Pathology

Are you interested in a career in the sciences? Does the cause and effect of diseases fascinate you? Consider a career in pathology. While many people think of blood tests when they hear the word pathology, it’s actually far more than that. Pathology is a branch of medicine that involves studying samples of body tissue for forensic or diagnostic purposes, especially when it comes to the cause and effects of various diseases.
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honors) by CQ University Australia
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honors) by CQ University Australia
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honors) by CQ University Australia
Gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and technical knowledge in the clinical disciplines of laboratory medicine for application in a diagnostic setting.
4 years full-time
8 years part-time
Online, On Campus
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Certificate III In Pathology Assistance by TAFE
Certificate III In Pathology Assistance by TAFE
Certificate III In Pathology Assistance by TAFE
Set yourself up to play an important role in the growing health and community services industry. Build essential skills to work in pathology labs, GP clinics and medical centres, as a pathology assistant, specimen reception staff member or biomedical laboratory assistant.
4 Months
Blended
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Certificate III in Pathology Collection by Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA)
Certificate III in Pathology Collection by Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA)
Certificate III in Pathology Collection by Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA)
The healthcare industry relies on the support of pathology collectors in order to test and respond to individual health concerns. The Certificate III in Pathology Collection is a professional accreditation that focuses on the factual, technical, and procedural knowledge of the concepts required to undertake personal visits to collect specimens from patients at home or at institutions.
Blended
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Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques by TAFE
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques by TAFE
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques by TAFE
Gain the skills to become a laboratory assistant or laboratory technician in a wide range of fields from biological to polymer testing. Learn fundamental laboratory procedures in state-of-the-art facilities while you solve new problems and test different theories every day.
8 months
Blended
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A career in pathology will see you responsible for identifying people at risk of disease and determining treatment protocols. You could also be responsible for predicting the likelihood of diseases, preventing diseases by determining risk factors, diagnosing diseases, monitoring diseases and personalising treatment.

Some pathology disciplines include chemical pathology, anatomical pathology, immunopathology, genetic pathology, forensic pathology, haematology and microbiology.

What Are the General Entry Requirements to Study Pathology?

The entry requirements to study pathology will vary based on the exact course you want to do. Academic requirements will differ between educational institutions and the level of study you undertake. For the most accurate information, you should view the course information on the institution’s website.

For an undergraduate degree, you’ll typically need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent.

For postgraduate courses, satisfactory completion of an undergraduate degree is required. However, some institutions may take relevant work experience or research ability into consideration as well.

For Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses, most students will need to have reached a level of study equivalent to the Australian Year 10. Some courses may require extra prerequisite subjects or work experience.

What Skills Are Needed to Study Pathology in Australia?

When studying pathology in Australia, there are several skills that will help you be the best pathology professional you can be. While some things can be learned, these are some intrinsic skills you should possess:

  • Confidence
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Deduction Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Organisational Skill
  • Ethics
  • Self-Discipline

Is a Pathology Course Right for Me?

As part of the healthcare industry, to study pathology you should have a keen interest in health, wellness, biology and the sciences. Apart from an aptitude for science-related studies, it’s important you have good communication skills, excellent problem-solving skills and deduction competency. With no two days the same, if you want to make a difference to the healthcare sector in Australia and people’s lives, pathology might just be the right course for you.

What Are the Different Types of Pathology Courses?

There are several pathways to study pathology, from TAFE certificates to university level degrees. To find the best pathology course in Australia, you need to decide where you want your pathology career to take you, while also taking into account your current level of pathology knowledge and any previous study you’ve done.

Here are some of the different pathology courses available in Australia:

  • Certificate: A Certificate in Pathology such as a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills or Pathology Collection is the first pathway for students who have no previous qualifications in science. It will equip you with the skills to work in a range of laboratories, teaching you how to maintain a laboratory, sampling techniques, testing, blood collection, ECG, infection control, first aid, medical terminology and more.
  • Diploma: A Diploma is the next step after a Certificate, or for those who already have the skills learnt in the Certificate course. For example, a Diploma in Laboratory Technology will give you the skills to work under supervision performing chemical analyses and helping with research.
  • Bachelor: From a Bachelor of Science to Bachelor of Medical Science, there are several pathways to study pathology. A bachelor’s in pathology-related fields will give you a deeper understanding of disease from a cellular, molecular, functional, tissue, immunological and biochemical perspective while preparing you for a career across a range of pathology disciplines.
  • Master’s: If you want to develop expertise in an area of pathology, there are several Master’s degrees you can undertake, such as a Master of Speech Pathology.

What Can I Do after Studying Pathology?

There are several career pathways you can enter after studying pathology or pathology-related disciplines in Australia, including:

  • Pathologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Phlebotomist
  • Virologist
  • Histopathologist.
  • Neuropathologis
  • Medical lab technician
  • Forensic pathologist
  • Medical researcher

Which Are the Top Institutes to Study Pathology?

Some of the leading Australian institutes to study pathology include The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, The University of Western Australia, Macquarie University, The University of NSW and more. Most universities offer not just bachelor’s degrees but also certificates and diplomas. TAFE and online platforms like Open Colleges are also excellent institutes to study a range of pathology courses.

 

How Much Can I Earn with a Pathology Qualification?

While it depends on the field of pathology you enter into, a pathology qualification can see you earn on average $91,122 per year. Entry-level positions start at $80,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $110,839 per year.

Are Pathology Professionals Still in Demand in 2022?

Pathology careers are very much in demand in Australia in 2022 and beyond. Almost 500 million pathology tests are conducted in Australia every year, with these tests playing a crucial role in helping doctors successfully diagnose a large number of medical cases.

The pathology services industry in Australia has grown 2.5% per year on average between 2017 and 2022. In 2022 alone, the market size was projected to increase by 3.5%. Rest assured, you’re well placed for plenty of job opportunities after completing a pathology course.

Are Courses in Pathology Subsidised?

Government funding assists students by subsidising their tuition fees. Schemes vary from state to state. There may be scholarships available depending on your chosen University, but at this present time, there are no government subsidies for pathology courses.