Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
The Certificate III in Pathology Assistance is designed to provide graduates with the essential skills and knowledge required to work as an entry level Laboratory Assistant, or Specimen Reception Assistant, within the health sector, typically in a clinical environment within a hospital or a pathology laboratory.
The course will be delivered using a combination of traditional face-to-face and blended online learning. Specialised staff from Swinburne University of Technology will be engaged to deliver current, relevant and contemporary curriculum. The format of the course has been developed to allow students the opportunity to have their practical applications assessed whilst performing tasks which reflect holistic tasks reflective of typical workplace tasks through role plays, simulations and practical skill labs utilising the equipment within a laboratory.
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Duration
6 months full time
Intakes
Hawthorn (August) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Certificate III in Pathology Assistance is designed to provide graduates with the essential skills and knowledge required to work as an entry level Laboratory Assistant or Specimen Reception Assistant within the health sector, typically in a clinical environment within a hospital or a pathology laboratory.
Students will complete 14 units of study including 6 electives which have been chosen to incorporate work related to simple laboratory tasks, to enable them to carefully handle and prepare samples appropriately for testing, in addition to complying with WHS and laboratory information management systems accreditation requirements and IT to deliver accurate and traceable results. Graduates can expect to work with other health care professionals such as nurses, allied health professionals, doctors and with diverse people.
The course will be delivered using a combination of traditional face-to-face and blended online learning. Specialised staff from Swinburne University of Technology will be engaged to deliver current, relevant and contemporary curriculum. The format of the course has been developed to allow students the opportunity to have their practical applications assessed whilst performing tasks which reflect holistic tasks reflective of typical workplace tasks through role plays, simulations and practical skill labs utilising the equipment within a laboratory.
Units have been selected in consultation with Industry to provide participants with the skills and knowledge required to work within industry.
Graduates can articulate into the Cert IV in Laboratory Techniques and will receive direct credit across a number of elective units.
Course structure
To be awarded in Certificate III in Pathology Assistance, competency must be achieved in a total of 14 units consisting of eight core and six elective units.
Units of study
Core units:
Communicate and work in health or community services (CHCCOM005)
Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001)
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately (BSBMED301)
Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control (HLTINF006)
Participate in workplace health and safety (HLTWHS001)
Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens (HLTPAT006)
Deliver a service to customers (BSBCUS201)
Use business technology (BSBWOR204)
Elective units:
Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose (MSL933001A)
Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives (MSL933002A)
Receive and prepare samples for testing (MSL953001A)
Record and present data (MSL922001A)
Perform aseptic techniques (MSL973004A)
Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance (MSL933004A)
Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance (MSL933004A)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
This course is targeted at applicants seeking to change career or return to work, or who wish to gain entry level employment in pathology laboratory related work places in roles such as Pathology Assistants or Specimen Reception staff.
Aims and objectives
The aim of this course is to equip students with the skills and basic underpinning knowledge to follow known routines and procedures, taking responsibility for their own work under general supervision.
Graduate skills
On completion of this course students will have the competence to meet the entry level technological and administrative demands of pathology assistance.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Certificate III in Pathology AssistanceEstimated course fees for 2023* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $4,590 | $1,720 | $344 |
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 460.
Entry requirements
Students must bring their own lab coats, which may be purchased from the Swinburne University bookshop.