The job role of a pathology collector is much in demand in Australia. According to a report, 500 million pathology tests are conducted in Australia every year. Isn’t that massive? These tests play a crucial role in helping doctors successfully diagnose 70% of medical cases.

So, if you are opting to study pathology, consider that pathology collectors are in the front line of the medical profession. They take blood and/or other samples from patients, carefully label them and then send them to the laboratory for analysis.

Pathology collection may offer you a rewarding career but it’s going to be challenging too. Here are a few pointers that will help you make up your mind:

Why choose Pathology Collection as a career?

According to a report, the market size of the pathology services industry in Australia has grown 2.5% per year on an average between 2017 and 2022. In 2022 alone, the market size is projected to increase by 3.5%. These figures tell you that there is immense potential if you do decide to choose pathology collection as a career. The average salary of a pathology collector in Australia is AU$ 53,903 per year (Source: au.talent.com).

Apart from the financial angle, as a pathology collector, you also get to help people find answers to their health problems. Many pathology collectors consider this part extremely important. Also, you sometimes have to reassure patients who are nervous and scared about the testing process. Patients look up to you. They trust you. And you get the satisfaction of doing your job well.

What does a Pathology Collector exactly do?

After you complete your pathology course, you may find yourself working at a hospital or a collection center. You might even have to travel to patients’ homes to carry out the pathology tests and collect the specimens. In the process, you will have to extract, collect blood, urine, faeces, swabs, etc. Of course, when you study pathology, you will be trained in all these, including infection prevention.

What qualities do you need to be a Pathology Collector?

To be efficient in your job as a pathology collector, you would need:

• Good communication skills, both written and spoken
• A calm and sympathetic mind
• Practical experience
• Steady hands
• Attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately

So, what are the challenges?

Working as a pathology collector is like working in a fast-paced environment. There are appointments to keep and deadlines to meet. At the same time, you will have to be people-focused. You have to treat every one of your patients as important. No two patients are the same. Some will be easy while others may give you a tough time.

What course to study?

The certificate in pathology collection course equips you with the skills and knowledge to work as a pathology collector. It is a nationally renowned professional accreditation that focuses on the factual, technical, and procedural knowledge of the concepts required to undertake personal visits to collect specimens from patients at home or at institutions.

The Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) is one of the leading providers of comprehensive health and nursing education in Australia. IHNA offers the pathology course — Certificate III in Pathology Collection.

Since as a pathology collector you are required to practice discretion and judgment, IHNA’s approach to teaching will prepare you to confidently communicate and provide the required customer service to your patients. Your learning will blend theoretical knowledge with relevant practical knowledge so that you’re ready to enter the healthcare industry.

FAQ’s What is the job of a pathology collector?

After you complete your pathology course, you may find yourself working at a hospital or at a collection centre as a pathology collector. You might even have to travel to patients’ homes to carry out the pathology tests and collect the specimens. In the process, you will have to extract, collect blood, urine, feces, swabs, etc.

What is certificate 3 in pathology?

One of the courses offered by IHNA is the pathology course — Certificate III in Pathology Collection.. The certificate in pathology collection course equips you with the skills and knowledge to work as a pathology collector. It is a professional accreditation in Australia that focuses on the factual, technical, and procedural knowledge of the concepts required to undertake personal visits to collect specimens from patients at home or at institutions.

How do I start a career in pathology?

You can start by opting for IHNA’s Certificate III in Pathology Collection course. Since as a pathology collector you are required to practice discretion and judgment, IHNA’s approach to teaching will prepare you to confidently communicate and provide the required customer service to your patients. Your learning will blend theoretical knowledge with relevant practical knowledge so that you’re ready to enter the healthcare industry. We wish you all the best!

We wish you all the best!