Phlebotomist in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a Phlebotomist in Washington
To become a Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) in Washington, individuals must obtain a state-issued credential from the Washington State Department of Health. Key steps include completing a phlebotomy training program from an accredited post-secondary institution or a program attested to by a licensed Washington healthcare practitioner, passing a national phlebotomy certification exam, and submitting an application with a fee. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal, and applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Washington also offers a portability application for military service members and their spouses with active MA-P certifications from other states.
Phlebotomist Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a phlebotomy training program through a post-secondary school or college accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, OR successful completion of a phlebotomy training program attested to by a Washington State licensed supervising healthcare practitioner. Proof of completion of high school education or its equivalent is also required. 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training is mandatory for all healthcare professionals in Washington. |
| Exam | One of the following national phlebotomy certifications: American Certification Agency (ACA), American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), or National Healthcareer Association (NHA). ($50) |
| Application Fee | $145 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Certification is as a 'Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist' (MA-P). This is one of several Medical Assistant certification types in the state. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. A background check is processed for every applicant, and a fingerprint-based background check may be required. Applicants may work for up to 180 days after filing their application while it is being processed. |
Phlebotomist Salary in Washington
The median phlebotomist salary in Washington is $47,700 per year, which is 9.3% above the national median of $43,660.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $39,480 |
| 25th | $44,380 |
| 50th (median) | $47,700 |
| 75th | $57,890 |
| 90th (experienced) | $62,580 |
Washington employs approximately 2,380 phlebotomists.
Phlebotomist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Phlebotomists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.28/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Phlebotomist in Washington Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $850 and a median salary of $47,700 in Washington, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.