Michigan Pharmacy Technician Info

Looking for Michigan pharmacy technician information? Following are the important facts you need to know about the requirements for pharmacy technicians in Michigan.

Does Michigan regulate pharmacy technicians?
UPDATE: Yes! Michigan is now regulating pharmacy technicians.

Is certification required to practice in Michigan?
Michigan's requirements are changing at this time. We encourage you to visit the Board of Pharmacy site (link below).

When is registration required?
See the Board of Pharmacy site for changing guidelines.

Is licensure required?

Yes, all pharmacy technicians must be licensed in order to practice, beginning October 1, 2015.  

What do I have to do to become a pharmacy technician in Michigan?

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent or currently be a high school student in good standing.
• Have no criminal convictions related to controlled substances.
• Possibly submit to a physical examination, including a TB test.
• Possess good reading, writing, and thinking skills.
• Apply directly to retail pharmacies, hospitals, large clinics, or medical centers for a position as a pharmacy technician.

No, however, on-the-job training is generally provided by employers.

Are there Continuing Education (CE) requirements? Yes. Per Michigan law for pharmacy technician licensing, Sec. 17731.(b): "a licensee seeking renewal of a pharmacy technician’s license [must] furnish the department with satisfactory evidence that during the 2 years immediately preceding application for renewal, he or she has attended at least 20 hours of continuing education courses or programs."

How often is renewal required? Every 2 years.

What should I do if I change jobs or change my home address? You must notify the Board of Pharmacy.

Other good info to know about Michigan pharmacy tech requirements:

• The Michigan Career and Technical Institute helps those with disabilities gain career skills. Qualified students may spend up to three semesters training for a career as a pharmacy technician.
• A technician may only perform pharmacy functions that do not require professional judgment.
• The supervising pharmacist is responsible for all actions of the pharmacy technician.

We recommend joining the Michigan Pharmacists' Association (MPA). The advantages and benefits they offer members are impressive. Their mission is to provide support, advocacy, and resources to improve patient care, safety, health, and the practice of pharmacy. One of their strategic issues in the legislative arena is to ensure that all pharmacy technicians have the knowledge, skills, and abilities (that is, they are competent) to practice in the state of Michigan. Listing your membership in MPA on your resume will also be appealing to any potential employers. It shows that you are committed to excelling in your profession.

Essential Contact Info for Michigan Pharmacy Technicians

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

Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA)
www.michiganpharmacists.org/mpa/sections

Be a proud Michigan pharmacy technician!

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