Education

PathWest is committed to teaching and training the scientific and medical workforce of the future and prides itself on being a training organisation of choice.

PathWest’s investment in teaching and training is integral to the development of future staff and provides an opportunity to apply new thinking and innovation to the organisation through a range of training programs designed to ensure the highest level of skills, competence and knowledge.

Pathology registrar training

PathWest is committed to investing in the clinical leaders of tomorrow through the annual intake of registrars, who have chosen a career path as specialist pathologists. Consultants in Anatomical Pathology, Biochemistry, Diagnostic Genomics, Forensic Pathology, Haematology, Immunology and Microbiology take on a supervisory role, providing apprenticeship style training, to ensure registrars are trained to the highest level in their chosen discipline. This advanced pathology training leads to certification as a qualified pathologist and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

Professional placements

PathWest continues to support Curtin University’s Laboratory Medicine program, through its provision of professional placements. Until recently, this program was the entry level requirement for employment as a medical scientist, and the only course accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) in WA. 

PathWest is committed to supporting AIMS-accredited university programs where resources allow. By promoting a competitive environment, a highly skilled pool of graduates will be available for future employment opportunities. The organisation benefits by increasing its exposure to potential employees and by establishing professional relationships with the institutions who educate its future workforce.

Certificate III in Pathology Collection

PathWest has been delivering phlebotomy training to the general public for more than 20 years. We deliver an accredited program through an affiliation with North Metropolitan Health Service’s (NMHS) Registered Training Organisation. The accredited program was introduced in May 2014 and has since produced 162 graduates with a Certificate III qualification. Learn more about enrolling in a Certificate III in Pathology collection.

Aboriginal scholarships

PathWest is dedicated to increasing Aboriginal employment within its workforce, particularly in frontline services. In March 2016, PathWest introduced an Aboriginal scholarship program with four scholarships offered each year, allowing successful applicants to complete the six week Certificate III in Pathology Collection course.

All course fees and other associated costs including workbooks, textbooks and vaccinations are included.

Learn more about the application process for an aboriginal scholarship.

Aboriginal cadetship

PathWest participates in the WA Health Aboriginal Cadetship Program, offering placements to Aboriginal students who are enrolled in full-time university across various areas of study. The program aims to provide Aboriginal students with 11 months' paid work experience and further employment opportunities.

Forensic training

Forensic Biology training

As part of PathWest’s partnership with the WAPF, formal teaching and training was provided to police officers to ensure they have knowledge about the latest forensic techniques and theory.

Topics included an overview of forensic biology, DNA for the investigation of sexual assaults, introduction to DNA and forensic DNA profiling, the use of forensic DNA profiling for disaster victim identification, and exhibit sampling and evidence recovery.

Lectures on similar topics were also provided to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and several universities.

Forensic Pathology training

As part of the PathWest Forensic Pathology and State Mortuary service’s partnership with the WAPF, formal teaching and training was provided to police officers including police cadets, forensic field officers and homicide unit staff to ensure they have knowledge about the most current and relevant forensic pathology theory and practice.

Topics include an overview of forensic pathology, coronial documentation and procedure, mortuary operational matters, crime scene, hidden homicide and cold case review including exhibit sampling and evidence recovery.

Lectures on similar topics were also provided to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, specialist groups including Fire and Emergency Services and Australian Defence Force and several universities. 

Last Updated: 19/01/2024