How to Become a Phlebotomist in Washington

There are many advantages to getting into a phlebotomy career in Washington.

But before that, you will need to train and develop your skills.

So, check out this guide where you will get to learn more about it.

Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties in Washington

Phlebotomists draw blood that is then used in medical testing.

You will also have other tasks throughout the day.

As a phlebotomist, your activity will take place in a medical facility.

Some of the medical facilities in Washington are:

• Blood banks
• Hospitals
• Various clinics
• Labs
• Nursing homes
• Community Health Centers
• Doctor’s Offices
• Other Health Care Facilities

Some of your duties will include:

• Performing venipunctures
• Choosing the correct vials
• Correctly labeling samples
• Organizing and sending off samples to the lab for testing
• Communicating with patients
• Following strict procedures

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Washington

In Washington, phlebotomists aren’t required to be licensed, but a license helps.

If you have one, you will find a job much faster than without.

You can only get licensed if you first attend a training program.

Getting a degree will also provide you with increased job opportunities when looking for a job.

To work as a phlebotomist in Washington, you need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Specialized training
• Strong communication skills
• Good listening skills
• Pay attention to details

Some of these skills are required to explain procedures to patients or to try to calm them down when they show signs of stress.

To minimize the risk of accidents, you should ask the patient about any particular health issue.

Phlebotomist Training in Washington

The first step you have to take is finding a suitable program.

These programs are offered through trade schools or community colleges.

Training programs also have various lengths from 3 weeks and up to 6 months.

If you are only looking for a diploma, you will complete a program in 3 weeks.

However, if you are after a degree, it may take you about 2 years to finish the training program.

Make sure that the training program you attend has to be approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory.

If you have a criminal record, you may be restricted from getting a phlebotomist certification.

You can learn more about the available schools when searching for a training program.

Each of the available schools has its own admission rules, tuition, and classes.

The phlebotomy training will be split into two sections:

• Theory classes
• Practice classes

You will also attend many classes related on:

• Medical terms
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Safety procedures
• The 40 most common lab tests

The tuition can also cover the costs for:

• Textbooks
• Various lab supplies
• Exam fees
• Uniform for the graduation

You can even get job placement options if this is offered by your school.

Phlebotomist Certification in Washington

Some of the medical facilities from which you can earn the national certification in Washington include:

• American Medical Technologists
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
• National Phlebotomy Association

An exam is also required after you complete your training program.

For this, you have to make an appointment with a testing center to schedule your test.

The phlebotomy exam is split into two separate sections.

One of them is practical, the other one is either oral or written.

Your certification will remain current for 1 to 10 years, depending on the facility that issued it.

After the period is over, you will have to get it renewed.

For this, you have to take some extra classes to prove you are up to date with the latest regulations.

Phlebotomist Salary Information in Washington

The phlebotomy field in Washington will grow in the following years.

This means that salaries will also increase

A phlebotomist in Washington earns an annual salary of $37,693.

Salaries are higher in metropolitan areas and for phlebotomists who are experienced.

The following table shows the average salaries for phlebotomists in the bigger urban areas of Washington.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phlebotomists, OCC 31-9097, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for Phlebotomists in Washington

Many nurses and EKG technicians choose to get certified in phlebotomy.

Their reasons for doing so include:

• Only a few employees in the medical facility
• A higher salary
• Better job opportunities

Along with that, your career as a phlebotomist will be a stable one.

All you have to do is complete your training in a school you find suitable.

Phlebotomy Schools by City

• Seattle3 Schools
• Spokane4 Schools
• Tacoma3 Schools
• Vancouver3 Schools

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