Phlebotomy Recertification in Washington

Washington is one of the states that requires phlebotomists working as medical assistant-phlebotomists to hold a state-issued credential. The credential is called Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist (MA-Phlebotomist) and is issued by the Washington State Department of Health. Washington law specifically states that a person may not practice as a medical assistant-phlebotomist unless they are certified under state law.

Unlike states where national certification is primarily an employer preference, Washington has a state credentialing requirement. Applicants must meet the state's education or training requirements and apply to the Washington State Department of Health. This page walks through what it takes to become a certified phlebotomist in Washington, the training pathways available, how national certification fits into the process, and what's required to maintain an active Washington credential.

Do You Need a License to Be a Phlebotomist in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires individuals practicing as medical assistant-phlebotomists to hold a state-issued Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential. Washington law defines a medical assistant-phlebotomist as a person certified under state law who performs capillary, venous, and arterial invasive procedures for blood withdrawal and other authorized functions under the supervision of a health care practitioner. State law also specifically provides that no person may practice as a medical assistant-phlebotomist unless they are certified.

The credential is issued by the Washington State Department of Health, and it is not simply a national certification. A person who holds an active Washington MA-Phlebotomist credential can work at different facilities throughout Washington without obtaining a separate credential for each facility. Washington also has a separate forensic phlebotomist credential for qualifying law enforcement and correctional personnel. That is a different credential and is not the standard credential for medical phlebotomy.

How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist in Washington

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Washington requires applicants for the Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential to provide proof of high school education or its equivalent.

2. Complete an eligible phlebotomy training pathway. Washington recognizes several pathways for satisfying the MA-Phlebotomist training requirement. An applicant may complete a phlebotomy program through a postsecondary school or college accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
   Washington also allows completion of a qualifying phlebotomy training program approved by a health care practitioner who is responsible for determining the training content and evaluating the trainee's proficiency. The training must cover areas such as patient identification, venipuncture and capillary collection, specimen collection procedures, infection prevention and control, safety, and biohazardous-material handling.

3. Consider national certification as an alternative qualifying pathway. Washington's rules also recognize certain national phlebotomy certifications as a pathway to the MA-Phlebotomist credential. The current rule specifically lists certifications from organizations including the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), and National Healthcareer Association (NHA), among others.
   This means candidates should check the current Washington Department of Health requirements before choosing a national certification, because not every phlebotomy credential automatically satisfies Washington's listed certification pathway.

4. Submit the Washington Department of Health application. Applicants must submit the required application, proof of education and qualifying phlebotomy training, the applicable fee, and any other documentation requested by the Department. Fingerprints may also be required for a national fingerprint-based background check if requested by the Department.

5. Obtain the Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential. Once the Department of Health determines that the applicant has met the requirements, it issues the Washington MA-Phlebotomist credential. Washington law permits an applicant who has completed the required training and filed an application to work under the required level of supervision for up to 180 days while the credential application is being processed.

6. Work within the Washington scope of practice. A medical assistant-phlebotomist may perform capillary, venous, and arterial blood withdrawal procedures when delegated and supervised by a health care practitioner and in accordance with Washington's rules. The credential also authorizes certain laboratory testing functions under the conditions established by state law and federal laboratory regulations.

7. Maintain your Washington credential. The MA-Phlebotomist credential must be renewed every two years. Unlike some state-licensed professions, Washington currently does not require continuing education for renewal of medical assistant credentials, including the MA-Phlebotomist credential.

Phlebotomy Recertification in Washington

Washington has a state renewal requirement for Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credentials. After the initial credential period, an MA-Phlebotomist credential must be renewed every two years on the credential holder's birthday. The Washington State Department of Health allows MA-Phlebotomist credentials to be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.

As of the current fee schedule effective August 1, 2025:

• Initial MA-Phlebotomist credential: $145

• Renewal: $145

• Late renewal penalty: $75

• Expired credential reissuance: $55

• Credential verification: $25

• Duplicate credential: $10

One important distinction for Washington is that there is currently no continuing education requirement for renewal of the MA-Phlebotomist credential. The Washington Department of Health specifically states that there are no continuing education requirements for medical assistant credentials. However, if a phlebotomist also holds a separate national certification, that certification may have its own renewal and CE requirements. Those requirements are separate from Washington's state credential.

To stay compliant, Washington phlebotomists should:

• Keep their Washington MA-Phlebotomist credential active

• Track their expiration date, which falls on their birthday

• Renew within the state's 90-day renewal window

• Pay the current state renewal fee

• Avoid practicing with an expired credential

• Follow any separate renewal requirements associated with a national certification they hold

• Maintain documentation of their training and credentials

An expired Washington medical assistant credential cannot be used to practice until it has been returned to active status. The process for reactivating an expired credential depends on how long it has been expired.

Visit our Certification Requirements page to find the specific recertification and renewal requirements for your certifying body.

Our Certificate of Completion

When you complete continuing education through PhlebCE, your certificate includes:

• Recipient name

• CE credit hours awarded

• Course title

• Completion date

• License provider information

• Program director signature

This documentation is designed to satisfy the renewal requirements of the major phlebotomy certifying bodies operating in Washington, so you can submit it directly as proof of continuing education.

[Recertify with PhlebCE ]

.Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to work as a phlebotomist in Washington?

Yes, if you are practicing as a medical assistant-phlebotomist. Washington requires a state-issued Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential to practice in that role. State law specifically prohibits a person from practicing as a medical assistant-phlebotomist unless they are certified under Washington law.

What is a Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential in Washington?

The Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist (MA-Phlebotomist) credential is a Washington State Department of Health credential that authorizes qualified individuals to perform specified blood withdrawal procedures under the supervision of a health care practitioner. The scope includes capillary, venous, and arterial invasive procedures for blood withdrawal, subject to Washington's laws and rules.

How do I become a certified phlebotomist in Washington?

You must meet Washington's MA-Phlebotomist credentialing requirements, which include high school education or its equivalent and completion of an approved or otherwise qualifying phlebotomy training pathway. Washington also recognizes certain national phlebotomy certifications as a qualifying pathway. You then submit an application and required documentation to the Washington State Department of Health.

Does Washington require national phlebotomy certification?

Not necessarily. Washington provides more than one pathway to qualify for the MA-Phlebotomist credential. Applicants can qualify through an eligible postsecondary phlebotomy program or qualifying supervised training program. Washington also recognizes certain national phlebotomy certifications listed in WAC 246-827-0400.

What national phlebotomy certifications does Washington recognize?

Washington's current rule lists national certifications from organizations including:

• American Certification Agency (ACA)

• American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)

• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Applicants should verify the current WAC and Department of Health requirements before selecting a national certification pathway.

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to become a phlebotomist in Washington?

Yes. Washington's application requirements for the MA-Phlebotomist credential include proof of completion of high school education or its equivalent.

Does Washington require phlebotomy training?

Yes. Applicants must meet one of Washington's qualifying education or training pathways. The state recognizes phlebotomy programs through appropriately accredited postsecondary institutions as well as qualifying training programs supervised by a health care practitioner.

Does Washington require a specific number of venipunctures?

Washington does not establish one universal number of successful venipunctures for the standard MA-Phlebotomist credential. Under the supervised-training pathway, the trainee performs procedures on patients until demonstrating proficiency, and the number of procedures may vary according to the trainee's skill. This is different from Washington's forensic phlebotomist credential, which has separate statutory training requirements.

How much does Washington phlebotomy certification cost?

The current Washington State fee for an initial Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential is $145. The renewal fee is also $145 every two years. A $75 late renewal penalty and $55 expired credential reissuance fee may apply in applicable circumstances. Training and national certification costs are separate expenses and vary by school and credentialing organization.

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist in Washington?

Washington does not establish one universal number of classroom hours or weeks for the standard MA-Phlebotomist pathway. Your timeline depends on the training program or national certification pathway you select. After completing the qualifying requirements, you must apply for the Washington credential. Washington law allows a qualifying applicant who has completed training and filed the credential application to work under the required supervision for up to 180 days while the application is being processed.

Do I need to renew my Washington phlebotomy credential?

Yes. The Washington MA-Phlebotomist credential must be renewed every two years on the credential holder's birthday.

How often does Washington require phlebotomy credential renewal?

The MA-Phlebotomist credential is renewed every two years after the initial renewal period, with the credential expiring on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal may be completed within 90 days of expiration.

Does Washington require continuing education for phlebotomy renewal?

No. Washington currently states that there are no continuing education requirements for medical assistant credentials, including the MA-Phlebotomist credential. However, a national certification held separately may have its own CE requirements.

Can I complete my phlebotomy CE online in Washington?

Washington does not require CE for renewal of the MA-Phlebotomist credential, so there is no state CE requirement that you need to satisfy through online courses. If you hold a separate national certification that requires CE, whether online CE is accepted depends on that certifying organization's rules.

When should I renew my Washington phlebotomy credential?

MA-Phlebotomist credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday, and the Washington Department of Health allows renewal within 90 days of the expiration date. Renewing before expiration is important because an expired credential cannot be used to practice until it has been returned to active status.

What happens if my Washington phlebotomy credential expires?

You may not practice with an expired medical assistant credential until it has been returned to active status. Washington has different reactivation requirements depending on how long the credential has been expired. A late renewal penalty or expired credential reissuance fee may also apply. The current fee schedule lists a $75 late renewal penalty and $55 expired credential reissuance fee for the MA-Phlebotomist credential.

How long is a renewed Washington phlebotomy credential valid?

The MA-Phlebotomist credential is renewed on a two-year cycle, with expiration tied to the credential holder's birthday.

Can I work while my Washington phlebotomy application is being processed?

Yes, under specific circumstances. Washington law allows an applicant who has completed the required training and filed an application for the MA-Phlebotomist credential to work under the supervision requirements applicable to the training program for up to 180 days while the Department processes the application.

Can I work at different facilities with one Washington MA-Phlebotomist credential?

Yes. The Washington Department of Health states that an active MA-Phlebotomist credential allows the credential holder to work at different facilities throughout Washington State. The credential is not tied to one particular facility or supervisor.

Do I need both a Medical Assistant–Certified credential and a Medical Assistant–Phlebotomist credential?

No. Washington's Department of Health specifically addresses this question and explains that the MA-Phlebotomist credential has its own scope of practice. A separate Medical Assistant–Certified credential is not automatically required simply to perform the functions within the MA-Phlebotomist scope.

What is the difference between a national phlebotomy certification and Washington certification?

A national certification is issued by a private or independent national credentialing organization such as NHA, AMT, ASCP, or NCCT. The Washington MA-Phlebotomist credential is issued by the Washington State Department of Health and is the state credential required to practice as a medical assistant-phlebotomist. National certification can serve as one of the qualifying pathways for obtaining the Washington credential when it meets the organizations listed in state rules.

Does Washington have a separate forensic phlebotomy credential?

Yes. Washington has a separate Forensic Phlebotomist credential for qualifying police officers, law enforcement officers, and employees of correctional or detention facilities. It is specifically intended for forensic blood draws and is different from the standard MA-Phlebotomist credential.

Can PhlebCE help with my Washington phlebotomy renewal?

PhlebCE can provide continuing education courses for phlebotomy professionals. However, Washington does not currently require continuing education to renew the MA-Phlebotomist credential, so CE is not required for the state renewal itself. If you hold a national certification in addition to your Washington credential, check that organization's current CE requirements before using PhlebCE coursework toward national certification renewal.

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