risk in own work

Specialist collection

HLTAP301B Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context

HLTCA402D Perform holter monitoring (Note pre-requ: HLTCA401D )

HLTPAT407D Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

HLTPAT409D Perform intravenous cannulation for sample collection

HLTPAT412D Collect arterial blood samples

HLTPAT414D Measure spirometry/flow volume loop

HLTPAT420B Perform specialist and technically difficult collections(Note pre-requ: HLTPAT411D Perform blood collection for specialised testing

HLTRAH302C Undertake home visits

HLTMAMP402C Assist with clinical procedures in a medical practice (Note pre-requ:HLTFA311A Apply first aid)

Pathology assistance

HLTPAT413D Assist with pathology procedures

MSL935001A Monitor the quality of test results and data

MSL975001A Perform microbiological tests

MSL975002A Perform haematological tests

MSL975003A Perform histological tests

MSL975004A Perform chemical pathology tests

MSL975006A Perform immunohaematological tests

MSL975013A Perform tissue and cell culture techniques

MSL975014A Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

Team leadership and supervision

BSBCUS401B Coordinate implementation of customer service strategies

BSBINN301A Promote innovation in a team environment

BSBMGT403A Implement continuous improvement

BSBWOR401A Establish effective workplace relationships

BSBWOR402A Promote team effectiveness

FNSRTS308A Balance cash holdings

HLTWHS401A Maintain WHS workplace processes

MSL934002A Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

SITXHRM003A Roster staff

Workplace training and assessment

CHCCS427B Facilitate adult learning and development

TAEASS401B Plan assessment activities and processes

TAEASS402B Assess competence

TAEASS403B Participate in assessment validation

TAEASS502B Design and develop assessment tools

TAEDEL301A Provide work skill instruction

TAEDEL402A Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace

Entry requirements

To gain entry into the HLT41812 Certificate IV in Pathology candidates must demonstrate competence through a recognised training program or recognition process, in the following (4) units of competency from HLT32607 Certificate III inPathology:

BSBMED301B Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

HLTHIR301C Communicate and work effectively in health

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTWHS300A Contribute to WHS processes

Plus one of the following group of units, depending on whether the work role is pathology collection or pathology assistance:

Pathology Collection

HLTFA311A Apply first aid

HLTPAT304D Collect specimens other than blood

HLTPAT305D Operate efficiently within a pathology and specimen collection environment

HLTPAT306D Perform blood collection

HLTPAT308D Identify and respond to clinical risks associated with pathology specimen collection

OR

Pathology Assistance

BSBCUS301B Deliver and monitor a service to customers

HLTPAT317C Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

MSL953001A Receive and prepare samples for testing

MSL973002A Prepare working solutions

MSL973007A Perform microscopic examination

MSL973004A Perform aseptic techniques

Not Applicable

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