Education level
Job area
Your role as a clinical assistant
As a clinical assistant in pathology or specimen collection, you’ll support laboratory teams by handling and preparing patient samples, such as blood, urine and other body fluids.
This includes:
- labelling and sorting patient samples
- preparing samples for testing and storage
- cleaning and restocking laboratory areas and equipment
- following safety, quality and infection control procedures.
We have full time, part time or casual roles, and some include shift work.
What your day might look like
You’ll start your shift by checking sample deliveries and preparing work areas.
During the day you'll check and sort patient samples. You’ll label them and prepare them for testing or transport.
You’ll clean equipment and restock supplies to keep the laboratory ready for use. You’ll work as part of a laboratory team and follow instructions from scientists.
Qualifications
You can usually work as a clinical assistant without formal qualifications.
A Certificate III in Pathology Assistance is helpful but not needed.
Pay and benefits
Your pay rate and benefits will depend on your role and your pay point. In your first year you’ll start as a clinical assistant grade CA3, pay point 1.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging
- help with ongoing professional development costs.
If you're moving to start a new job with us, you may be able to get help with moving and travel costs.
Rural and remote opportunities
You may be able to get extra benefits if you work in rural and remote areas.
In these areas, you'll work in smaller hospitals, support a wider range of laboratory tasks and work close with local clinical teams.
Learn more about our rural and remote opportunities.
Professional growth
You’ll have access to learning and development throughout your career.
This may include:
- learning on the job
- talking with experienced laboratory staff to build skills
- opportunities to study while you work.
With experience and further study, you may move into roles with more responsibility or work in different areas of pathology.
Career paths
Working as a clinical assistant can lead to other roles.
- Pathology specimen collector
- Clinical Assistant supervisor or manager
- Clinical Assistant trainer
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.