Pharmacy Technician in Michigan
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.
Jobs (MI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a pharmacy technician in Michigan
To become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in Michigan, individuals must apply through the Michigan Board of Pharmacy - LARA. Key steps include possessing a high school diploma or GED, passing one of the approved examinations (PTCB, NHA, or a Board-approved employer-based exam), and completing a criminal background check. Additionally, applicants must complete specific training in implicit bias and human trafficking. Michigan offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet the state's requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Michigan. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Michigan requirements
| Licensing body | Michigan Board of Pharmacy - LARA |
| State license | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED. Completion of a Board-approved training program OR national certification (PTCB or NHA) OR a Board-approved employer-based exam is required for full licensure. National certification is not explicitly required for a full license, but passing one of the approved exams is. |
| Exam | PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129) |
| Application fee | $61 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Michigan offers endorsement, but requires passing an approved exam and human trafficking training.Reciprocal states: Michigan offers licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in another state with an active and good standing license, provided they meet Michigan's requirements, including passing one of the approved examinations and completing human trafficking training. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Initial licensure requires 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years preceding application. A one-time human trafficking training is also required. CE must include 1 hour in pain and symptom management, 1 hour in patient safety, and 1 hour in pharmacy law. Additionally, 5 of the 20 CE hours must be live/synchronous. No more than 12 hours of CE credit may be earned in a 24-hour period. |
Source: Michigan Board of Pharmacy - LARA
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Michigan? See whether Michigan recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Pharmacy Technician license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium Michigan license tiers
Michigan offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Temporary Pharmacy Technician | N/A |
| Limited Pharmacy Technician | N/A |
| Pharmacy Technician (Full) | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMichigan license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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