HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection

Become a qualified Pathology Collector and step into Australia’s growing healthcare industry. Flexible online study, hands-on training, and real-world clinical placement.

Course overview

HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection

Earn a nationally recognised qualification will qualify you to become a Pathology Collector. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or expand scope to your existing healthcare role, this course provides you with the essential knowledge and practical experience you need to thrive.

This course equips you with the skills to safely and effectively collect blood and other specimens, including drug and alcohol testing, and perform ECG procedures. Students will develop professional skills in medical terminology, patient communication, and adhering to industry standards to ensure specimen integrity and accurate results.

How it works

  • Flexible online study and expert guidance from trainers who are qualified and experienced medics and paramedics.
  • One 5-day clinical workshop, and five 1-day training days at our NSW or QLD campus locations where you’ll apply your learning in a practical, hands-on environment.
  • 35 hours of clinical placement with our industry-leading partners.

   

Flexible study

Choose your own schedule and fit study into your lifestyle or work roster

Quality education & training

Developed by industry-trained and qualified healthcare experts

Supportive community

Learn alongside and be supported by your peers and APC’s dedicated team who are committed to helping you 

Overview

Location

Available to students in NSW and QLD

Delivery mode

Flexible eLearning, with 5 x 1-day training days, 1 x 5-day clinical workshop, and 35 hours of clinical placement

Course duration

6-12 months

Upcoming intake

Applications now open

Why choose a career in Pathology Collection?

Australia’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly — and trained pathology collectors are in greater demand than ever.

Pathology collection offers a meaningful, stable, and flexible career path. As a pathology collector, you’ll work directly with patients, collecting blood and other specimens essential for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Your role will directly contribute to better health outcomes, making a real difference every day.

Whether you’re launching your career, returning to the workforce, or seeking a rewarding new direction, this qualification opens doors to opportunities across hospitals, pathology labs, clinics, and community health services nationwide.

If you’re ready for a career that combines technical skill, patient care, and long-term security, pathology collection could be the perfect fit.

Is this course right for you?

If you’re looking for a career where compassion and technical skill come together to make a real difference in patient care, pathology collection could be your perfect starting point. This qualification also provides a strong foundation for those aiming to pursue further study and careers as a Nurse, Medic, Laboratory Technician, or other healthcare professional.

This course is an ideal choice for:

  • New entrants to healthcare seeking a practical and accessible way to begin their career

  • University students studying health-related degrees who want paid clinical experience alongside their studies

  • Parents and caregivers who need flexible work options that fit around family commitments

  • Career changers and former healthcare workers looking to re-enter the workforce in a less physically demanding role

With opportunities to work part-time, casually, or on flexible shifts, a career in pathology collection offers an excellent work–life balance while providing valuable experience in a fast-growing, high-demand industry.


Course Structure

What you’ll learn

The HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection provides the comprehensive training to become a skilled pathology collector, providing essential services for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Students will learn to collect blood and non-blood specimens, including drug and alcohol testing, and perform ECG procedures. Students will develop professional skills in medical terminology, patient communication, and adhering to industry standards to ensure specimen integrity and accurate results.

This course covers a variety of skills required for a career in Pathology Collection, including:

  • How to confirm collection requirements, prepare client and equipment, and perform routine blood collections using all three methods of venipuncture.
  • How to perform routine collections for specimens other than blood e.g. swabs, breath tests, DNA, skin scrapings and prepare them for dispatch.
  • How to collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing (including alcohol breath testing) as per the Australian and New Zealand Standards.
  • How to conduct electrocardiography (ECG) procedures.
  • How to understand and use medical terminology correctly, and how to talk like a healthcare professional.
  • How to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and others.
  • How to perform first aid and gain life saving skills.
  • The skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices.
  •  

How you’ll learn

We provide an award-winning online learning experience that adapts to your lifestyle. In 2024, we were proud to receive the Training Excellence Award, at the Australian Business Awards for our course design, which underscores the quality and relevance of our training.

With our flexible online platform, you can complete your units and assessments anytime, anywhere, giving you the freedom to study at your own pace. The platform is designed to engage you through dynamic content and interactive modules, providing a strong theoretical foundation in Pathology Collection. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or balancing work and study, our online system allows you to learn wherever it’s most convenient for you.

Our online learning is paired with expert support and resources to help you succeed. You’ll have everything you need to complete your coursework and prepare for the hands-on elements of the program, like workshops and clinical placements.

Clinical Workshops are a key component of the course, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned online in a hands-on environment. These workshops are held in cutting-edge facilities across New South Wales and Queensland. Here, you’ll practice real-world skills and gain vital experience in Pathology Collection scenarios. The one 5-day workshop, and five 1-day training days will give you the opportunity to refine both your theoretical and practical knowledge, which is widely considered one of the most valuable aspects of the course.

As part of your training, you’ll complete 35 hours of Clinical Placement, where you’ll gain practical, on-the-job experience in real-world Pathology Collection settings. You’ll have the chance to work alongside industry professional apply your learning in a working environment.

APC will organise Pathology placement at dedicated Industry Partner sites across NSW & QLD. Not only will this provide hands-on experience, but students have often received job offers during their placement, as employers often use this time to evaluate potential candidates. 


Entry Requirements

To be admitted to this course, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. When reviewing your application, we consider these factors to ensure you are prepared for both the academic and practical components of the course.

  • Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Education & Experience: No prior experience of qualifications required.
  • Residency: Applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident, or hold an approved temporary visa.
  • Technology: Applicants must have regular access to a computer and internet, and be comfortable with online study.
  • Language, Literacy, and Numeracy: A short quiz will assess basic English and math skills to ensure students are prepared for the course.

Clinical Workshops, prior to the time of booking:

  • Students must complete all required theoretical components prior to booking their attendance at a clinical workshop.
  • Students are required to purchase black safety boots (usually around $40-50) and navy blue work pants (usually around $20-30) for their clinical workshop and placement. Students will be provided with an APC teeshirt, and may purchase additional tee-shirts (optional).  

Clinical Placement, prior to the time of placement:

  • Hepatitis B vaccination, Working with Children (WWC) Check, and a Police Check are required by placement providers.
  • Students are responsible for any costs related to these requirements and must ensure they meet the placement provider’s criteria.

Credit Transfer & RPL

Both CT and RPL offer valuable opportunities to help you complete your course faster. Speak to an APC course advisor today to determine your eligibility and find out how we can help you accelerate your studies.

Credit Transfer is available to students who have previously completed units of study that are equivalent to those in the HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection. Successful CT applications can reduce your course fees and may shorten the duration of your studies by giving you credit for units you have already completed.

RPL is available for students who have gained skills and knowledge through work experience or informal training. After you’ve enrolled in the course, an RPL application can be submitted to assess whether your prior learning aligns with the course competencies. While RPL may reduce the number of units you need to complete, it does not affect the price of your course. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure that your experience is accurately recognised and assessed.


Funding Options

If you haven’t connected with an APC Course Advisor yet to discuss course fees, we would recommend you to do so to ensure you know the best payment options to invest in your future. In the meantime, explore our course funding options listed below.

Many students choose to pay for their course upfront as it allows for stress-free finances while working towards a new career or upskilling in the workplace. By paying upfront, you can focus entirely on your education without any ongoing financial obligations.  

If you’re unsure how to finance your studies, APC’s payment plans are a popular and easy-to-apply option.

When you speak with your APC Course Advisor, they’ll walk you through the available options and help you customise a plan fit to your needs. Whether you prefer weekly or fortnightly payments or want flexibility in the repayment duration, we can tailor the schedule to suit your financial situation. Plus, you have the option to make bulk payments if you wish to pay off your course sooner.


Employment Pathways

From APC student to employed Pathology Collector

Graduates of the HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection will be well-prepared to step into a range of roles within the growing healthcare and diagnostic testing sector across Australia. Career opportunities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Pathology Collector (Phlebotomist)

  • Drug and Alcohol Collector

  • Specimen Reception/Processing Roles

  • Laboratory Assistant

Graduates are qualified to collect and handle medical specimens, support patient care, and work in diverse settings—from hospitals and pathology clinics to mobile collection services and home visits.

Looking to specialise? This course includes the nationally recognised HLTPAT005 unit, Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing, equipping you for high-demand roles in workplace screening and drug and alcohol testing across Australia and New Zealand.

Pathology Collection is more than a job—it’s a career that makes a difference. Start here, and you could go on to become a Medic, Nurse, or Laboratory Technician with further study.


I chose APC because of the flexible learning. I prefer online study and can set my own pace, which is great with my unpredictable work hours. The support has been fantastic, and even with placement, the team is always there to help if you need assistance.

Tyler Franklin, APC Graduate

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Trusted by Students and Industry Leaders

Thousands of students have chosen APC to launch their careers in emergency healthcare. We’re also trusted by major employers across Australia and New Zealand—many of whom hire directly from our graduate pool. Read what our students have to say on Google and Trustpilot.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply using through our application form and one of our experienced Career Advisors will give you a call to discuss your pre-hospital healthcare course options and answer any questions you have.