Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician is required in the State of Michigan for employment in this field. Online pharmacy technician programs that are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists meet all the educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan. Although some of the coursework is delivery online, the required in-person hands-on training made available through on-campus simulation and a pharmacy externship at a community and intuitional pharmacies ensures students get the practical skills to assume entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician in various pharmacy settings. Formal training is just one pathway to licensure in Michigan. Job training may be an option if you prefer a total hands-on approach to learning or don’t have the time and money to complete a formal program. An online pharmacy technician program provides the best of both worlds. It will give you the convenience of self-paced, distance learning so you can continue working while you prepare for a new career as a pharmacy technician. Online programs include all the support of traditional programs including the opportunity to apply the theoretical principles under the direction of a pharmacist in a real-world pharmacy.
Wayne County Community College
Wayne County Community College’s Pharmacy Technology program includes some online study that gives students the convenience to prepare for a new career while they work. The school offers a certificate and an associate of applied science degree program. The certificate program is a 35-credit hour program that spans three semesters. The AAS program is 89 credit hours. Both pathways are approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The AAS includes all the courses in the certificate program plus some advanced level coursework and general education requirements. Course modules include introduction to pharmacy technology, orientation to pharmacy technology, institutional and community pharmacy, drug distribution systems, pharmaceutical calculations and drug preparation, pharmacy computer systems and pharmacy technology practicum. The school partners with PioneerRx to give students a unique experience where they will simulate functions and workflow processes associated in the daily pharmacy operations. Graduates will be prepared for success on the PTCB exam to work as certified pharmacy technicians. Applicants are selected based on test scores, academic performance, and the outcome of an interview with program faculty.
Admission criteria:
- Must be admitted to WCCCD
- Pass PHT 100 with a grade B or better or pass the Pharmacy Technician Assessment Test with a score of 85% or higher
- Apply for admission to the Pharmacy Technician program by the published deadline
- Must fulfil course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER test
- Must meet the with Pharmacy Technician Program Director
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must complete a satisfactory criminal background check from the designated WCCCD vendor
- Must submit two letters of reference
- Must obtain a clear drug screen
- Must the results of a recent TB test – not more than 12 months
Tuition for the program is $4,081.50. Expenses for books, fees, and supplies are not included.
- Website: https://www.wcccd.edu/
- Address: 801 W. Fort Street, Detroit MI 48226
- Phone: (313) 496- 2600
Charter Health Care Training Center
The Pharmacy Technician Training program at Charter Health Care Training Center includes delivery of some of the coursework online. The curriculum meets the rigorous accreditation standards of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE) and prepares students for national certification. It includes an abundance of opportunities for interactive learning. Students will learn by doing. They will learn how to read prescriptions and prepare medications for dispensing to patients, make sterile IV solutions for patients using aspetic technique, help clients locate items in the pharmacy, calculate and record charges for medication, understand prescription drugs and their effects on the body, prepare and process insurance claims, operate cash registers, update patient records, use robotic dispensing machines, and deliver medications and pharmaceutical supplies. Course topics include patient and medication safety, pharmacy math, pharmacology for technicians., inventory management, medication order entry and fill process, non-sterile drug compounding, insurance billing and reimbursement, customer service excellence, pharmacy quality assurance, CPR for Health Care Providers, sterile IV drug preparation/aseptic technique, and pharmacy law and regulations. The program includes a 180-hoour pharmacy externship at a community and institutional pharmacy. Graduates will be prepared to take the PTCE exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. The duration of the program is 6 months. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Must apply for admission to Charter College
- Must submit a separate application for admission to the Pharmacy Technician program before the published deadline
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must obtain a clear criminal background check and drug screen
- Must submit a TB test – not more than 12 months
- Must provide a valid photo ID and social security card
Financing is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://charterhealthcaretraining.com/
- Address: 1055 Charter Drive Suite 103, Flint Township, MI 48532
- Phone: (810) 202-8646
Dorsey Schools
Students enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician program at Dorsey Schools have the option to complete part of the program online for added convenience. The approved curriculum prepares students for entry-level employment in an ambulatory pharmacy where they will dispense prescription under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist. Training begins with theory followed by hands-on activities in the on-campus labs. Some of the tech classes will take place online. Some areas of study include computer keyboarding lab, medical workplace skills, anatomy and physiology with medical terminology for the pharmacy technician, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, today’s pharmacy: practice and technology, and pharmacy technician externship. Students will have the opportunity to put the information learned into practice during the pharmacy externship. The externship is an unpaid work experience that includes exposure in a real-world pharmacy setting. Graduates will be eligible to sit for a national Pharmacy Technician Certification exam. Dorsey College will pay a one-time certification exam fee for graduates who complete the program and meet the exam preparation requirements. The duration of the program is 8 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Attend a career planning session with a representative from Dorsey Schools
- Must apply for admission to Dorsey Schools
- Must have a computer and reliable internet access
- Complete a criminal background check
- Must have current immunization
- Must complete a health physical and TB skin test
- Must provide proof of COVID vaccination
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Provide a valid photo ID and social security card
The program cost of $13,450 includes tuition, externship fee, course fee, books, supplies, and one complimentary lab coat.
- Website: https://www.dorsey.edu/
- Address: 31450 Gratiot Ave. Roseville, MI 48066
- Phone: 586-296-3225
Henry Ford College
Henry Ford College offers a pharmacy technician apprenticeship that gives students a bright future in healthcare. The program features online learning videos that are self-paced. Students will be assigned a minimum number of videos to complete earn week. Apart from the online videos, students will receive on-on-one mentoring Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm and Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Hands-on training will be facilitated through an internship at one of Henry Ford Health’s inpatient, outpatient, or retail pharmacies. The program is designed to be completed in 12 months and students are paid throughout the program. Apprentices will be assigned an onsite pharmacy technician coordinator to assist with courses and exam prep. They will also receive an exam preparation guide to aid success on the exam. Course topics include pharmacy law and ethics, computerized data entry, inventory management, preparation of IV admixtures, pharmacy operations, receiving and preparing prescriptions for dispensing, pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy terminology and abbreviations, customer service, and the use of automated equipment. Instructors will use practice exams to prepare students for success on the national certification exam. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement. They must remain employed at Henry Ford Health for at least one year after completion of the apprenticeship program.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.25
- Must complete an online screening assessment
- Must have a minimum of 6 months in current position and no active corrective action if employed at Henry Ford Health
- Must attend an interview with HFH Talent Selection Specialist and Hiring Managers
- Must apply for temporary pharmacy technician license
- Must complete a background check by the State of Michigan
- Must have fingerprinting completed by the State of Michigan
- Must submit a resume to HFH pharmacy technician apprenticeship position online
- Must provide references or recommendation letters with the application
- Must attend a scheduled interview
The apprenticeship is free and includes paid training.
- Website: https://www.hfcc.edu/
- Address: 5101 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128
- Phone: 313-845-9600
Schoolcraft College
Schoolcraft College offers several training pathways to prepare for a career as a pharmacy technician. Options include the Pharmacy Technician Skills Certificate (entry-level pharmacy technician), the Pharmacy Technician Certificate (advanced-level pharmacy technician), Health Professionals Management Associate of Applied Science for Pharmacy Technicians, and the Associate of Science in Pre-Pharmacy. Students enrolled in the skills certificate will receive hands-on training in a single practice setting, such as a hospital. Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for national certification and licensure as a pharmacy technician in the State of Michigan. The advanced level certificate includes expanded training that prepares students for employment in any practice setting. The program builds on the skills gained int eh certificate program. Students enrolled in this program will be eligible for recognition as a PTCB Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician after completion of one year of full-time continuous compounded sterile preparation work experience. Course topics include inventory management, laws and ethics, pharmacy terminology, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy operations, aseptic techniques, customer service, and more. The program is accredited by the ASHP and covers 29 credit hours.
Admission criteria:
- Must apply to Schoolcraft College online
- Must request official undergraduate transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
- Must meet with an academic advisor to develop an academic plan
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all Schoolcraft College courses
- Must submit the Pharmacy Technician Application form
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Attend an interview with a program representative
- Complete a criminal background check
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Provide a valid photo ID and social security card
- Must have current CPR for Healthcare Provider certification
The program cost of $5,681 for resident students and $7,421 for non-residents includes tuition, fees, expenses, fingerprint fee, BLS fee, and State Pharmacy Tech License.
- Website: https://www.schoolcraft.edu/
- Address: 18600 Haggerty Road – Livonia, MI 48152
- Phone: 734-462-4400
Mid-Michigan College
The hybrid pharmacy technician program at Mid-Michigan College prepares students for employment in. various healthcare environments including hospitals, pharmacies, and nursing homes. The ASHP accredited program requires completion of 24 credit hours. Students will complete lectures online and attend lab sessions on campus. They will complete the clinical sessions at sites close to home. Sites are located in places such as Cadillac, Alma, Midland, and Mt. Pleasant and include hospital and retail pharmacies. Course topics include orientation to pharmacy technician and drug preparations, pharmacy law, institution and community pharmacy, therapeutic agents and body systems, and clinical practicum. Graduates will be eligible to take the national PTCB exam. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must apply to Mid Michigan College online
- Apply for financial aid
- Set up a Mid-Mich email and portal
- Submit an application to the Pharmacy Technician Programs
- Complete a criminal background check
- Provide details of all healthcare experience including documentation of job description, length of service and hours per week
- Must submit to drug screenings
- Must provide proof of immunizations
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Provide a valid photo ID and social security card
In-state tuition and fees cost $7,588. Books and supplies cost an additional $6,035.
- Website: https://www.midmich.edu/
- Address: 1375 S. Clare Ave. Harrison, MI 48625
- Phone: (989) 386-6622
Barnabas Health Care School of Professional Studies
The pharmacy technician program at BHCSPS is designed for adults who want to prepare for a career dispensing medication in community and institutional pharmacies. The curriculum emphasizes medication orientation, healthcare education, and customer service. Students will learn how to count medication, measure medication, manage inventories, and prepare pharmaceutical dosage forms. Other topics include billing and payments, pharmaceutical calculations, body structure and function, drugs and their effects on the body, customer service, aseptic techniques, pharmacy operations, and pharmacy terminology. Some of the coursework may be delivered online. Students will be prepared to sit for the PTCB exam.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application online
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Schedule and attend an interview with a program representative
- Provide a valid photo ID and social security card
- Complete a criminal background check
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
Tuition for the program is $2,500.
- Website: https://www.bhcschool.com/home
- Address: 24235 W Seven Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
- Phone: 313-550-3615