i am a registered nurse and have done pathology collection and use it daily as i work in a GP's office.

the course runs over 6 weeks at night 2 days a week or you can do a 2 week full on course.
it is good and most of the collection agencies ie laverty, douglass hanley moir run their own course.
you also do some work experience for 2 weeks and then apply for a job.

this will help when you do get to do your RN's as you will have the ability to take blood and cannulate which is a huge bonus as you arent taught them as part of your cirriculum.

you are able to do a bridging course which will give you a step up into the nursing degree, well it works that way for wollongong uni, thats where i studied. otherwise you will sit an adult entrance exam and be given a new UAI. its not very difficult the test. my brother did it not long ago and said it was just like the school certificate for year 10.

the work hours are good for pathology 9-5 usually and monday to friday. if you could get a job in a hospital pathology collection centre you may be able to then talk them into sponsoring you to do your RN's and work on a ward 1 day a week as an undergraduate which you can do once completing first year.

if you have any questions just ask.