Phlebotomy Certification Requirements in Washington

Mandatory state certification. Washington credentials phlebotomists as "Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist" through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The credential authorizes blood withdrawal/capillary collection under the supervision of a health care practitioner. There is no separate standalone "phlebotomist license"; the MA-Phlebotomist certification is the required credential for phlebotomy-only workers.

Education: proof of high school education or its equivalent. Training (WAC 246-827-0400), one of three pathways: (1) transcripts showing successful 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; (2) currently hold a national phlebotomy certification from one of the approved national examining organizations (see acceptedCerts); or (3) successful completion of a phlebotomy training program approved and attested to by a supervising health care practitioner, covering required knowledge areas (patient identification, venipuncture technique, safety, infection control, etc.) with direct visual supervision until entry-level competency is demonstrated, documented and signed by the supervising practitioner and trainee. Applicants must also answer personal-data/background questions, disclose other state credentials with verification, and apply online via SecureAccess Washington or by paper. Military training satisfies requirements unless deemed not substantially equivalent. No examination is required by the state and there are no continuing-education requirements for renewal.

Verification: Washington DOH is migrating its Provider Credential Search into HELMS (Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System); the HELMS license-search portal (wahelms.my.site.com/s/license-search) confirmed loading 2026-07-21 (HTTP 200; JavaScript app). The DOH hub page for credential search is https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/provider-credential-or-facility-search. Bulk data is also published via data.wa.gov ("Health Care Provider Credential Data"). Governing law: chapter 18.360 RCW (medical assistants) and chapter 246-827 WAC. Washington also has a separate, narrower "Forensic Phlebotomist" credential for law-enforcement-related blood draws (chapter 18.360 RCW), which is distinct from the MA-Phlebotomist certification. ASCP, NHA, AMT, NCCT, ACA, and AMCA marks are trademarks of their respective organizations.