Overview
Learning Objectives Overview
The healthcare industry relies on the support of pathology collectors in order to test and respond to individual health concerns.
The Certificate III in Pathology Collection is a 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.
Because this work requires discretion and judgement, our approach to teaching will prepare you to confidently communicate and provide customer service and technical skills. Your learning will blend theoretical with relevant practical knowledge so that you’re ready to enter the healthcare industry.


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Course Duration
6 Months
AQF Level
3
Study Mode
international
Delivery Locations
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
Course Start Dates
03
March
2026
Additional Details
Course Overview
The Certificate III in Pathology Collection equips individuals with the necessary skills required to collect, handle, and transport blood and other specimens for diagnostic testing. The course covers areas such as specimen collection techniques, infection control and effective communication with patients. Graduates are prepared for roles as Pathology Collectors or Phlebotomists and can work in different healthcare settings, such as private and public pathology centres, hospitals, clinics, and client residences.
Why study Certificate III in Pathology Collection at IHNA?
- Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
- Guaranteed Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
- Monthly Intakes: New Batches Starting Every Month
- Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
- Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments
Course structure
Unit code | Unit Name |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately |
HLTAID011 | Provide first aid |
BSBCUS201 | Deliver a service to customers |
HLTPAT001 | Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection |
HLTPAT002 | Perform venous blood collections |
HLTPAT004 | Collect pathology specimens other than blood |
HLTPAT006 | Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens |
HLTCAR001 | Perform electrocardiography (ECG) |
CHCCCS027 | Visit client residence |
How can I become a Pathology Collector?
IHNA offers the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection. This course is suitable for those seeking a career as a pathology collector or phlebotomist.
What does a Pathology Collector do?
Pathology collectors play an important role in healthcare by collecting samples from patients for tests. These include blood, urine, faeces, sputum, swabs, and other samples depending on the test required. Their duties include explaining procedures to patients, following infection control protocols, and collecting samples with minimal discomfort. They are responsible for accurately handling, labelling, and preparing samples for testing, recording patient and specimen details, maintaining and cleaning equipment, and communicating with patients to provide reassurance and address any concerns. Additionally, after receiving further training, pathology collectors may perform Electrocardiograms (ECGs), manage Holter monitors (portable devices for tracking heart rhythms), and conduct blood pressure monitoring.
Mode of Delivery
Students are required to attend 20 contact hours per week physically at the campus and professional experience placements.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP)
Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is a mandatory component of the Certificate III in Pathology Collection qualification. IHNA guarantees PEP for all students who meet the required criteria outlined in the Entry Requirements. Students are required to complete 35 hours of practical placement under the supervision of a workplace supervisor at an approved facility.
During the PEP, students will apply essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency in each unit of the qualification. An IHNA trainer and assessor will monitor the student’s progress throughout the PEP. While IHNA arranges all PEPs, students may opt to arrange their own placement, subject to agreement and prior consultation with the course coordinator.
Note: IHNA will arrange placements for students, aiming to keep them as close to their suburbs as possible. However, there may be occasions when this isn’t feasible, resulting in longer travel distances than expected. If a student fails to meet the PEP requirements, they may be excluded from placement, and IHNA will not be held responsible for such exclusions.
Entry Requirements
IHNA Admission Requirements
General Admission Criteria:
- Successful completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent.
- Must be 18 years or older at the start of the course.
- Pass the Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) test at ACSF level 3.
- English proficiency requirements:
- IELTS (Academic) – 6.0 overall or equivalent *
*Students are required to meet the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements for student visa applications, which may differ from the above course entry requirements. For more information:- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
- IELTS (Academic) – 6.0 overall or equivalent *
To learn more about Exceptions to English Language Proficiency Test requirements, click here
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)
All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.
Digital Literacy:- Basic computer skills including file management, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, information retrieval, and understanding the social and ethical implications of Internet use.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements:
- Satisfactory National Police Clearance (NCC) or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate.
- Required immunisations.
- Working with Children Check (WWCC).
- Valid NDIS Worker Screening Check.
(Students are encouraged to disclose any disabilities, disorders, or medications that may require reasonable adjustments to help us provide appropriate support.)
How is the Course Assessed?
Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:
- Theory Assessments (TA)
- Knowledge Based Assessments (KBA)
- Simulation Based Assessments (SBA)
- Professional Experience Placement (PEP)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
Credit Transfer(CT)
We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.
If you are eligible for RPL or CT, you may be able to finish the course faster and reduce the total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.
Ready to Apply?
- Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
- Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
- Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
- Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
- Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.
Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.
Pathways
Relevant Courses for Comprehensive Learning.
- Certificate III in Laboratory Skills.
- Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
- Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology)
Explore opportunities
-
Pathology Specimen Collector
-
Phlebotomist
-
Pathology Specimen Receptionist/ Administrative assistant
Fees
Know about Fee Structure and Fundings in
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
The total tuition cost for international students for the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection is: AUD $8,000
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
The total tuition cost for international students for the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection is: AUD $8,000
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
The total tuition cost for international students for the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection is: AUD $8,000
Attention Students
We would like to inform you about a recent surge in cyber scams. Your security is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you stay safe from potential threats.
Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.
For IHNA’s students, it’s good to know that IHNA’s bank account details are not shared through email. Instead, the information is accessible through the secure Student Hub under Student Invoice & Payment. This method ensures that only authorised users with secure login credentials can access and view the information.
Additionally, making payments through the IHNA website provides another secure option for transactions, ensuring that personal and financial details are handled in a safe and protected environment.
For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels (accounts@ihna.edu.au) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.
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