PathCare Academy Learnership in South Africa

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 authorised 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. Check Government Department Learnerships in South Africa

The learnership consists of a structured learning component (theory) as well as workplace 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. Registered Phlebotomy Technicians are equipped, through the knowledge and skills gained. 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, but 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.

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 with maintaining a 96% pass rate over 12 years. In 2019, our learners achieved a 100% pass rate for the ninth consecutive year!