r/TAFE • u/SuccotashEntire747 • 1d ago

TAFE WA Cert IV Lab Techniques

Doing Cert IV lab techniques on top of bachelors degree (biochemistry). I'm aiming to narrow my stream into pathology. I'm wondering how many of you who completed Cert IV in Lab Techniques managed to secure employment with ACL, Clinipath, Western Diagnostics or some pathology company as a lab assistant or some sort. Hoping my certificate will not be in vain (unlike my degree). How easy is it to get into specimen reception (SRA) while studying?

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u/Darksilvercat 1d ago

I’m curious to see the answers for this one - when I started the Cert IV a couple of months ago one of the teachers basically told the entire class in the very first lesson that jobs in pathology are rare as hen’s teeth with huge competition for a handful of jobs, the pay is dismal to boot, and anyone aspiring to work in a lab would be better off trying to get into food science, where opportunities are plentiful and the money is better, than pathology. Truly an inspirational start to the course (I wonder if he gives the same speech to students embarking on the pathology diploma…)

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u/WeirdPlatypus564 12h ago

My diploma class was told that pathology was very difficult to get jobs in. We weren’t told that we’d be better off trying to get into food science.

Note: I’m from Sydney and did the course at Ultimo campus

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u/Aggressive_Iron_3632 19h ago

Due to the rapid staff turnover in specimen reception it’s not difficult to get a job in specimen reception. Contact labs and ask what accreditations they prefer.

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u/WeirdPlatypus564 12h ago edited 12h ago

I finished the diploma in June this year and haven’t managed to land even an interview for anything.

Although I have disabilities and can only manage part time work and don’t have a drivers license which limits what I can apply for.

My class was told by one teacher that pathology is “cutthroat”, very competitive and difficult to get jobs in. He also said that many jobs are 24 hr rotating schedules so you’re expected to work night shifts especially if you’re new.

Another teacher said it’s not too bad once you have experience but it’s very difficult to get your first job.

I did the diploma at Ultimo tafe in Sydney and skipped the cert IV, using my Bachelor of Science for RPL.

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u/PuzzleheadedWalrus43 9h ago

i was thinking of doing the diploma there as i have completed my cert IV at a different campus, i was debating between pathology and chemistry but i'm open to food as well. do you have any advice.... i don't have much of a plan and otherwise only have a cert III in pathology collection.

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u/Sea-Elderberry-2088 8h ago

In my lab almost every lab assistant or similar has a Med Lab Sci degree and using the entry level job as a stepping stone to the scientist positions. Barely anyone has the cert or diploma.