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MANDATORY LICENSURE

Washington State Phlebotomy Licensure

Washington requires phlebotomy licensure through the Department of Health. The state has one unique requirement: all phlebotomists must complete 7 hours of AIDS/HIV training, more than any other state requires.

Washington Phlebotomy Licensure Requirements

Licensure Body

Washington Department of Health (DOH)

State-regulated certification for all phlebotomists

Approved Exams

ASCP PBT or NHA CPT

Both are accepted by Washington DOH

Unique Requirement

7-hour AIDS/HIV training

Only Washington requires this specific training

Application Fee

~$150-200

Varies; check DOH website for current fee

License Term

Varies (typically 3-5 years)

Renewal requirements determined by DOH

Washington's Unique: 7-Hour AIDS/HIV Training

Washington is the ONLY state that mandates AIDS/HIV training for phlebotomists. This 7-hour requirement reflects the state's commitment to educating healthcare workers about bloodborne pathogen transmission and prevention. It's not a barrier. It's important clinical knowledge you'll use throughout your career.

This training often qualifies as a professional development credit, so it's valuable beyond the license requirement.

What's Covered in the 7-Hour AIDS Training

Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS
Routes of transmission and prevention
Bloodborne pathogen safety protocols
Patient confidentiality and ethics
Infection control in phlebotomy
Legal and regulatory requirements
Community resources for patients

Finding AIDS Training: Search "Washington phlebotomy AIDS training" or ask your training program, as many include it or partner with providers who do. Online options are available.

5-Step Licensure Process

1

Complete Phlebotomy Training Program

  • Enroll in approved phlebotomy training (many community colleges offer it)
  • Complete didactic and clinical components
  • Obtain training completion certificate
2

Complete 7-Hour AIDS/HIV Training

  • This is UNIQUE to Washington. No other state requires this specific training.
  • Available through online courses, community health departments, or healthcare facilities
  • Covers HIV transmission, bloodborne pathogen prevention, and patient care ethics
  • Obtain completion certificate for your DOH application
3

Pass ASCP PBT or NHA CPT

  • Register and take exam at approved testing center
  • Study with quality materials aligned to exam blueprint
  • Pass with required score (ASCP: 68%, NHA: 70%)
  • Obtain official exam score report
4

Submit Application to Washington DOH

  • Complete official phlebotomy licensure application
  • Include training completion documentation
  • Include 7-hour AIDS training completion certificate
  • Include exam score report (ASCP PBT or NHA CPT)
  • Pay application fee and submit
5

Receive Washington License

  • DOH reviews application (typically 2-4 weeks)
  • Once approved, you receive official phlebotomy license
  • License number can be used for employment
  • You can legally work as phlebotomist in Washington

Approved Exams for Washington Licensure

ASCP PBT

Provider

American Society for Clinical Pathology

Cost

$190 USD

Format

100 questions, 150 minutes

Passing Score

68% (68 questions)

NHA CPT

Provider

National Healthcareer Association

Cost

$155 USD

Format

100 questions, 130 minutes

Passing Score

70% minimum

Ready to Get Licensed in Washington?

PhlebotomySkills has everything you need to pass ASCP PBT or NHA CPT. Master the content, pass your exam, and complete your DOH application.

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