Institute of Health and Nursing Australia

Pathology Collection

Pathology is a subspecialty of medical science that focuses mainly on the causes, origins, and fundamental characteristics of any disease.

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Pathology is a subspecialty of medical science that focuses mainly on the causes, origins, and fundamental characteristics of any disease. In order to research and diagnosis any disease, it requires the investigation of tissues, organs, physiological fluids, and even autopsies. The field of medicine known as pathology is responsible for disseminating diagnostic information to both patients and clinicians. It has an effect on almost every facet of patient care, from the accurate diagnosis of cancer to the effective management of chronic diseases through laboratory testing.

Pathologists play an essential part in patient care; yet, medical students are not often aware of the function that pathologists play or the career opportunities available in pathology. Here we will shed light on what pathology is, the role that pathologists play, as well as the various facets and angles that pertain to it.

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Disciplines of Pathology

There are nine specialisations in which students are given training in pathology

  • Anatomical pathology
    1. Histopathology
    2. Cytopathology
  • Chemical pathology
  • Haematology
  • Genetic pathology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Forensic pathology
  • Assisting patients and their families with their emotional needs
  • medical microbiology
  • clinical pathology

Is a career in pathology collection for you?

Pathology collectors are medical professionals who work as part of larger medical teams in collection centres, hospitals, and diagnostic laboratories. A very important part of patient care is that pathologists take care and attention when they take blood samples, which they learn in blood collection courses. With a growing number of older people and new ways to diagnose illness, doctors and hospitals need pathology collectors to get blood and tissue samples and set up tests on them. How do you know a career in pathology collection is apt for you? Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself –

  • I am interested in the health care sector
  • I want to be trained in how to take blood
  • I want to work alongside a pathology collection course online
  • I want to get a qualification that is recognised by the government
  • I am eager to know about the jobs in pathology

You are in the proper place to take pathology courses online or in a blended mode if all the questions mentioned above cross your thoughts.

When it comes to a patient’s health care, a good pathologist can make all the difference.

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Importance of a blood test or a pathology test

Blood and pathology tests are important for more than just finding and diagnosing diseases. Here are a few reasons for people doing it:

  • Treating illness
  • Keeping an eye on how the illness gets worse
  • Figuring out if someone will get sick in the future (for example, by looking at cholesterol levels or the risk of inherited diseases like familial breast cancer)
  • Helping to find new treatments and make sure that treatments and procedures are safe.
  • Disease prevention (for instance, a Pap test or mammography may lower the risk of some common types of cancer in women by early diagnosis).

Role of a pathology collector

So before talking about how to become a Pathologist, we need to understand what pathology collectors do

  • It is important to be knowledgeable about the different types of pathology specimens and what makes them valuable.
  • You need to have a good eye for spotting rare items and know how to negotiate prices
  • Taking proper care of the specimens collected
  • Correct Identification and labelling
  • Taking care of the Patient safety and quality issues

How to become a Pathology Collector in Australia

There are many ways to become a pathologist collector, however, a simple checklist you can follow is here:

  • The minimum qualifications you will need to become a Pathology Collector in Australia are a Certificate III in Pathology Collection from an approved educational institution
  • You must be 16 years of age or above
  • Completion of studies equivalent to an Australian 10-year qualification is required
  • An international student must have IELTS band score of 5.5 to enter this course
  • Students will have to undergo language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) capabilities at the time of Orientation
  • Students above the age of 22 will be considered without minimum education requirements but will be reviewed individually to meet the requirements

Skills to become a pathology collector

  • You will need a driver’s license.
  • This career requires a person with driving capabilities
  • This will ensure that the person can collect the samples from wherever it is needed.
  • An important aspect in this role is you should be First Aid Certified
  • Among the other skills this job role requires a person to be empathetic with good communication skills

Areas of specialisation for pathologists

(Source: Australian Industry and skills committee)

Articulation pathways

Within pathology, there are ten primary and numerous minor areas of specialisation that exists. A few are:

  • Clinical
  • Forensic
  • Immunopathology
  • Microbiology
  • Haematology
  • Chemical
  • Genetic

How long does it take to become a pathology collector?

It depends on each person’s aptitude and capacity. However, if you are exceptionally competent and are familiar with the course outline, you can finish the pathologist course in a shorter time span. However, at IHNA we have a course schedule of 670 training hours.

Top in-demand Locations in Australia

The demand for Pathology Collectors is high everywhere around the globe – specifically, if we see the Australian regions, it is mostly in

  • Victoria
  • New South Wales

Last time when you or any of your relatives was admitted to the hospital,

The first thing the Doctor said was “Let the reports come then we will know the actual reason and be able to go forward with the treatment”

This emergency requirement of the reports – this void is fulfilled by only one person – A Pathologist

Where do Pathology Collectors work?

Pathology Collectors work in various places:

  • Private and public hospitals
  • Privately owned collection centres
  • Diagnostic pathology laboratories
  • Doctor’s surgeries
  • Insurance offices
  • Fertility clinics

Where to find reliable information on pathology:

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) www.rcpa.edu.au

The Pathology Associations Council (PAC) www.pathology.med.pro

Lab Tests Online – www.labtestsonline.org.au

“A convenient way to build your employability skills and advance your career”

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What Skills do one acquire after completing pathology collector course?

You will gain skills in-

  • Pathology collection techniques
  • Phlebotomy
  • Infection control
  • Customer service and work organisation
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Career opportunities

The pathology collector has one of the more fascinating, interpersonal careers in pathology. Due to the field’s ongoing expansion, a limited (but rising) staff, and veteran practitioners looking to transfer the baton, pathology will need all hands-on deck.

Amazingly, about 70% of all medical diagnoses in Australia include pathology blood testing. Without the help of pathology collectors and other professionals, diseases including diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases cannot be addressed. As the population grows, the burden decreases since there are more subject-matter experts. Take the first step towards becoming a pathological collector right today.

Diploma of Nursing - Australia - IHNA

(Source: https://www.rcpa.edu.au)

If you are interested in finding out how to become a pathologist in Australia, think about enrolling in a Certificate III in pathology collection, laboratory practices, and pathology assistance. You can also choose from a large number of pathology courses that are funded by the government.

At IHNA, we work hard to give our students flexible learning alternatives so they can meet their personal, professional, and social responsibilities.
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  • Is Pathology Collector a good career choice?

    Yes definitely.It is one of the most sought-after careers in the healthcare sector.

  • How much does a pathology collector earn in Australia?

    In Australia, the average pathology collector makes AU$24.39 per hour. While entry-level may change, the most seasoned employee may even advance to a higher level.

    Source: https://www.payscale.com/

  • Where do Pathology Collectors work?

    Pathology collectors are employed in a variety of medical facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, etc. Some even collect samples from home. Some of the specific places are listed below:

    • Private and public hospitals
    • Privately owned collection centres
    • Diagnostic pathology laboratories
    • Doctor’s surgeries
    • Insurance offices
    • Fertility clinics

‘An affordable way to learn from IHNA training experts’

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With the help of a pathology collector course, you will be able to perform practical tasks like taking blood samples, giving first aid, taking part in workplace health and safety, implementing infection control, and more.

A pathology course prepares students for employment in a variety of medical environments, including pathology collection centres, general practitioner clinics, specialist rooms, hospitals, and other public and private health settings. It is designed to give students practical industry experience and places a strong emphasis on promoting technical skills and effective communication techniques.

Acknowledgement

IHNA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.