Pathology and laboratory medicine courses
Pathology work starts with a sample that is collected, labelled and sent to the lab in a state that still gives a reliable result. The certificate here trains you for that collection work, and placement means you handle real samples and patients before you finish.
- Quickest way to start
- 1 year
- Certificate III, typical full time length
- TAFE cost from
- $1,415
- subsidised Certificate III, TAFE Queensland
- What the jobs pay
- $80,000
- median pay across 1 job
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate III in Pathology
Work as a pathology collector
Take blood and other samples from patients, label and prepare them, and get them to the laboratory in a state that still gives a reliable result.
Median pay$80,000
- How long it takes
- Typically 1 to 2 years
- What it costs
- $1,415 at TAFE Queensland if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $5,460 full fee
- How you'll study
- Online or on campus
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $1,415 | $5,460 |
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate III
- $1,415 subsidised
- $5,460 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other university courses
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science3.5 to 4 years. For students who want to run and interpret diagnostic tests in a laboratory, building a base in chemistry and body function before the pathology areas.
- Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine3.5 to 4 years. Covers the biomedical sciences and the main pathology areas such as biochemistry, microbiology and haematology, and leads towards scientific work in medical laboratories.
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology)3 to 3.5 years. A laboratory degree focused on testing and interpreting samples across haematology, microbiology and transfusion science, with industry placements built in.
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.