If you are looking to increase your chances of getting a better pharmacy technician salary in Michigan, there are several strategies you can implement to achieve your goal. By following these tips, you can enhance your qualifications and stand out in the competitive job market.

Obtain Certification from PTCB or ExCPT: Getting certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers, leading to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Gain Experience Through Internships or Externships: Participating in internships or externships at local pharmacies or healthcare facilities can provide you with valuable hands-on experience and help you build a strong professional network. Consider reaching out to institutions like the University of Michigan Health System or the Detroit Medical Center for opportunities.

Pursue Continuing Education: Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in pharmacy practice by pursuing continuing education courses can make you a more valuable asset to employers. Look into programs offered by institutions like Wayne State University or Ferris State University.

Seek Specialized Training: Consider pursuing additional training in specialized areas of pharmacy practice, such as compounding or sterile product preparation. These skills are in high demand and can lead to higher paying positions at institutions like Henry Ford Health System or Beaumont Health.

Negotiate Your Salary: When applying for a pharmacy technician position, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary based on your qualifications and experience. Research the average salary range for pharmacy technicians in Michigan and use this information to advocate for fair compensation during the hiring process.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Michigan is a great opportunity to work in the healthcare industry. This role involves assisting pharmacists in dispensing prescription medication. You'll be dealing with both patients and professional healthcare providers.

Outlined below are the steps you can take to start your path towards being a Pharmacy Technician in this state.

Acquire a High School Diploma or GED
Before you can become a Pharmacy Technician in Michigan, you must have at least a high school diploma or a GED. That's because further training or certification programs require this as a bare minimum.

If you are still in high school, consider taking courses in mathematics and science. These will prepare you for your future career.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
To work as a Pharmacy Technician, you need to equip yourself with necessary skills and knowledge. This can be achieved by enrolling in a training program. There are many programs available in Michigan, including those offered by local community colleges and vocational schools.

A training program will provide you with an understanding of pharmaceutical terminology. It will also teach you how to manage and update patient records. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of the laws and ethics that govern pharmacy practice.

Alternatively, you can opt for online certification training like Stepful. This platform offers flexibility and is more affordable than traditional college.

>> Read More: How Much Do Pharmacy Technician School & Certification Cost?

Get Certified and Registered
In Michigan, all Pharmacy Technicians must be certified and registered with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. To get certified, you must pass either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Examination for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

Once you have passed one of these exams, you can apply to the Michigan Board of Pharmacy for your Pharmacy Technician license. Remember that in Michigan, you cannot work as a Pharmacy Technician without being registered.

>> Read More: Pharmacy Technician Certification Options (PTCB, NHA, CPhT, & More)

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Michigan is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. It gives you the chance to contribute to the healthcare industry and make a difference in people's lives.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 47,400 job openings each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

In Michigan, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 14,000 pharmacy technicians employed in the state. Michigan's employment concentration for this occupation is 3.2 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.06, indicating a slightly higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.

With a favorable national job outlook and opportunities across the state, Michigan presents a viable environment for individuals pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician.