Pathology

Browse careers that are in demand now and meet Australia’s future workforce needs.

Pathology Collector

A Pathology Collector collects and labels bodily specimens from patients, ensuring accurate paperwork and specimen handling for lab testing.

Avg yearly income $72,020
Skill level Beginner

Phlebotomist

A Phlebotomist collects blood samples, prepares them for testing, and must possess excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail.

Avg yearly income $66,976
Skill level Beginner

Blood Collector

A Blood Collector draws blood for tests or donation, ensuring safety, accuracy, and patient comfort in clinical settings.

Avg yearly income $60,736
Skill level Beginner

Venipuncturist

A Venipuncturist collects blood samples for testing and supports healthcare teams with safe, accurate and timely procedures.

Avg yearly income $39,624
Skill level Beginner

Medical Laboratory Technician

A Medical Laboratory Technician performs tests on bodily fluids and tissues to assist in diagnosing medical conditions while maintaining patient confidentiality.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Pathology Assistant

A Pathology Assistant prepares and tests samples in medical labs, working independently or in teams, ensuring accurate results using specialist equipment.

Avg yearly income $54,912
Skill level Beginner

Medical Laboratory Scientist

A Medical Laboratory Scientist performs tests on specimens to diagnose diseases, analysing samples and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure accurate patient care.

Avg yearly income $98,800
Skill level Advanced

Medical Researcher

A Medical Researcher advances healthcare by designing experiments, analysing data, and collaborating on clinical trials.

Avg yearly income $95,264
Skill level Advanced

Clinical Research Associate

A Clinical Research Associate monitors clinical trials for compliance, coordinates with sites, and ensures accurate data collection and reporting.

Avg yearly income $95,992
Skill level Advanced

Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator manages trials, focusing on recruitment and data collection, requiring strong communication and organisational skills.

Avg yearly income $98,800
Skill level Advanced

Geneticist

A Geneticist studies genes and heredity to analyse genetic disorders and develop treatments, conducting experiments and interpreting complex data.

Avg yearly income $86,788
Skill level Advanced
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Courses in pathology

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
HLT37215

Certificate III in Pathology Collection
Blended, On Campus
3 - 8 months
$0 - $7,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD) Pathology Collector Phlebotomist
Blood Collector Venipuncturist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD) Pathology Collector Phlebotomist Blood Collector Venipuncturist + 2 more
MSL40122

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
On Campus
7 months
$650 - $5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Analyst Clinical Laboratory Technician Laboratory Assistant
Forensic Science Technician Laboratory Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Food Technologist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Analyst Clinical Laboratory Technician Laboratory Assistant Forensic Science Technician Laboratory Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Food Technologist + 4 more
HLTINF005

Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments
Online
8 weeks
$299
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cosmetic Nurse Laser Therapist Phlebotomist
Clinical Aesthetician
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cosmetic Nurse Laser Therapist Phlebotomist Clinical Aesthetician + 1 more
HLT37415

Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
On Campus
3 months
$0 - $5,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pathology Assistant Laboratory Attendant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pathology Assistant Laboratory Attendant
MSL50122

Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$1,850 - $28,934
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Forensic Science Technician Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD) Laboratory Assistant Clinical Laboratory Technician Science Technician Laboratory Analyst
+ 8 more
HLT52315

Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy
On Campus, Online
15 - 19 months
$12,670 - $13,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Health Consultant Aromatherapist Spa Therapist
Natural Therapist Clinical Research Coordinator Research Assistant
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Health Consultant Aromatherapist Spa Therapist Natural Therapist Clinical Research Coordinator Research Assistant + 3 more
HLTPAT005

Collect Specimens for Drugs of Abuse Testing
On Campus, Online
1 - 4 days
$65 - $750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pathology Collector Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD)
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pathology Collector Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD)
HLTPAT002

Perform Venous Blood Collections
On Campus, Traineeship
1 - 4 days
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Phlebotomist Pathology Collector Blood Collector
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Phlebotomist Pathology Collector Blood Collector

Bachelor of Health Science
Blended, On Campus, Online
24 - 36 months
$26,250 - $107,040
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Sports Therapist Anatomist Health Informatician
Health Service Manager Global Health Advisor Clinical Research Associate Clinical Research Manager Rehabilitation Consultant Paediatric Occupational Therapist Paramedic Community Nutritionist Vision Therapist Clinical Facilitator Bus Driver Health and Safety Manager Renal Care Nurse Orthoptist Podiatrist Community Health Liaison Public Health Officer
+ 17 more

Bachelor of Nursing
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$13,875 - $100,128
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Registered Nurse Director Of Nursing School Nurse
Nurse Unit Manager Nurse Practitioner Remote Area Nurse Acute Care Nurse Critical Care Nurse Perioperative Nurse Renal Care Nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist Rehabilitation Nurse Aged Care Nurse Cosmetic Nurse Anaesthetic Technician Clinical Facilitator Recovery Nurse Psychiatric Nurse Trauma Nurse Triage Nurse Aged Care Coordinator Clinical Midwifery Specialist Nurse Midwife Lactation Consultant Surgical Nurse Paediatric Nurse Oncology Nurse Palliative Care Nurse General Practice Nurse IVF Nurse Occupational Health Nurse Clinical Research Manager Clinical Research Associate Anaesthetic Nurse Clinical Nurse Consultant Cardiac Nurse Intensive Care Nurse Neonatal Nurse
+ 35 more

Bachelor of Medical Science
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$27,600 - $29,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Gynaecologist Cardiac Scientist Medical Science Liaison
Career Medical Officer (CMO) Anatomist Clinical Researcher IVF Specialist Neurophysiologist Clinical Physiologist Hospital Scientist Cardiothoracic Surgeon Clinical Allergist Anaesthetist Surgeon Dermatologist Psychiatrist Paediatrician Radiation Therapist Optometrist Embryologist Orthoptist Cardiologist Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Scientist Laboratory Scientist Biomedical Researcher Clinical Laboratory Technician Medical Researcher
+ 25 more

Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine
On Campus
5 years
$66,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Radiologist Radiation Therapist Cardiologist
Paediatrician Psychiatrist Dermatologist Surgeon General Practitioner Anaesthetist Junior Doctor Clinical Pathologist Obstetrician Medical Practitioner Gynaecologist
+ 11 more

Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Blended, On Campus, Online
2 - 3 years
$26,250 - $109,752
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biotechnologist Medical Scientist Medical Researcher
Cytologist Clinical Laboratory Technician Biomedical Technician Genetic Counsellor Laboratory Scientist Biomedical Scientist Medicinal Chemist Histotechnologist Bioinformatics Scientist Forensic Consultant Haematologist Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Molecular Biologist Hospital Scientist Clinical Research Manager Nanoscientist Clinical Physiologist Career Medical Officer (CMO) Clinical Research Associate Medical Science Liaison Cardiac Scientist Medical Practitioner IVF Specialist Clinical Researcher
+ 24 more

Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry)
On Campus
3 years
$26,850 - $130,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cosmetic Chemist Biomedical Scientist Biochemist
Medical Researcher Biotechnologist Tissue Engineer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cosmetic Chemist Biomedical Scientist Biochemist Medical Researcher Biotechnologist Tissue Engineer + 3 more

Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
On Campus
3 years
$27,000 - $31,227
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Molecular Geneticist Molecular Biologist Biotechnologist
Biochemist Research Scientist Geneticist Research and Development Chemist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Molecular Geneticist Molecular Biologist Biotechnologist Biochemist Research Scientist Geneticist Research and Development Chemist + 4 more

Bachelor of Science (Biology)
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$25,800 - $94,560
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Ecologist Biologist Forensic Biologist
Biotechnologist Clinical Researcher Biology Teacher Forensic Entomologist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Ecologist Biologist Forensic Biologist Biotechnologist Clinical Researcher Biology Teacher Forensic Entomologist + 4 more

Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$27,942 - $50,976
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
DNA Analyst Molecular Biologist Biotechnologist
Forensic Biologist Laboratory Scientist Pharmaceutical Scientist Cytologist Microbiologist Embryologist
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
DNA Analyst Molecular Biologist Biotechnologist Forensic Biologist Laboratory Scientist Pharmaceutical Scientist Cytologist Microbiologist Embryologist + 6 more

Bachelor of Science (Genetics)
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$24,819 - $30,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Molecular Geneticist Geneticist Genetic Counsellor
Research Scientist Molecular Biologist Bioinformatician DNA Analyst Clinical Geneticist
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Molecular Geneticist Geneticist Genetic Counsellor Research Scientist Molecular Biologist Bioinformatician DNA Analyst Clinical Geneticist + 5 more

Bachelor of Science (Genetics and Genomics)
On Campus
3 years
$31,227 - $130,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Bioinformatician Molecular Geneticist Research Scientist
Genetic Counsellor Geneticist Medical Researcher
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Bioinformatician Molecular Geneticist Research Scientist Genetic Counsellor Geneticist Medical Researcher + 3 more

Bachelor of Science (Immunology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$30,000 - $130,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Immunologist Biomedical Researcher Biotechnologist
Research Assistant Biomedical Scientist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Immunologist Biomedical Researcher Biotechnologist Research Assistant Biomedical Scientist + 2 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Key questions

Is this course suitable for someone with no prior healthcare experience?

Absolutely! The Certificate III in Pathology Collection is designed for beginners, making it an ideal choice for those with no prior experience in healthcare. The course covers foundational skills like venepuncture, specimen handling, and workplace safety, while also developing soft skills like patient communication. Clinical placements provide hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real healthcare settings. Many graduates start with no background in healthcare but leave feeling confident and job-ready.While further training would be required for career advancement, pathology collection is an excellent doorway to the healthcare industry for those who have no industry experience.

Author Image
Sarah Knuckey Industry expert

What if I miss veins during training?

Missing veins is a common part of learning to perform venepuncture, and every student experiences it during training. Sarah Knuckey from Lab Tech Training told us that students start on silicone arms to build basic techniques before advancing to supervised practice on peers. Instructors provide detailed feedback to help students improve and gain confidence. Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, not failures. With time, repetition, and expert guidance, students develop the precision and confidence needed to perform venepuncture effectively in real-world settings.

Author Image
Sarah Knuckey Industry expert

Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?

4th November 2021

Certificate III in Pathology Collection: Everything You Need to Know

10th February 2025

Most popular health courses

29th June 2022

All courses

More about pathology courses

If you're looking to build a rewarding career in the health industry, consider exploring the wide range of Pathology courses available on Courses.com.au. With 57 courses listed, you can find something that suits your level of experience, from beginner programs such as the Certificate III in Pathology Collection to advanced qualifications like the Diploma of Laboratory Technology. The opportunities are vast, whether you are just starting or looking to enhance your current skills.

The beauty of studying Pathology is that you can benefit from onsite training with industry-recognised providers right in your area. For instance, the Kangan Institute offers face-to-face instruction for the Certificate III in Pathology Collection, while NMTAFE provides courses such as the Diploma of Laboratory Technology. Engaging with experienced instructors can help you gain the knowledge and skills essential for roles in this exciting field.

After completing your training, a variety of job roles await you in the Pathology sector. Positions such as a Hospital Scientist, Molecular Geneticist, or Clinical Scientist are just a few examples of how you can apply your new qualifications. With a focus on health and science, you are sure to find your niche in a growing industry that is dedicated to making a difference.

Diving into the world of Pathology opens doors to fulfilling career paths while also contributing to community health. Whether you're interested in starting with a short course or pursuing a degree like the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, there’s a course that can help you achieve your goals. Take the first step today and see how you can make an impact in the health sector!

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