PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN MICHIGAN

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by taking on administrative tasks, mixing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and more. The job is ideal for people who are looking for a career that makes an impact on the lives of others and who enjoy detailed tasks. Each state has its own licensing and employment requirements, so this guide provides an overview of Michigan’s regulations. [Leer en español]

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GENERAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Pharmacy technicians in Michigan must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, undergo a criminal background check, and register with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy before beginning work. They must also receive their national certification, which requires the successful completion of a standardized exam. Candidates may apply for a temporary license while they prepare for certification.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN MICHIGAN

Technical schools and community colleges across the state offer pharmacy technician training programs. Select a pharmacy technician program that provides hands-on education and is accredited by the state Board before enrolling. The following pharmacy technician schools in Michigan are among those in the state that offer acceptable pharmacy technician programs:

  • Dorsey Business Schools. Dorsey has four campuses in Michigan. Students are trained in pharmacy operations and terminology, the use and side effects of common medications, and basic pharmacy law. They also complete an externship under the supervision of a pharmacist to get real-world experience.
  • Henry Ford Community College. Henry Ford Community College offers a certificate program in pharmacy technology. The program is affiliated with 16 hospital pharmacies and more than a dozen retail pharmacies at which students can complete an externship.
  • Michigan Career and Technical Institute. This certificate program can be completed entirely online and includes an externship with a local Walgreens or CVS pharmacy partner. While the program can be completed in as little as four months, students can learn at their own pace and spend more time on it if necessary.
  • Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

FORMAL CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To become a fully licensed pharmacy technician in Michigan, you must receive your national certification. Temporary licenses, which are valid for 210 days, are available to technicians who are currently studying for certification. The state Board does not issue additional, state-specific certifications.

Obtaining your national certification requires you to have a high school diploma or GED and register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. You can then pay the $129 fee to take the PTCE. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be issued official certification, which must be renewed every two years by taking continuing education courses.

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CAREER AND SALARY PROJECTIONS

The Projections Managing Partnership estimates that jobs for pharmacy technicians in Michigan will increase by 11.2 percent during the 10 years to 2026. This is on pace with the national average rate of 12 percent growth during the same period.

Pharmacy technicians in Michigan average an annual salary of $32,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, though Certified Pharmacy Technicians can typically obtain higher pay.

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MICHIGAN

Pharmacy technicians typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, chains, independent drugstores, and other healthcare facilities, many of which are open late and on the weekends. You should expect to have a nontraditional schedule, stand for long periods, and occasionally move heavy boxes of inventory.

The highest-paying jobs can typically be found in larger cities, such as Lansing and Grand Rapids, where higher salaries match the higher cost of living. However, you should be able to find work at healthcare facilities throughout the state if you choose to work elsewhere.

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FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Michigan?

  1. Henry Ford College, Dearborn
  2. Dorsey School of Business, Wayne and Woodhaven
  3. Wayne County Community College, Detroit
  4. Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor
  5. Ross Medical Education Center, Madison Heights, Ann Arbor, Brighton, and Davison
  6. Baker College, Owosso

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Michigan?

  1. You must be at least 18 years old
  2. You must have a high school diploma or GED
  3. Pass a criminal record check
  4. Register with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy
  5. Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
  6. Apply for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Michigan?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Michigan made an average of $32,660 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $21,750 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $46,380.

Related:

How to Become a Pharmacist in Michigan

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ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Area

Career Quest Learning Center-Kalamazoo

do not remove this text5115 Portage Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49002-1711iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Career Quest Learning Center is offered at their Kalamazoo campus in the city of Kalamazoo, MI. This private, for-profit college has about 99 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs.

Lansing-East Lansing, MI Area

Career Quest Learning Centers-Jackson

209 E Washington Ave, Ste 241, Jackson, Michigan 48901 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Career Quest Learning Centers is imparted at their Jackson campus in the city of Jackson. The majority of the school’s 329 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education.*

Career Quest Learning Centers-Lansing

3215 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48910 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Career Quest Learning Centers can be taken at their Lansing campus in the city of Lansing. The college has about 422 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. Career Quest Learning Centers-Lansing has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education.*

Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division Area

Dorsey Business Schools-Farmington Hills

33533 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite 152, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Dorsey Business Schools is offered at their Farmington Hills campus in the city of Farmington Hills. The college has about 97 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* tuition fees are usually about $17,568 for each academic year.

Lansing-East Lansing, MI Area

Dorsey Business Schools-Lansing

6250 South Cedar Street, Lansing, Michigan 48911-5744 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Dorsey Business Schools can be taken at their Lansing campus in the city of Lansing. The majority of the school’s 156 students are on short programs of under two years. Dorsey Business Schools-Lansing has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $17,568 yearly.

Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division Area

Dorsey Business Schools-Madison Heights

30821 Barrington, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Dorsey Business Schools is offered at their Madison Heights campus in Madison Heights in Oakland County, MI. Most of the school’s 203 students are on short programs of under two years. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $17,568 yearly.

Dorsey Business Schools-Roseville

31542 Gratiot, Roseville, Michigan 48066 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Dorsey Business Schools is based at their Roseville campus in Roseville in Macomb County, Michigan. The majority of the school’s 515 students are on short programs of under two years. Dorsey Business Schools-Roseville has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* Tuition fees are usually around $19,728 per year.

Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI Area

Dorsey Business Schools-Saginaw

4390 Bay Rd, Saginaw, Michigan 48603 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Dorsey Business Schools can be taken at their Saginaw campus in Saginaw in Saginaw County. Most of the school’s 223 students are on short programs of under two years. Dorsey Business Schools-Saginaw is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* Tuition fees are around $17,568 per year.

Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division Area

Dorsey Business Schools-Southgate

15755 Northline Rd, Southgate, Michigan 48195 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Dorsey Business Schools’ Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Southgate campus in Southgate in Wayne County. Most of the school’s 145 students are on short programs of under two years. Dorsey Business Schools-Southgate has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* Tuition fees are usually around $17,568 per year.

Dorsey Business Schools-Wayne

35005 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, Michigan 48184 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Dorsey Business Schools is based at their Wayne campus in Wayne in Wayne County, Michigan. The college has about 191 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. Dorsey Business Schools-Wayne has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* Tuition fees are around $14,688 yearly.

Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division Area

Henry Ford Community College

5101 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1495 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Henry Ford Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Dearborn, MI. The majority of the school’s 13,836 students are in 2-year programs. Henry Ford Community College has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $2,518 and is $3,958 and $4,078 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $1,416, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. There are starting dates every august. Candidates can expect to attend an interview. Class schedule: daytime, full-time, part-time. Acceptance Requirements: Admission criteria are required. High school graduate–GPA 2.25 + or GED equivalency. Acceptable math, reading, and typing placement tests. An interview with the clinical coordinator of the program is required. General Location Training Sites: Centrally located in southeast Michigan, which includes Dearborn, Detroit, and Wayne County.. Academic award: 1-year certificate/Associate Degree option. They say: The Pharmacy Technician Program is a one-year certificate program emphasizing hospital, community, and home infusion/nursing home practice. Financial aid and information for job placement are available. The didactic portion of the program includes an introduction to pharmacy, pharmacology, calculations, business language skills, medical terminology, and law and ethics. Issues in pharmacy are covered with role play to emphasize communication, teamwork, and conflict management. The comprehensive training program has laboratory course instruction that emphasizes hands-on skill development including unit dose cart fill, aseptic I.V. preparation, inventory packaging, compounding, and outpatient prescriptions. Computerized order entry and applications are performed in a state-of-the-art computer lab. In addition, the coursework prepares the individual for the national certification exam. Focus on Women’s Aid, and childcare is available for qualified students.

Lansing-East Lansing, MI Area

Lansing Community College

419 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, Michigan 48901-7210 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Lansing Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Lansing, MI. The college has around 17,562 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Lansing Community College is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* Tuition fees for in-district students are usually around $2,720 and are $5,210 and $7,700 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,160, as necessitated by the chosen program.

Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area Area

Michigan Career and Technical Institute

11611 West Pine Lake Road, Plainwell, Michigan 49080-9254 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Michigan Career and Technical Institute’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Plainwell in Allegan County, Michigan. The majority of the school’s 200 students are on short programs of under two years. Michigan Career and Technical Institute are institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* Fees for tuition for in-state students are around $17,496 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $25,896 yearly.

Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area Area

Mid Michigan Community College

1375 S Clare Ave, Harrison, Michigan 48625-9447 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Mid Michigan Community College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. All programs are offered at their campus in Harrison in Clare County, MI. The majority of the school’s 4,552 students are on 2-year programs. Mid Michigan Community College has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $2,732 and are $4,988 and $8,852 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,248, although this will depend on the program.

Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area Area

Mid Michigan Community College-Mt. Pleasant

2600 S. Summerton Road, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Mt. Pleasant. The majority of the school’s 4,422 students are on 2-year programs. Mid Michigan Community College-Mt. Pleasant has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $3,501 and $6,272 and $6,272 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $1,820, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes a technician and 2 pharmacists. The school offers start dates in August of each year. Class scheduling: Evening. Acceptance Requirements: Candidates must have an H.S. diploma or GED equivalency, no felony record, or misdemeanor drug charges. Starting for Fall 2011, an admissions test will have to be taken. General Location Training Sites: Within the surrounding counties of MMCC. Academic award: Training Credential. They say: Hands-on skill development is acquired through lab activities. The pharmacy lab includes a replicated counter and computer terminals so students can experience? real? retail pharmacy prescription processes. The lab is also equipped with a laminar flow hood so students can practice IV techniques. Computer experience is acquired through practicing prescription data inputting exercises. The coursework throughout the program prepares the student for the national certification exam through the PTCB. Financial aid is available.

Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division Area

Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton

8110 Murphy Drive, Brighton, Michigan 48116 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Ross Medical Education Center’s Certificate program is imparted at their Brighton campus in Brighton in Livingston County. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 127 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. Ross Medical Education Center-Brighton has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are around $14,140 per year. Typically, the program is completed in 9 months. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Flint, MI Area

Ross Medical Education Center-Davison

815 S State St, Davison, Michigan 48423 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Ross Medical Education Center is taught at their Davison campus in Davison in Genesee County, MI. The college has about 181 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. Ross Medical Education Center-Davison has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are around $14,140 yearly. Program completion is normally 9 months. This program has AHSP candidate status. The program faculty includes 2 technicians. There are starting dates every 5 weeks. Candidates can expect to attend an interview. Class scheduling: Full-time day & afternoon classes are available. Day classes run from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Afternoon classes run from 3 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday. Acceptance Requirements: Each Student will satisfactorily complete an evaluation that measures general ability. The evaluation used is the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam. Students entering Ross Medical Education Center must have graduated from a valid high school, must have completed a recognized equivalent (GED), or must have completed secondary education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under state law to be eligible for admission to Ross Medical Education Center. Students entering the Pharmacy Technician Program must also be 18 years of age and undergo a required criminal background check. All other students must be at least 18 years of age at the time they complete classroom training and begin externship. Determination for admission is made by the Campus Director after candidates are screened and evaluated to determine their academic capabilities and career potential. Students failing to meet specific attendance requirements from their start date will be unregistered from courses. They say Hands-on skills developed in a realistic classroom/lab setting, 6-week externship experience, job placement assistance with career services, and financial aid assistance, upon successful completion of the program the campus will pay for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Ross Medical Education Center-Kentwood

4528 Breton Road, SE, Kentwood, Michigan 48508 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Ross Medical Education Center’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Kentwood campus in Kentwood in Genesee County, Michigan. The college has in the region of 176 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are, as a rough guide, around $14,140 yearly. Program completion is normally 9 months.

South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Area

Southwestern Michigan College

58900 Cherry Grove Rd, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047-9793 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Southwestern Michigan College is offered at their campus in Dowagiac in Cass County. This public college has a region of 2,802 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.*

Ann Arbor, MI Area

Washtenaw Community College

4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-4800 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Washtenaw Community College’s Certificate program is imparted at their campus in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan. This public college has roughly 12,327 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Washtenaw Community College has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers starting dates in September. Class scheduling: full-time/daytime/evening. Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma “currently attending high school” or GED, high school algebra, and high school chemistry and/or biology (or college equivalent) with a grade of “C” or better. General Location Training Sites: Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the surrounding southeastern Michigan area. Academic award: Certificate in Pharmacy Technology. They say State-of-the-art classroom/laboratory, hands-on pharmacy system computer training, hands-on skill development, state-of-the-art experiential training sites, preparation for national certification examination, convenient two-semester format, financial aid.

Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division Area

Wayne County Community College District

801 W. Fort Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226 Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Wayne County Community College District offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Detroit, Michigan. This public college has about 18,119 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Wayne County Community College District has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited. Staff on the program includes a technician,a lab/clerical support member, and 2 pharmacists. The course is 2 semesters long and starts every 8 months. Candidates must undergo an interview. Class scheduling: Full-Time in the AM. Acceptance Requirements: DIPLOMA OR ENTRANCE, ENTRANCE EXAM, INTERVIEW, REFERENCES, BACKGROUND CHECK, T.B. TEST. General Location Training Sites: METROPOLITAN DETROIT AREA. Academic award: Certificate. They say: USER-FRIENDLY SOFTWARE FOR RETAIL AND HOSPITAL TRAINING, VERTICAL LAMINAR FLOW HOOD, TORSION BALANCE, PREPARATION FOR CERTIFICATION, FINANCIAL AID, MUCH LAB SPACE, 80% OF STUDENTS RECEIVE JOB OFFERS WHILE ON CLINICALS.

* Accreditation status and tuition fees are correct at the time of the last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

See options in the neighboring states of Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.