Michigan Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Pharmacy technician careers are a growing sector for those who want to break into the booming healthcare industry. Like many other states across the U.S., Michigan has set criteria for those seeking employment as a pharmacy technician. For the most part, Federal law determines how a person should go about this; however, states are permitted some flexibility and set additional criteria. In this guide, we explain the steps you need to take to work in any of Michigan's pharmacies as a pharmacy technician.

Michigan Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

Michigan's strict criteria to work as a pharmacy tech in the state is as follows:

• The applicant for a pharmacy technician license in Michigan must be at least 18 years of age
• You must submit to a criminal records check. Some felonies will exclude you, for example when related to drug crime or controlled substances
• For the "licensure by endorsement" you must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• Michigan recognizes PTCB and NHA exams. If you have already passed these, you will not need High School Diploma / GED supporting documentation (licensure by exam)
• Michigan currently operates an on-the-job training scheme called Pharmacy Tech Prep (PTP). Those entering this training are exempt from the licensure requirement
• License application fee is $91.80 by endorsement or by exam; renewal fee is $64.80. A temporary license fee is $16.20
• From 2021 onward, applicants must have completed a state-approved training course on identifying victims of human trafficking
• Processing can take 6-8 weeks in Michigan; applicants should apply in good time

Special note 1: The Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing will not process an application until all personal details are received

Special note 2: Transfers from other states are permissible so long as the applicant fulfills all other criteria and there are no disciplinary issues. Applicants may be subject to simple renewal if their license from another state expired less than five years prior.

Michigan Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in their most recent analysis from 2019 that 15,040 pharmacy technicians operate in Michigan. Average pay for pharmacy techs in the state is $15.72 as a median average, $16.27 as a mean average, and $33,850 yearly average.

Work environments for pharmacy technicians are almost always drug stores and pharmacies with the national average at 51%. 17% of this work base is employed in a clinical setting (hospitals, clinics, and other facilities with medical treatment) while 9% of pharmacy technicians work in grocery stores, health food shops, and other retail outlets as concessions.

Most pharmacies in Michigan will work around the clock including evenings, night shifts, and weekends. Therefore, pharmacy technicians can expect to work such unsociable hours when required. Hours may vary when concessions are in place; pharmacy techs will typically work to the hours set by the third party (a supermarket, for example).

The latest predicted job growth going by the 2019 report is 4%. This is in line with the national average and the overall prediction for the decade period 2019-2029.

Michigan Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs