Becoming a Pharmacist in Michigan – Online PharmD Degrees
The opportunities for pharmacists are limitless. For example, being one of the most populous states in the US, the state of Michigan has a never-ending demand for pharmacists in its healthcare system. This demand runs through both part-time and full-time roles, meaning better job prospects for professionals in this field. Also, since living costs in Michigan are lower than the national average, pharmacists can better utilize salaries compared to their counterparts in other states.
Michigan is home to three of the best pharmaceutical schools in the US. All three schools are certified by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and are committed to raising the best pharmaceutical professionals globally. You can also get an online PharmD degree in Michigan in as little as 3-4 years. Let’s show you how.
Pharmacy Licensing Regulations in Michigan
The practice of pharmacy in Michigan is governed by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. According to the provisions outlined in Section 17722 of the Public Health Code, the Board of Pharmacy is empowered to “regulate, control, and inspect the character and standards of pharmacy practice” in the state. Consequently, the board is responsible for stipulating licensure requirements for all pharmacists in the state.
Licensing Requirements for New Pharmacists in Michigan
New pharmacists who want to get licensed for practice in Michigan have to fulfill a number of stipulations as set out by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. The application process for licensing includes filling out an online form and paying an application fee, but some considerations have to be fulfilled beforehand. They include the following:
- You’ll need to provide a Social Security number or its equivalent at the time of licensure application
- Before applying for a pharmacist’s license in Michigan, you must prove that you have successfully passed the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) within three attempts.
- Where this is not the case, you’ll need to register for an exam preparation course on the failed exam and show proof that you have completed the course before retaking the exam(s).
- Applicants who did not study in an ACPE-approved pharmacy college must complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification program before applying for a license.
- Applicants must also show proof of at least 1,600 hours in internship programs before applying for a pharmacy license in Michigan. These hours must have been logged while holding an intern license.
Licensing by Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement involves granting a Michigan-backed license to pharmacists already licensed in other states in the US. Since licensing regulations vary across states, pharmacists who want to work in Michigan will need to apply for a license to operate in the state.
Getting a license by endorsement is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to tender proof of passing both the NAPLEX and MPJE—pharmacists will need to contact the National Association Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to have their records sent over to the Michigan Board of Pharmacy for approval.
Job Prospects and Salary Outlook for Pharmacists in Michigan
Pharmacy in Michigan is quite a profitable venture. Despite projected rates of decline in job opportunities through the next decade, the fact remains that demand for pharmacists will increase in some healthcare settings, especially in hospitals and clinics. The average annual pay of pharmacists in Michigan is around $142,887 and can go as high as $152,194 based on the pharmacist’s level of experience. Job prospects for pharmacists in Michigan also include the following:
- Clinical specialist
- Medical sales representative
- Research associate
- Scientific writer
- Medical research scientist
In-State Schools with PharmD in Michigan
Three ACPE-accredited schools offer a PharmD degree in Michigan. Admission requirements are almost the same for each school—all of them no longer require a PCAT for admission, and they all offer the possibility of dual degrees and scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan
One of the best parts about studying for your PharmD at the University of Michigan is the school’s tightly-knit community. With a student-faculty ratio of 4:1, students are guaranteed close tutelage and mentorship from their professors and instructors. Little wonder that the university boasts of having a much “greater positive impact on the world” compared to other universities in the world.
The admission process into the PharmD program at this university is extremely competitive. Since its establishment in 1876, the University of Michigan has set the pace for other pharmacy colleges in the US and beyond—it established the first clinical pharmacy residency program in the country and set the CDC standard for collaborative hypertensive care.
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) was recently removed as a requirement for admission into the college’s PharmD program. However, prospective students must have achieved the necessary course prerequisites and maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 to be considered for admission. Admission requirements include the following:
- Application through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate study
- Admission essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Interviews
International students (from non-English speaking countries) will also be required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam before they are considered for admission.
Tuition and Fees
The total cost of studying pharmacy at the University of Michigan is pegged at $150,599 for in-state students and $176,871 for non-Michigan residents. This amount covers tuition and fees for the entire duration of the PharmD degree. It is payable in installments throughout the study.
Financial Aid
The University of Michigan is committed to educating and inspiring pharmaceutical professionals through global clinical strategies that improve public health. A significant part of this mission statement includes rewarding exemplary behavior, so deserving students can get scholarships and grants to fund their education. Students can also apply for financial aid and loans based on their needs.
EACPHS, Wayne State University
The mission statement for the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS) at Wayne State University hinges on providing outstanding education through a diverse range of expertise in basic and clinical sciences. Located in the heart of Detroit, EACPHS is a world-acclaimed university committed to providing its students with first-class training in pharmacology and pharmaceutical studies.
Getting into the PharmD program at EACPHS is no cakewalk. Before you apply to the program, the college advises all intending applicants to attend a general information meeting to get answers to any questions they may have. You can also go through the college’s application checklist for a more detailed overview of admission requirements. Some considerations you’ll need to fulfill include the following:
- Minimum of a 2.75 GPA as calculated by PharmCAS and Wayne State University Admissions Committee
- International students will need to pass the university’s English proficiency requirements
- Submit a personal statement, resume, and reference letters to PharmCAS
- Candidates who are admitted into the program will need to pass a criminal background check
NB: Passing the PCAT is only necessary for those with a prerequisite GPA of less than 3.0.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition estimates at EACPHS are calculated yearly and subject to change. For 2021/2022 estimates, Michigan residents will spend $109,699.38 on tuition fees across 4 years. Out-of-state residents will need around $211,634.82 to complete their PharmD degree.
Financial Aid
EACPHS offers many private scholarships to outstanding students in the PharmD program. These scholarships are awarded based on faculty recommendations and requirements from sponsors. Students who have a hard time financing their PharmD degree can also apply for financial aid. Check to see if you meet the requirements for financial assistance and apply before the deadline.
College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University
There’s no doubt that pharmacists are at the forefront of ensuring public healthcare. Every day, pharmacists utilize cutting-edge strategies and techniques to provide solutions to various health challenges globally. The College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University, has made it a point of duty to give aspiring pharmacists the sturdy foundation they need to become experts in pharmaceutical study.
The admission process for a PharmD degree at Ferris State is quite seamless. Intending applicants can complete their PharmD application in five simple steps, viz:
- Apply PharmCAS
- Tender proof of academic history
- Submit transcripts to the PharmCAS server
- Attend the interview
- Wait for a mail to see if you have been granted admission
Tuition and Fees
The cost of tuition at Ferris State for a PharmD degree is the same for both Michigan and non-Michigan residents. Pegged at $28,500 per academic year, Ferris State offers the cheapest tuition fees for a pharmaceutical degree in the state. However, there are other fees you’ll need to pay before you complete your degree.
Financial Aid
Ferris State also offers many scholarship opportunities for deserving students from the second year of study. Getting financial aid at Ferris State is also hassle-free.
Online PharmD Program at St. John Fisher College
The Wegmans School of Pharmacy, St. John Fisher College, is revolutionizing how we see the world today. No one would have imagined that you could study for your PharmD degree online, let alone at an ACPE-certified college. The Wegmans School of Pharmacy is changing the narrative.
Please note, however, that this hybrid approach to learning does not mean a lesser quality of education. The curriculum is just as rigorous as that of top pharmacy schools in the country, if not more. You’ll need to prepare for rigorous study hours to meet up with course requirements and clinical rotations, as well as study for exams.
Students applying to the PharmD program here will need a total of $181,337 to cover tuition costs throughout the program. You’ll also need to prepare other fees for housing, feeding, and textbooks. St. John Fisher College also has a sound financial aid policy for students in need, alongside scholarship opportunities for model students.
Why You Should Become a Pharmacist
Becoming a pharmacist is not a day job. It takes time, effort, and commitment to keep up with the rigorous hours of classes and rotations. Even those are not a guarantee of success in this field. Regardless, there’s no doubt that the pharmaceutical profession is an enviable one—pharmacists are an indispensable part of public healthcare strategies, and we also have them to thank for coming up with vaccines to combat even the deadliest of diseases in our world.