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.
Page Navigation
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.
24 Phlebotomy Schools in Washington
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bates Technical College | 1101 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405 |
| Bates Technical College | 2320 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405 |
| Bates Technical College | 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 |
| Bellevue College | 300 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 |
| Bellingham Technical College | 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 |
| Clark College | 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663 |
| Centralia College | 600 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia WA 98531-4099 |
| Columbia Basin College | 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301 |
| Edmonds Community College | 20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 |
| Everett Community College | 2000 Tower Street, Everett, WA 98201 |
| Green River Community College | 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092 |
| Green River Community College | 110 2nd St SW, Auburn, WA 98001 |
| Green River Community College | 1414 Griffin Avenue, Enumclaw, WA 98022 |
| Green River Community College | 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112, Kent, WA 98032 |
| North Seattle Community College | 9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 9810 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 555 S. Renton Village Place, Renton, WA 98057 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 9709 Third Avenue N.E., Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98115 |
| Renton Technical College | 3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056 |
| Seattle Vocational Institute | 2120 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98144 |
| Shoreline Community College | 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., Shoreline, WA 98133 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 N Greene St, Spokane, WA 99217 |
| Walla Walla Community College | 500 Tausick Way Walla Walla, WA 99362 |
| Walla Walla Community College | 1470 Bridge Street Clarkston, WA 99403 |
| Yakima Valley Community College | 500 West Main Street, Grandview, WA 98930 |
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:Average Salary of Phlebotomists in Washington
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $38,589 |
| Spokane | $34,022 |
| Tacoma | $37,425 |
| Vancouver | $36,546 |
| Bellevue | $38,589 |
| Kent | $37,350 |
| Everett | $37,763 |
| Renton | $38,551 |
| Federal Way | $37,425 |
| Yakima | $34,932 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 40 | $43,450 | $20.89 | $51,120 | $38,980 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 130 | $42,370 | $20.37 | $52,090 | $33,170 |
| Longview, WA | 30 | $50,890 | $24.47 | $63,660 | $37,490 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 80 | $45,320 | $21.79 | $52,400 | $39,670 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 1,100 | $49,820 | $23.95 | $63,430 | $39,220 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 310 | $42,490 | $20.43 | $49,990 | $37,590 |
| Yakima, WA | 60 | $40,380 | $19.41 | $48,920 | $33,920 |
* 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
This page is also available in Spanish.
