How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Michigan

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Michigan

1. Meet Basic Requirements. Ensure you are 18 years or older and have earned a high school diploma or GED.
2. Complete Training. Although not required, it’s recommended to complete a formal training program at a community college or vocational school to gain necessary skills and improve your job prospects.
3. Obtain Certification (Optional). While certification is not mandatory, getting certified through the PTCB or NHA can significantly enhance employment opportunities and demonstrate your competency.
4. Register for Licensure. Submit an application for licensure through the MiPLUS system, complete a criminal background check, and pay the registration fee of $61.20.
5. Complete Continuing Education (CE). Every two years, complete 20 hours of CE, including courses in pain management, patient safety, and pharmacy law, with at least 5 hours in live learning.
6. Renew Your License. Renew your license every two years through MiPLUS, providing proof of CE completion and paying the renewal fee.

State Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Background Check: Must undergo a criminal background check, especially related to controlled substances.
• Certification: Although not mandatory, certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is highly recommended for better job prospects.
• Training: May complete employer-based training or a recognized pharmacy technician program.
• Continuing Education (CE): Must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, which includes:
  • 1 hour in pain and symptom management.
  • 1 hour in patient safety.
  • 1 hour in pharmacy law and ethics.
  • At least 5 of the CE hours must be live courses.
• Licensing: License renewals are required every two years, with an application fee of $61.20.
• Implicit Bias Training: Starting June 1, 2022, must complete at least 2 hours of implicit bias training.
• Human Trafficking Training: Must complete one-time training on identifying victims of human trafficking.

Education and Training

In Michigan, formal training for pharmacy technicians is not explicitly mandated by the state, but it is highly recommended. Pharmacy technicians have the option to either complete an employer-based training program or attend an accredited educational program through a community college or vocational school. 

Although on-the-job training is possible, many employers prefer candidates who have completed formal training, as it ensures they have a strong foundational knowledge of the profession.

Typical pharmacy technician training programs cover essential topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, medication preparation and dispensing, and sterile compounding. 

Programs also include lessons on customer service, inventory management, and pharmacy software systems. These courses ensure that technicians can accurately assist pharmacists, maintain safety standards, and interact professionally with patients and healthcare providers.

Learn more: Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Michigan

Certification

In Michigan, certification for pharmacy technicians is not mandated by the state, but it is strongly recommended. While technicians can work without certification if they meet the state’s licensing and training requirements, earning a certification such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) credential can significantly enhance career opportunities. 

Certification demonstrates a higher level of competency and commitment to the profession, which many employers value, especially in settings like hospitals or specialized pharmacies.

The two most common certification options are:

1. PTCB Certification (CPhT): To obtain this certification, candidates must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and meet continuing education requirements to maintain the credential. The exam covers a wide range of topics including pharmacology, medication safety, and pharmacy law.
2. NHA ExCPT Certification: The ExCPT exam is another widely recognized certification option. Like the PTCB exam, it tests knowledge in areas such as drug classifications, prescription processing, and safety protocols.

Licensing/Registration

In Michigan, licensing and registration are mandatory for all pharmacy technicians working in the state. Pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy before they can legally work in a pharmacy setting. 

This process involves submitting an application, providing proof of education (such as a high school diploma or GED), and completing a criminal background check. Although certification is not required for licensing, it can significantly improve job prospects and help streamline the registration process.

The licensing process in Michigan typically involves:

1. Application: Candidates must submit an online application through the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS).
2. Fees: There is a registration fee of around $61.20, and licenses are valid for two years.
3. Renewal: Pharmacy technicians must renew their license every two years, and renewal requires proof of completing 20 hours of continuing education (CE), including specific courses in areas such as pharmacy law and patient safety.

For technicians whose licenses have expired, Michigan allows reinstatement or relicensure. If the license has lapsed for less than three years, the technician can renew it by submitting proof of CE completion. However, if it has been more than three years, technicians may be required to reapply and demonstrate recent exam certification or training to requalify for licensure.

Reciprocity is also an option for technicians moving to Michigan from another state. If they were licensed elsewhere, they must submit verification of their out-of-state license directly from the issuing state, and their credentials will be reviewed for compliance with Michigan’s standards. This can streamline the registration process for those who are already experienced pharmacy technicians.

Continuing Education

In Michigan, continuing education (CE) is a mandatory requirement for pharmacy technicians to maintain their licensure. Pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of CE every two years. The CE requirements are designed to ensure that technicians stay updated with the latest developments in pharmacy practice and safety. Of these 20 hours, specific courses are required, including:

• 1 hour in pain and symptom management
• 1 hour in patient safety
• 1 hour in pharmacy law and ethics Additionally, at least 5 hours of the CE must involve live, interactive learning sessions, such as workshops or webinars. These requirements ensure that technicians maintain both technical skills and knowledge of regulatory standards.

Technicians renewing their licenses must keep records of completed CE credits, as the Michigan Board of Pharmacy may audit licensees to verify compliance. If a technician is selected for audit and unable to provide proof of CE completion, they could face penalties, including license suspension or revocation.For pharmacy technicians who hold certifications like the PTCB (CPhT), the continuing education requirements align closely with Michigan’s regulations. Certified technicians must also complete 20 hours of CE within a two-year cycle, including at least 1 hour focused on pharmacy law and 1 hour on patient safety. Meeting both state and certification CE requirements ensures pharmacy technicians stay current with industry standards and best practices.

Resources

Michigan Board of Pharmacy 
www.michigan.gov/healthlicense 
Office:             611 W Ottawa, First Floor, PO Box 30670. Lansing, MI 48909-8170
Telephone:    517-335-0918 Fax: 517-373-2179

Professional Association for Michigan Pharmacy Technicians: 
Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA)
www.michiganpharmacists.org/mpa/sections