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Train to become a qualified Pathology Collector with flexible online study, hands-on clinical workshops, and 35 hours of real clinical placement. Study around your life and graduate with a nationally recognised qualification.

Australia’s Pathology Training Specialists

PathLab Education trains the next generation of pathology collectors. Built on more than a decade of award-winning healthcare training experience, our courses help school leavers, career changers, parents returning to work, and healthcare workers gain real skills and real jobs.

You will learn online at your own pace, build hands-on skills at our campuses in NSW, QLD, and VIC, then put it all into practice on clinical placement with industry-leading pathology partners. Graduates leave ready to work as Pathology Collectors, Drug and Alcohol Collectors, Specimen Processing Officers, and Laboratory Assistants.

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HLT37525

Certificate III in Pathology (Pathology Collection)

Become a qualified Pathology Collector. Learn to safely collect blood and other specimens, perform ECG procedures, and conduct drug and alcohol testing, with the professional skills to deliver accurate results and quality patient care.

Duration

6 to 12 months

Study mode

Online study with in-person workshops, training days, and 35 hours of clinical placement

Leads to

Work as a Pathology Collector, or build toward further healthcare study

What Our Students Say

Real feedback from graduates who took their first step into healthcare through pathology collection training.

★★★★★

“I recently completed my 5 day Pathology Collection workshop at Burleigh Heads. I was extremely happy with my trainer Catherine who was knowledgeable, supportive and an excellent educator throughout the course, without her guidance, calm demeanor and positivity I would not have progressed with the positive outcome that I reached. I now look forward to moving forward into my placement and thank everyone at APC for their amazing service and support.”

Tracy Abraham

Certificate III in Pathology

★★★★★

“Iv just finished my cert iii in pathology collection and while im waiting to start my placement in 2 weeks i wanted to review my experience. As a solo mum of 3 young kids I was NERVOUS about being able to stay motivated with a lot of online learning and as iv studied with other providers before I was unsure about the level of support I’d get from the college. Needless to say I didn’t need to worry AT ALL. The content is clear and practical and is worded in a way that is easy to grasp and retain. Any questions for student success or trainers were always answered promptly and I never felt once like a question was too silly. I was fortunate to have Catherine as my trainer in Burleigh for my workshop days and it really made the experience for me. Training is her calling, I went from literally trembling doing my first blood draw to being filled with so much confidence and I whole heartedly believe that’s due to her calm, personable demeanour. No question is too silly, she is always happy to demonstrate and guide us and she really brought the class together so iv left with alot of new friendships. I’m genuinely sad my course is at its end and I recommend anyone else wanting to start, start with APC”

Lexie Dean

Certificate III in Pathology

4.9/5 average rating · 318 verified reviews · 2,500+ graduates

Your Pathway to Becoming a Pathology Collector

Five clear steps take you from your first online module to paid work in pathology collection.

Step 1

Learn online with flexibility around your schedule.

Step 2

Build hands-on skills at clinical workshops and training days.

Step 3

Gain real experience through 35 hours of clinical placement.

Graduate with a nationally recognised qualification

Start work as a Pathology Collector

Continue into further healthcare study

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions students ask us most about the course, study, and getting qualified.

How long does the course take?

Most students finish in 6 to 12 months. The online learning is self-paced, so how quickly you move through it is up to you.

Do I need any prior experience?

No prior experience or qualifications are needed. You must be at least 17 years old, with parental consent required if you are under 18, and have regular access to a computer and the internet.

Can I study online?

Yes. All theory is completed online at your own pace. Practical skills are then built in person at workshops, training days, and clinical placement in NSW, QLD, or VIC.

Is the training nationally recognised?

Yes. The HLT37525 Certificate III in Pathology (Pathology Collection) is nationally recognised across Australia and delivered under a Registered Training Organisation approved by ASQA.

What jobs can I get when I graduate?

Graduates work as Pathology Collectors (Phlebotomists), Drug and Alcohol Collectors, in specimen reception and processing roles, and as Laboratory Assistants across hospitals, clinics, labs, and mobile collection services.