1. What are the entry requirements for the courses?

To enrol in our courses, you must have a good understanding of written and verbal English and maths, also known as language, literacy and numeracy (LLN). All students are required to undertake an LLN assessment before starting their course. While not a prerequisite, we strongly recommend that all students be immunised for Hepatitis A and B, MMR and TB before enrolling.

Additionally, all students must provide the following documents upon enrolment:

- Completed enrolment forms

- Unique Student Identifier (USI) number

- Photo ID

- Proof of residency (Birth Certificate, Passport, Green Medicare Card, or Citizenship Certificate)

- Language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment

- Emergency contact details

2. Are these courses available online or in person?

While some theoretical components may be available online, both HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection and HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance require in-person attendance for practical training and assessment. The HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course is typically delivered in a blended format, where students complete an online learning module before attending a face-to-face practical session to demonstrate their skills.

3. How long does it take to complete each course?

The HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection and HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance generally take 6 months to complete. The HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course is much shorter and can typically be completed in one day.

4. Do I need to complete work placement?

Yes, for both HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection and HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance, students are required to complete a practical work placement. This is typically around 35 hours and takes place in a clinical or laboratory setting to ensure students gain hands-on experience. For the HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course, work placement is not required; however, students must successfully demonstrate practical first aid skills in a supervised training environment.

5. Will I get a nationally recognised qualification?

Yes, all three courses are nationally accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This means that upon successful completion, the qualification is recognised across Australia and can be used to gain employment or further studies in the healthcare field.

6. What’s the difference between Pathology Collection and Pathology Assistance?

The HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection is designed for those who want to become pathology collectors or phlebotomists, focusing on collecting blood and other specimens from patients. This course includes venepuncture training and teaches students how to interact with patients professionally. The HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance, on the other hand, is geared towards individuals who want to work in a laboratory setting, assisting with specimen processing, handling, and preparation. While both courses involve working with pathology specimens, the main difference is that pathology collectors focus on direct patient interaction, whereas pathology assistants work primarily in a laboratory environment.

7. What kind of jobs can I get after completing these courses?

Graduates of the HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection can work as phlebotomists, pathology collectors, or specimen collectors in hospitals, pathology clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. Those who complete the HLT37415 Certificate III in Pathology Assistance can pursue roles as pathology assistants, laboratory assistants, or specimen reception staff, where they will primarily handle and process medical samples rather than collect them from patients.

8. Do I need to buy my own equipment?

No, we provide students with all the equipment they will need for each course. This includes items required for practical training, such as needles, blood collection tubes, gloves, and first aid materials. However, students may need to wear appropriate attire, such as closed-toe shoes, especially during work placement.

9. How often do I need to renew my First Aid certification?

The HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certification is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed to remain current. However, the CPR component of the course must be refreshed every 12 months to ensure individuals maintain competency in performing CPR techniques.