Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 5:30 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Certificate III in Pathology
Certificate III in Pathology
HLT37525
BTS1
Current
Pending
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 22/12/2025 | Current | Pending |
Description
This qualification reflects the role of pathology collectors and assistants who receive, collect, dispatch specimens and perform routine pathology procedures, taking responsibility for their own work under general supervision.
They combine communication, customer service and technical skills, and use discretion and judgment to adapt and transfer their skills to different situations.
To achieve the HLT37525 Certificate III in Pathology (Pathology Collection), the candidate must have completed at least 35 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with current Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Foundation Skills Outcomes
The foundation skills outcomes implicit in this qualification are outlined in the below table.
Learning
Reading
Writing
Oral Communication
Numeracy
4
3
3
3
3
Digital literacy outcomes are included in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.
There are 35 minimum work placement hours required for this unit.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
Candidates must complete one of the following specialisations:Certificate III in Pathology (Pathology Collection):
Total number of units = Fourteen (14)
- Eight (8) core units
- Four (4) units from Group A
- Two (2) units from other electives listed below or any endorsed Training Package or Accredited Course
Please note: To achieve this specialisation, the candidate must have completed at least thirty five (35) hours of work placement as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of HLTPAT014 Perform venous blood collections.
Certificate III in Pathology (Pathology Assistance):
Total number of units = fourteen (14)
- Eight (8) core units
- Three (3) units from Group B
- Three (3) units from other electives listed below or any endorsed Training Package or Accredited Course
Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Units of competency that contain:
- pre-requisites are identified within the Qualification Packaging Rules on the training.gov.au (TGA) website
- mandatory work placement requirements are identified within the specific Qualification Packaging Rules and Units of Competency on the training.gov.au (TGA) website
1. Core units
All eight (8) units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEI66 | HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | 50 | Unit of competency |
| AVC29 | CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 50 | Unit of competency |
| AUK35 | BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately | 40 | Unit of competency |
| WG738 | HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 30 | Unit of competency |
| OCD30 | HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 | Unit of competency |
| OFH89 | HLTPAT011 | Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens | Unit of competency | |
| OCE05 | BSBTEC201 | Use business software applications | 55 | Unit of competency |
| AVC09 | CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 30 | Unit of competency |
2. Elective units: Group A - Pathology Collection specialisation
To achieve the Pathology Collection specialisation, four (4) units must be completed from this group.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OFH92 | HLTPAT009 | Collect pathology specimens other than blood | Unit of competency | |
| OCD34 | BSBOPS203 | Deliver a service to customers | 40 | Unit of competency |
| OFH94 | HLTPAT008 | Identify and respond to clinical risks in pathology collection | Unit of competency | |
| OFH84 | HLTPAT014 | Perform venous blood collections | Unit of competency |
3. Elective Units: Group B - Pathology Assistance specialisation
To achieve the Pathology Assistance specialisation, three (3) units must be completed from this group.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OAC17 | MSL933005 | Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose | 20 | Unit of competency |
| OEX87 | MSL973027 | Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination | 40 | Unit of competency |
| OEX90 | MSL973026 | Prepare working solutions | 80 | Unit of competency |
4. Other Electives - Communications
To achieve the Pathology Collection specialisation, two (2) units may be selected from any of the Other Electives groups.
To achieve the Pathology Assistance specialisation, three (3) units may be completed from any of the Other Electives groups.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEK12 | CHCYTH013 | Engage respectfully with young people | 50 | Unit of competency |
| AVC08 | CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 30 | Unit of competency |
| AVC57 | CHCCCS020 | Respond effectively to behaviours of concern | 15 | Unit of competency |
| OEH29 | CHCCCS037 | Visit client residence | 60 | Unit of competency |
5. Other Electives - Laboratory
To achieve the Pathology Collection specialisation, two (2) units may be selected from any of the Other Electives groups.
To achieve the Pathology Assistance specialisation, three (3) units may be completed from any of the Other Electives groups.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVJ26 | TLIF3091 | Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements | 15 | Unit of competency |
| OEY06 | MSL933009 | Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives | 60 | Unit of competency |
| OEX92 | MSL973025 | Perform basic tests | 80 | Unit of competency |
| OEY18 | MSL974034 | Perform biological procedures | 120 | Unit of competency |
| OAC36 | MSL933008 | Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance | 35 | Unit of competency |
| OEX89 | MSL973028 | Perform microscopic examination | 40 | Unit of competency |
| OAC91 | MSL973015 | Prepare culture media | 20 | Unit of competency |
| OEY03 | MSL922002 | Record and present data | 60 | Unit of competency |
6. Other Electives - Pathology
To achieve the Pathology Collection specialisation, two (2) units may be selected from any of the Other Electives groups.
To achieve the Pathology Assistance specialisation, three (3) units may be completed from any of the Other Electives groups.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OFH91 | HLTPAT010 | Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing | Unit of competency | |
| OFH95 | HLTHPS011 | Measure spirometry | Unit of competency | |
| OFH88 | HLTPAT012 | Perform capillary blood collections | Unit of competency | |
| OFI04 | HLTCAR004 | Perform electrocardiography (ECG) | Unit of competency | |
| OFI03 | HLTCAR005 | Perform holter monitoring | Unit of competency | |
| OFH82 | HLTPAT013 | Perform venous blood collection from children 0 to 5 years | Unit of competency | |
| AVB19 | HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems | 20 | Unit of competency |
| AVA41 | HLTHPS002 | Support health professional in the delivery of care | 100 | Unit of competency |
7. Other Electives - Work Health and Safety
To achieve the Pathology Collection specialisation, two (2) units may be selected from any of the Other Electives groups.
To achieve the Pathology Assistance specialisation, three (3) units may be completed from any of the Other Electives groups.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ56 | HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment | 35 | Unit of competency |
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWL0 | HLT37415 | Certificate III in Pathology Assistance | Qualification |
| AWJ9 | HLT37215 | Certificate III in Pathology Collection | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
No information
Traineeships and Apprenticeships