GOTAFE (Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE)
6 months
Master the essential skills of pathology collection in this 6-month hands-on qualification. Perfect for healthcare-focused individuals, you'll learn venous blood collection, specimen handling, infection control, and customer service while gaining real workplace experience through mandatory placement.
Applicants must complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to demonstrate required literacy and numeracy levels, and undertake a Pre-training Review interview. Before placement, you'll need a current National Police Check with no disclosable outcomes, a Working With Children's Check (Volunteer), and immunisations against Hepatitis B, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Varicella, and Boostrix. A minimum of 2 COVID vaccinations and a booster are strongly recommended. You should have good communication skills, ability to work in teams, basic digital literacy and numeracy, and physical stamina to stand for extended periods.
The course comprises 14 units: 9 core and 5 elective. Core units include Deliver a Service to Customers, Interpret and Apply Medical Terminology, Communicate and Work in Health or Community Services, Work with Diverse People, Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control, Identify and Respond to Clinical Risks in Pathology Collection, Perform Venous Blood Collections, Collect Pathology Specimens Other Than Blood, and Participate in Workplace Health and Safety. Elective units include Respond Effectively to Behaviours of Concern, Recognise Healthy Body Systems, Provide First Aid, Perform Electrocardiography (ECG), and Receive, Prepare and Dispatch Pathology Specimens. Assessment methods include short answer questions, quizzes, simulations, workbooks, and practical demonstrations.
GOTAFE is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) with national recognition and extensive experience in vocational education across Regional Victoria. The institute offers comprehensive student support services including learning support, counselling, disability support, and career guidance. With multiple campuses and flexible delivery options, GOTAFE provides accessible, quality training with strong industry connections and practical placement opportunities.
Upon completion, graduates are eligible for roles as Specimen Collection Officers, Laboratory Aides, Pathology Collectors, Pathology Assistants, Specimen Reception Assistants, and Operational Officers in pathology laboratories, hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Further study opportunities include the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021) and Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121), enabling progression into advanced healthcare roles and nursing careers.
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