Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A Pathology Collector takes blood and other body samples from patients for lab analysis. This role falls under Medical Technicians (ANZSCO 311216). It calls for both clinical skill and care for the patient.
Collectors work in hospitals and private labs. They follow strict rules for how to take, handle, and send samples. Records must be kept with care. The chain of custody for each sample is a key duty.
The entry course is the HLT37525 Certificate III in Pathology. You can study at a TAFE or an RTO. The course is nationally recognised and takes 6 to 12 months. It includes at least 35 hours of hands-on clinical work.
About 12,000 people work in this role in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Future demand is rated Moderate by Your Career. Nine in ten collectors are female and more than half work part-time. Flexible shifts are common in this field.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
