Pathology is one of the fastest-growing healthcare sectors, with a workforce of approximately 24,000 across Australia. Pathology results, which include blood tests and urine, saliva, tissue and other non-blood samples, provide medical professionals with important information for diagnosing and treating their patients. A vital role within the pathology industry is pathology collectors.
Pathology collectors play an important role in helping medical professionals collect the required samples for testing. You'll most likely work as a pathology collector in a hospital or suburban collection centre. You might even travel to the homes of those who are housebound or to onsite workplaces such as construction sites, aged care facilities and more.
Working in pathology collection means working some of the most sociable hours available in a healthcare role. Many roles are part-time, and pathology collection facilities typically run earlier or later shifts to ensure that samples can be returned to the laboratory for analysis or secure storage before the day ends. This flexibility allows you to balance your work life with other commitments. Pathology is a 24 hour business.
Healthcare roles are suitable for people who enjoy providing care for others. You'll likely flourish in a pathology role if you're naturally sympathetic and find it easy to talk to people. You'll see patients from all walks of life, and you'll have the chance to speak to them daily. You'll enjoy the same close contact with patients that nurses do, but due to the nature of the role, you'll often see many more different people within a single day.
Many roles in healthcare, such as registered nursing, require you to have gained clinical experience in a relaxed setting. This makes a pathology collection course ideal for prospective healthcare professionals looking to get their foot in the door.
For example, the HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection course takes about 22 weeks, giving you a quick way to become qualified as a pathology collector and gain essential clinical experience towards advancing your career and seeking more senior roles.
The work of a pathology collector is critical in diagnosing and treating illness, and in the advancement of medicine. You'll contribute to an important diagnostic process as a pathology collector. Your work will also require a specific set of specialised skills, including:
Your work will facilitate other peoples' roles, from laboratory staff to doctors, who need your critical input to diagnose their patients. Samples are often used in medical research studies to contribute to and advance knowledge of diseases and treatments. In essence, the role of a pathology collector is a critical link in a broader chain.
Pathology collectors work in various settings, including collection centres, doctors' offices, hospitals, pop-up clinics and mobile blood vans. You could find work in many facilities across Australia, giving you a lot of choices when finding work or relocating. Examples include:
Through further studying and experience, a pathology collector can extend to various types of other roles. Some examples include:
Pathology collectors require excellent interpersonal communication abilities, patience and compassion to deal directly with patients. You'll also be required to have organisational skills and an eye for accuracy when documenting and labelling samples. Pathology collectors usually also require flexibility with their work schedule, can work independently and within a group, and are capable of solving problems.
Pathology collection is a rewarding career. It offers opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives through diagnosis and treatment.HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection is one of the recommended pathways to becoming a pathology collector.
In this course, students learn the essential skills needed to work in all areas of pathology collection, including:
Book a chat with us today to find out about our upcoming courses and how you can apply today.