A NEW clinical skills lab fitted with a “state-of-the-art” dental, pathology, and laboratory spaces and technology has opened at Loganlea TAFE.
The upgrades, worth about $4.5 million, will accommodate the training of about 160 students every year in new accredited courses, including Certificate III in Dental Assisting, Certificate III in Pathology Collection, and Certificate III in Laboratory Skills.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles said the lab upgrade and expansion of Loganlea TAFE’s facilities would make a difference to the community and put Queenslanders in areas with skills shortages.
“This new Clinical Skills Lab will offer opportunities for more Queenslanders to train for laboratory, pathology, and dental assistant roles – all important jobs where we need more workers,” Mr Giles said.
Inside the lab, previously a former trade training block, are industry-simulated pathology and examination laboratories, a phlebotomy room, a dental surgery with x-ray capability, and a reception and waiting area.
State Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates said the TAFE’s proximity to Logan Hospital was convenient and would be beneficial for students undertaking courses in allied health.
“By 2027-28, we expect almost one in three new Queensland jobs to be in health care and social assistance, making this facility essential to delivering on our commitment to secure a pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland’s future,” Ms Bates said.
“As a former nurse, and with our state responding to surging influenza cases and a global pandemic in recent years, we know just how important pathology and lab services are to keeping Queenslanders healthy and safe.”
Loganlea TAFE currently delivers allied health training courses such as Certificate II in Health Support Services, Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
More than 220 people have enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing, the most common course in the healthcare field, at Loganlea TAFE in 2025.
The campus trained about 3,800 students from 2024 to 2025 across a range of courses.
