How to Become a Phlebotomist in Washington
Washington issues a medical assistant-phlebotomist credential through the Washington State Department of Health. You qualify by one of 3 routes: an accredited college program, a current national phlebotomy certification, or a training program approved by a supervising health care practitioner. Every rule below is taken from the regulations themselves (WAC 246-827-0400, 246-827-0410).
Updated October 2026 · Rules checked October 2026 · Sources: WAC 246-827-0400, 246-827-0410, IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
- Minimum training
- By programno fixed hours in the rule
- Certification exam
- One of 3 routes6 organizations accepted
- Colleges with phlebotomy programs
- 14IPEDS 2023–24
- Washington median pay
- $48,880$23.50/hr · BLS May 2025
Washington phlebotomy requirements at a glance
| Credential | Medical assistant-phlebotomist credential |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Washington State Department of Health |
| Education | Proof of high school completion or its equivalent |
| Training | One of three routes (below); a supervised training program must cover venipuncture, capillary finger collection and heel sticks, and safety and infection control |
| Practice | Supervised practice on patients until you show entry-level proficiency; the rule sets no fixed number of draws |
| Exam | Not required on every route; a current national phlebotomy certification is one of the three routes |
| Background | National fingerprint-based background check, if the department requests it |
From WAC 246-827-0400 and WAC 246-827-0410, read in October 2026. Rules change: confirm with the Washington State Department of Health before you apply.
Step 1: Check that you qualify
Proof of high school completion or its equivalent. National fingerprint-based background check, if the department requests it.
Step 2: Pick your route
The Washington rule gives three ways to qualify for the medical assistant-phlebotomist credential:
- Finish a phlebotomy program at a postsecondary school or college accredited by an agency the U.S. Department of Education recognizes.
- Hold a current national phlebotomy certification from an examining organization the rule lists.
- Finish a phlebotomy training program approved by a health care practitioner, with direct visual supervision until you are proficient.
On the training-program route, the program must cover venipuncture, capillary finger collection and heel sticks, and safety and infection control. Supervised practice on patients until you show entry-level proficiency; the rule sets no fixed number of draws.
National certifications Washington accepts
- American Certification Agency
- American Medical Certification Association
- American Medical Technologists
- American Society of Clinical Pathology
- National Center for Competency Testing
- National Healthcareer Association
14 colleges in Washington report phlebotomy programs to the U.S. Department of Education; see them with costs and graduates. Hospitals, labs and private schools outside that federal data also train phlebotomists, so check a program's approval before you pay.
What college phlebotomy programs charge in Washington
1 college reports a price: $5,504 for tuition plus books and supplies (IPEDS 2023–24). More: how much phlebotomy classes cost by state.
| College (lowest prices) | City | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute-Renton | Renton | $5,504 |
Price = tuition plus books and supplies, self-reported by colleges for 2023–24; it covers the college's largest phlebotomy program. Exam and state fees are extra.
Phlebotomy classes in Washington's biggest metro areas
Step 3: Apply to the Washington State Department of Health
Send your application with proof of education and training.
2,820 phlebotomists work in Washington. The median earns $48,880 a year; the top 10% earn $64,080 or more (BLS May 2025). Washington phlebotomist pay by metro area.
Phlebotomy requirements by state
| State | Minimum training | Exam | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 40 lecture + 40 clinical | Required | 19 |
| Louisiana | 20 lecture hours (or adequate practical hours) | Required | 11 |
| Nevada | 6 months (training route) | One of 3 routes | 4 |
| Washington | Set by program | One of 3 routes | 14 |
Only states whose phlebotomy rules we have read in full are listed. How to become a phlebotomist: all states compared.
Becoming a phlebotomist in Washington: FAQ
Is there a state phlebotomy license in Washington?
Yes: the medical assistant-phlebotomist credential, issued by the Washington State Department of Health. Its requirements are in WAC 246-827-0400, 246-827-0410, summarized on this page.
How many hours of training does Washington require?
The Washington rule sets no fixed hours or number of draws. On the training-program route, a supervising health care practitioner decides the content and watches you perform procedures on patients until you show entry-level proficiency.
Do you need a national certification in Washington?
No, it is one of three routes. You can instead finish an accredited college program or a practitioner-approved training program. The rule accepts certification from: American Certification Agency, American Medical Certification Association, American Medical Technologists, American Society of Clinical Pathology, National Center for Competency Testing, National Healthcareer Association.
How much do phlebotomy classes cost in Washington?
1 Washington college reports a phlebotomy program price to the U.S. Department of Education: $5,504 for tuition plus books and supplies (IPEDS 2023–24).
How much do phlebotomists make in Washington?
The median Washington phlebotomist earned $48,880 a year ($23.50 an hour) in BLS May 2025 data, above the U.S. median of $45,230. The middle half earned $45,820 to $58,370.