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]
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
| Programme | City | PTCB credential | ASHP accredited | Federal programme data | Programme hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Michigan Career and Technical Institute – Plainwell | Plainwell | CPhT | No | 5 graduates in 2023–24 | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Brighton | Brighton | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Davison | Davison | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Grand Rapids | Grand Rapids | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Kentwood | Grand Rapids | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Lansing | Lansing | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Portage | Portage | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Saginaw | Saginaw | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Wayne County Community College | Detroit | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 805 total, 320 experiential |
| Grand Rapids Community College – Main Campus | Grand Rapids | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Kellogg Community College | Battle Creek | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Macomb Community College | Warren | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Monroe County Community College | Monroe | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Montcalm Community College | Sidney | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Mott Community College | Flint | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Charter Health Care Training Center | Flint | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Clare-Gladwin RESD (CTE) | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Corewell Health – Pharmacy Technician Program | Southfield | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Fitzgerald High School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Flat Rock Community High School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Gratiot Isabella Technical Education Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Healthcare Career Institute | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Huron Area Technical Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Kalamazoo Resa | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Kent Career Tech Center – Adult Ed Pharmacy Technician | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Kent Career Tech Center – Pharmacy Tech | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| MPA – Pharmacy Technician Advanced Training: Immunization Administration | Not published | Immunization Administration Certificate | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Meijer Pharmacy Technicians University (PTU) | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Michael Berry Career Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Milan Community Education | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Munson Healthcare – Pharmacy Technician Training Program | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Phlebotomy Career Training | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Romulus High School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Kalamazoo | Not published | CPhT, CSPT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Madison Heights | Not published | CPhT, CSPT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Rx4 Life LLC | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Sanilac Intermediate School District – Sanilac Career Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Schoolcraft College | Livonia | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Schoolcraft College – Advanced | Livonia | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Trinity Health | Livonia | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Troy Continuing Education | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| University of Michigan Medicine – Pharmacy Technician Training | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Utica Community Schools | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center | Not published | Immunization Administration Certificate | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| West Michigan Center for Art and Technology | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Wrigleys Pharmacy Training Program | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
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.
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.
CAREER AND SALARY PROJECTIONS
Pharmacy technician employment in Michigan is projected to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034, from about 14,720 jobs to 15,550 (Projections Central state projections). That is roughly 1,460 openings a year, a figure that counts people leaving the occupation as well as new posts, so it is the better guide to how often jobs come up.
Nationally the occupation is projected to grow 6.4% over the same period (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), so Michigan is close to the national rate.
The median pharmacy technician in Michigan earns $44,340 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn between $37,520 and $48,730; the lowest tenth earn under $35,430 and the top tenth above $54,740. Michigan employs about 14,240 pharmacy technicians.
What that is worth where you live. Prices in Michigan run at 96.2% of the national average (2024, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities), so $44,340 here buys what $46,083 would buy in an average-cost part of the country. Measured that way Michigan ranks 29 of 51 states for pharmacy technician pay, better than its headline wage suggests because living costs are below average.
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.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Michigan?
- Henry Ford College, Dearborn
- Dorsey School of Business, Wayne and Woodhaven
- Wayne County Community College, Detroit
- Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor
- Ross Medical Education Center, Madison Heights, Ann Arbor, Brighton, and Davison
- Baker College, Owosso
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Michigan?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Register with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Apply for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Michigan?
Related:
How to Become a Pharmacist in Michigan
Latest Michigan Posts from the Blog
- Studying Pharmacy Tech at Washtenaw Community College
- Studying Pharmacy Tech at Charter Health Care Training Center
- What’s the Best School for Pharmacy Technician Training in Detroit?
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Pharmacy Technician programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dorsey College-RosevilleRoseville, MI(586) 296-322531450 Gratiot Avenue443 undergraduates, fall 2023 | Private for-profit | $32,1602023-24 | not published |
|
Dorsey College-WayneWayne, MI(734) 595-154035005 Michigan Avenue203 undergraduates, fall 2023 | Private for-profit | $32,1602023-24 | not published |
|
Dorsey College-WoodhavenWoodhaven, MI(586) 296-322519810 West Road212 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Private for-profit | $32,1602023-24 | not published |
|
Henry Ford CollegeDearborn, MI(313) 845-96005101 Evergreen Rd11,239 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $5,6442024-25 | $55 to $8,653by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Lake Michigan CollegeBenton Harbor, MI(269) 927-81002755 East Napier Avenue2,904 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,7552024-25 | $8,727 to $16,137by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Michigan Career and Technical InstitutePlainwell, MI(269) 664-446111611 West Pine Lake Road118 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $8,3002023-24 | $7,721 to $13,407by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Mid Michigan CollegeHarrison, MI(989) 386-66221375 S Clare Ave3,416 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,8102024-25 | $6,997 to $13,956by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Schoolcraft Community College DistrictLivonia, MI(734) 462-440018600 Haggerty Road7,596 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $6,3222024-25 | $4,943 to $7,611by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Wayne County Community College DistrictDetroit, MI(313) 496-2600801 W. Fort Street12,554 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $3,3332024-25 | $4,752 to $12,642by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
See options in the neighboring states of Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.