Finding Fulfillment in Pathology: Homa’s Journey as a Pathology Collector

After leaving her role as a radiation therapy technician and taking a break from the workforce to raise her children, Homa found herself searching for a career that would offer both personal fulfillment and a better work-life balance. Read below to see Homa’s top 10 moments on her study journey with Kangan Institute.

Rediscovering her passion: Living in Australia since 2008, Homa initially faced the challenge of her previous qualification as a radiation therapy technician not being recognised. Determined to pursue a career that resonated with her interests, she embarked on a journey to find a profession that could accommodate her desired work-life balance. Aged care served as her re-entry point into the workforce, helping her regain her confidence after an extended hiatus.

Embracing Pathology: Yearning for a more specialised and less physically demanding role, Homa studied a Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215) at Kangan Institute, and thrived in her studies, which lead to her obtaining a job as a pathology collector in a bustling clinic affiliated with one of the largest private pathology companies in Australia. This new career path aligned perfectly with her goals, offering the flexibility she sought while enabling her to continue caring for patients in the healthcare field.

A Day in the Life: Homa’s workday begins with logging into the computer and methodically calling patients for their appointments. Given the clinic's high volume of patients, organisation and efficiency are crucial. However, Homa always make a conscious effort to connect with her patients, sharing a few kind words and ensuring their comfort during the testing process.

Moments of Joy: As a novice in the role, the most gratifying experiences come when patients express their satisfaction, describing their blood tests as painless and stress-free.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Pathology provided the ideal balance between her passion for patient care and the need for a manageable workload. Unlike Homa’s previous occupation, this field is not physically demanding, allowing her to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still positively impacting patients' lives.

Choosing Kangan Institute: During her research before embarking on this career path, Homa sought advice from experienced pathology collectors. Consistently, Kangan Institute was recommended as a reputable institution known for its high-quality education in this field.

The Kangan Experience: At Kangan Institute, Homa was fortunate to be taught by exceptional instructors who possessed remarkable skills and provided unwavering support. Their guidance equipped Homa with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in her chosen profession.

A Supportive Environment: One of the highlights of her time at Kangan Institute was the staggering amount of assistance and support Homa received from her teachers. Even during challenging moments, they made the learning process accessible and achievable. Interacting with fellow students from various backgrounds who were pursuing entirely different career paths also enriched Homa’s experience.

Words of Encouragement: For those considering a career in pathology, it is crucial to have a genuine passion for working with patients. While the information you learn in any educational institution provides a foundation, remember that entering the workforce may initially feel overwhelming due to the wealth of new information and details to absorb. However, take comfort in knowing that countless others have successfully navigated this transition, and so can you.

Future Goals: Having found her niche in pathology, Homa envisions a long-term commitment to this field. As she continues to grow and improve her skills, her aspiration is to become a mentor for aspiring pathology collectors, sharing her knowledge and experiences to support and guide others along their own journeys.

Embarking on a new career path can be both exciting and daunting. Homa’s transition into pathology has proven to be a rewarding decision, offering her the chance to work with patients, achieve a work-life balance, and continuously improve her skills. Homa encourages anyone seeking a fulfilling healthcare profession with flexibility to explore the field of pathology. Homa says to remember, with dedication, support, and a genuine passion for patient care, success is within reach.

With the expansion of free TAFE and the ever-growing health industry in Victoria, read about our world-class Health & Community Centre of Excellence, which was supported by a $60 million Labor Government investment, is set to open on our Broadmeadows campus in 2025.

Kangan Institute will be introducing health, pathology and aged-care courses to the Broadmeadows campus, and will expand the current courses in community services, justice and early childhood education and care.

To find out more about Kangan Institute, and our wide range of health and community courses available, visit our website or give us a call on 13 TAFE (13 8233).