Job Spotlight
How to become a Pathology Collector
Pathology Collectors (also known Phlebotomists, who generally only collect blood samples) collect samples of fluids and tissues from patients that could help diagnose illnesses and other issues. They’re also responsible for storing and preparing the samples for transport to pathology labs for processing and analysis.
If you’re good at multi-tasking, have great people skills, are highly organised and great at following rules, becoming a Pathology Collector could be a career to explore.
About you:
- Sympathetic, calm and a great communicator
- Pays attention to details, follows instructions and procedures to the letter
- Steady hands with good practical skills
The job:
- Check personal details, explain procedures to and help reassure patients
- Obtain required samples using strict procedures to prevent contamination
- Keep the working environment clean, hygienic and prevent cross-contamination
- Store and label samples correctly, then deliver them to the lab within strict time frames
- Keep accurate and updated patient, test, and equipment records
Lifestyle Impact: Low
- Part Time opportunities: High – around 59% workers are part time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- Average hours for full-time workers: 40 hours per week (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- Pathology Collectors’ salary (median): $40,000 per year (source: ato.gov.au).
- Future career growth: Very strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- There are limited opportunities to work from home and limited jobs in regional areas.
Pathology Collectors are in demand in these locations:
Demand for Pathology Collectors is highest in Victoria, Western Australia, and New South Wales (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
How to become a Pathology Collector in Australia
The minimum qualifications you’ll need to become a Pathology Collector in Australia are a Certificate III in Pathology Collection (from an approved educational institution) and a current first aid certificate.
Step 1 – Study Maths, English and Biology at high school.
Step 2 – Complete the required qualification:
Step 3 – If you don’t already have one, you’ll need a full driver’s license.
Step 4 – Become first aid certified.
Step 5 – Obtain relevant work experience or complete the required number of hours supervised work placement as part of your training.
Find out more here –
Similar Careers to Pathology Collector
Medical Technician
Laboratory Technician
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomist
Medical Receptionist
Enrolled Nurse
Cosmetic Nurse
Aged Care
Find out more aboutalternative careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do Pathology Collectors do?
Pathology Collectors collect blood and other specimens from patients for analysis, label the samples accurately, store them to preserve them and avoid contamination, then transport them to pathology labs for analysis. They may also work preparing and processing pathology samples for testing in a laboratory.
Do I need qualifications to become a Pathology Collector?
Yes, you’ll need a minimum of a Certificate III in Pathology Collection, plus a valid driver’s license and a current first aid certificate.
Where do Pathology Collectors work?
Pathology Collectors work in private and public hospitals or in collection centres, which may be in privately owned, diagnostic pathology laboratories, doctors’ surgeries, insurance offices, or fertility clinics.