State requirements

Michigan Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Complete step-by-step guide how to becoming a pharmacy technician in Michigan.
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Are you detail-oriented, passionate about helping others, and eager to enter a rapidly expanding healthcare field? If so, a career as a pharmacy technician may be the perfect choice. Pharmacy technicians handle many of the technical aspects of operating a pharmacy—such as preparing prescriptions and billing insurance—so pharmacists can concentrate on clinical tasks like checking for drug interactions and providing patient consultations.

In the United States, individual states set their own regulations for becoming a pharmacy technician. In Michigan, these rules are administered by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This guide will outline the key requirements for obtaining a pharmacy technician license in Michigan and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you embark on this fulfilling career path.

Michigan Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

To work as a pharmacy technician in Michigan, you'll first need to obtain a license from the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. Below are the minimum requirements needed to obtain a license:
  • Complete the application and pay the fee
    • You can complete the online application by visiting: www.michigan.gov/miplus 
    • The application fee and two-year licensing fee can be paid at the time of application. For 2025, these fees are $137.70.
  • Criminal background check
    • After completing your application, you will receive an email containing instructions on completing a criminal background check.
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Individuals applying for a pharmacy technician license must provide their social security number during the application.
    • If you do not have an SSN, you will be required to upload on affidavit form.
  • Minimum education requirements
    • You must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pharmacy training and certification
    • To become a pharmacy technician in Michigan, you must demonstrate your knowledge and competency for the role. The Michigan Board of Pharmacy offers two pathways to meet this requirement:  
    • Pathway 1: Earn a national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
    • Pathway 2: Successfully complete an approved employer-based training program.

Additional Training Requirements

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) also mandates that all healthcare professionals complete two additional training programs:
For a complete list of requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Michigan, refer to the Michigan Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide available on the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing website.

Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements in Michigan

To become a pharmacy technician in Michigan, the Board of Pharmacy requires you to demonstrate a solid understanding of the role and responsibilities of the technician within a pharmacy setting. This requirement can be fulfilled through one of two options: obtaining a PTCB certification or completing an employer-based training program approved by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy.

pathway 1

Earn a PTCB Certification

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a nationally recognized organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. To earn certification, you must complete a PTCB-recognized program and pass their certification exam. Once certified, you can use the CPhT designation (e.g., Cameron Jones, CPhT), a credential that is highly regarded by employers and healthcare professionals alike.

Beyond fulfilling Michigan’s licensing requirements, obtaining certification offers several additional benefits:
  • Higher salary potential
    Certified pharmacy technicians often earn more because employers know they require less training and can handle greater responsibilities.
  • Faster hiring process
    Holding a PTCB certification demonstrates a clear commitment to the field, signaling to employers that you are reliable, dedicated, and already trained.
  • Better job opportunities
    Pharmacies that prioritize employee well-being and a positive work culture tend to be more selective, and a PTCB certification can open the door to these desirable positions.
Pathway 2

Complete an approved employer-based training program

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy also recognizes specific training programs provided by certain pharmacy employers. If you have a job offer from a pharmacy that offers an approved program, this training might be a suitable option. However, these programs are generally designed for entry-level positions and may come with lower pay. For this reason, many individuals find that pursuing Pathway 1 offers greater long-term benefits.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Michigan

There are several ways to meet Michigan’s requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician. Many of the steps can be completed online, allowing for a faster and more convenient process. Below is an example of a common pathway that is both quick and cost-effective:
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  • Complete a PTCB-Recognized Course (online)
    • If you don’t have prior pharmacy experience, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete an approved training program.
    • These programs can be taken in person at community colleges or online through institutions such as the Pharmacy Technician Academy.
  • Pass the PTCB Certification Exam (online)
    • Once you finish your training program, you’ll be eligible to take the PTCB certification exam.
    • You can take this exam either in person at a testing center or online.
  • Complete a human trafficking training course (online)
    • This training is offered by various providers. It must be a minimum of two hours long and should provide a certificate of completion. 
    • Example: The University of Michigan offers a self-paced online human trafficking course designed to meet this requirement for $10. You can access it here: Addressing Human Trafficking in Healthcare Settings.
  • Complete an implicit bias training course (online)
    • To meet the initial licensure requirements, the implicit bias training must be at least two hours long.
    • Example: The Michigan Pharmacists Association offers an approved course, which you can access here.
  • Submit Your Online Application (online)
  • Criminal Background Check (in-person)
    • After submitting the online application, you will receive an Application Confirmation letter via email with detailed instructions on how to complete the Criminal Background Check.
For more information on the Michigan pharmacy technician registration process and step-by-step application instructions, refer to the Michigan Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide available on the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve certification and succeed as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a recognized program by the PTCB and designed to thoroughly prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). 

By completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements to take the certification exam, even if you don’t have prior pharmacy experience. The course is structured to cover all the essential topics tested on the PTCE, including medication basics, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more—giving you the knowledge and confidence needed to pass on your first attempt. 

We’re here to support aspiring pharmacy technicians with everything they need to achieve certification and thrive in their careers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to go to school to be a pharmacy tech in MI?

No, an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology isn’t required to work as a pharmacy technician in Michigan. Instead, you can fulfill the Board’s training requirements by earning a PTCB certification or completing an approved employer-based training program.

Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy tech?

No, certification is not required to work as a pharmacy technician in Michigan. The Michigan Board of Pharmacy also recognizes certain employer-based training programs as valid proof of pharmacy training. However, obtaining a PTCB certification can offer additional benefits, making it a preferred choice for many individuals seeking licensure.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Michigan?

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy generally processes license applications quickly once all requirements are fulfilled. The time it takes to become a pharmacy technician largely depends on the training program you choose. Traditional college programs may take over a year to complete, whereas many self-paced online options can often be finished in just a few months.

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Michigan?

Pharmacy technicians in Michigan earn an average hourly wage of $18.85, though this can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and work setting. For a detailed analysis of pharmacy technician pay in Michigan, check out our Michigan Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook Report.

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Helpful Reads

Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in Michigan

Michigan requires all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician to be licensed with the state. In order to become licensed, applicants must:
  • Submit a completed online application along with a non-refundable licensing fee. For 2025, the application fee is $137.70.
  • Submit to a criminal background check
  • Submit a social security number of an SSN affidavit.
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Obtain a PTCB certification or another approved national certification.
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The official pharmacy technician licensure requirements can be found in section 333.17739a of the Michigan Public Health Code Act

Michigan Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements

In order to register as a pharmacy technician, the state of Michigan requires that all individuals obtain certification through PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or another approved agency. The fastest and most cost-effective method of becoming certified and meeting this education requirement involves:

Steps to Obtain a PTCB Certification in Michigan

  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit your PTCB certificate with your pharmacy technician application.
The Michigan Pharmacy Technician Licensing guide can be found here.

PTCB Certification Requirements

To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
Click here for a full set of guidelines from the PTCB.

Residency

Reside in the United States of America or its territories.

Certification program or equivalent work experience

Complete an approved training program (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course) or have 500 hours of equivalent work experience. See below.

Compliance

You must comply with all PTCB policies and disclose all criminal and state Board of Pharmacy license actions.

Pass the PTCE

Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Certification Exam
Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify to sit for the PTCB certification exam, you must complete one of the following:

Pathway 1:

Complete a PTCB Approved Pharmacy Technician Course (such as 1st Pass CPhT).
This is the preferred method.

Pathway 2:

Complete 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.

The Preferred Method:
A PTCB Approved Training Program

There are several reasons why Pathway 1 is the preferred method
  • Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study. 
  • Certified technicians are offered significantly higher starting wages. Working 500+ hours without being certified can cost you thousands of dollars.
  • Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
  • Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts. 
  • As a CPhT, you will get more respect from your peers and patients.
Overview

Benefits of our training program

There are many advantages to our 1st Pass CPhT training program.  Here are just a few. Visit the course page to learn more.

Expertly designed curriculum

Our curriculum was designed by board certified clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers. Pass the PTCE and learn the skills employers are seeking. See the 1st Pass CPhT Course Page to find out more about the 1st Pass Advantage.

Accelerated learning experience

Accelerated but self-paced. Motivated students who have time to devote to studying can finish the course in as little as three weeks. You can be on your way to a new career in less than a month.

Affordably priced

Technology and determination allowed us to make this course accessible to everyone looking to start a new healthcare career.