How much does it cost to become a phlebotomist in Washington?

The NHA CPT exam fee is commonly reported around $117 (verify current pricing at nhanow.com). Washington's Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) credential adds a $145 fee. Training program costs vary by school.

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How to Become a Phlebotomist in Washington (2026 Guide)

Q: Does Washington require a separate phlebotomy license?

Yes. Washington is one of only 4 states (with California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington) that requires phlebotomists to hold a separate state license — the Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) credential — on top of national NHA certification.

Q: What happens if I fail the NHA CPT exam?

NHA requires a 30-day wait before your 2nd attempt and another 30-day wait before your 3rd attempt. After a 3rd failed attempt, you must wait 1 year before retaking. This policy is set nationally by NHA and does not vary by state.

Becoming a phlebotomist in Washingtonrequires a national certification exam (NHA CPT) that's the same everywhere in the country. Washington is one of only 4 states that also requires a separate state license — the Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) credential. Average pay is $23.5/hr.

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Washington Phlebotomy — At a Glance

~$117

NHA exam fee

390/500

Passing score

Yes

State license required

$23.5/hr

Avg pay

Washington licensing board →

How to Become a Phlebotomist in Washington: Step by Step

1
Meet NHA CPT eligibility
Complete a phlebotomy training program within the last 5 years, OR complete 1-2 years of supervised phlebotomy work experience. Either way, you must document at least 30 successful venipunctures and 10 successful capillary sticks performed under supervision.
2
Pass the national NHA CPT exam
120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 20 unscored pretest), 2-hour time limit, passing score of 390 out of 500 (scaled). The fee is commonly reported around $117 — verify current pricing at nhanow.com. This exam and its content are identical in every state.
3
Complete the Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) credential
Issued by the Washington State Department of Health. Three qualifying pathways: accredited training program, recognized national certification (NHA, ASCP, AMT, or NCCT), or practitioner-supervised training. National certification alone does not authorize phlebotomy work — the MA-P credential itself must be issued. Renewal: Every 2 years, no CE required.
4
Apply for your first phlebotomy position
With your NHA certification and Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) credential in hand, you can apply to hospitals, reference labs (Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp), blood donation centers (American Red Cross), and outpatient draw stations. Average pay in Washington is $23.5/hr.

Washington's State Licensure Requirement

Issued by the Washington State Department of Health. Three qualifying pathways: accredited training program, recognized national certification (NHA, ASCP, AMT, or NCCT), or practitioner-supervised training. National certification alone does not authorize phlebotomy work — the MA-P credential itself must be issued.

Phlebotomist Salary in Washington

Full salary breakdown →

$23.5/hr

Average hourly

$49K

Average annual

+2.45/hr

vs national avg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a phlebotomist in Washington?

Complete a training program or supervised work experience (documenting 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks), then pass the national NHA CPT exam. Washington also requires the Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) credential.

Does Washington require a separate phlebotomy license?

Yes — Washington is one of only 4 states that does.

What happens if I fail the NHA CPT exam?

NHA requires a 30-day wait before your 2nd and 3rd attempts, then a 1-year wait after a 3rd failure. This is the same nationwide.