Phlebotomy Technician Learnership for The PathCare Academy

About The Learnership

The PathCare Academy offers this programme for the training of Phlebotomy Technicians (Further Education and Training Certificate: Phlebotomy Techniques, NQF level 4). The two year course has been successfully offered by the Academy since its inception when we engaged South Africa’s first Phlebotomy Technician Learners. PathCare led the process of developing this qualification with the support of the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). The qualification is approved and authorized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and is run as a learnership under the auspices of the HWSETA.

What you will learn

The learnership consists of a structured learning component (theory) as well as work place experience (practical). The training is outcomes-based according to the unit standards that make up the qualification. Learners are taught anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, laboratory safety (including HIV infection prevention), and how to safely collect blood and non-blood specimens for medical pathology and blood transfusion purposes. These samples aid in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease and disease processes in the body. The theory component of the programme takes place at the Academy in Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pretoria and the practical component is offered in numerous locations across South Africa and Namibia. Each year the Academy has increased its intake of candidates from locations outside of Cape Town. In this way, PathCare is helping to build the skills base in this regard in areas of South Africa and Namibia with greater skills shortages.

The PathCare Academy also trains phlebotomy learners from Western Province Blood Transfusion Services as part of our ongoing co-operative relationship with that organisation.

Type of Work Offered

On successful completion of the two year course and a Board Examination set by the HPCSA, the phlebotomy learner is able to register with the HPCSA as a qualified Phlebotomy Technician and is able to work in pathology laboratories, such as PathCare, or blood transfusion services. PathCare Academy learners have consistently achieved exceptionally high pass rates on these exams, with Academy learners maintaining a 96% pass rate.

Learnership Requirements

The programme commences annually in February. Positions are advertised internally within PathCare and on the PathCare website in the latter half of the year preceding commencement. The entry level criteria includes Grade 12 with biology and mathematics, or maths literacy. Selection includes pre-interview testing and panel interviews. Successful candidates are paid an allowance and are employed on a two-year contract during their studies at the PathCare Academy.