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.
Choose your own schedule and fit study into your lifestyle or work roster
Developed by industry-trained and qualified healthcare experts
Learn alongside and be supported by your peers and APC’s dedicated team who are committed to helping you
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.
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.
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:
To be awarded the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology, you’ll need to complete the following 14 units
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.
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.
Clinical Workshops, prior to the time of booking:
Clinical Placement, prior to the time of placement:
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.
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.
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
Complete the form below to receive a comprehensive course overview
By downloading the course guide, you agree to our Privacy Policy. You can opt-out at any time.
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.
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.