Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play vital roles in the health care system. Both professions offer opportunities to work in different settings, such as retail pharmacies, health-systems, educational institutions and the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacists
Becoming a pharmacist requires specialized education at the graduate level. Potential pharmacists receive six years of education and graduate with a degree called a Doctor of Pharmacy, or Pharm.D.

There are three colleges of pharmacy in the state of Michigan:

• Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
  220 Ferris Drive
  Big Rapids, MI 49307
  (231) 591-3780

• University of Michigan College of Pharmacy
  428 Church Street
  Ann Arbor, MI 48109
  (734) 764-7312

• Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  259 Mack Ave.
  Detroit, MI 48201
  (313) 577-1716

View a list of U.S. colleges of pharmacy.

Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians provide valuable support to pharmacists. There are currently no licensing, education or registration requirements for pharmacy technicians in the state of Michigan; however, technicians often receive specialized training and education to perform their jobs. National certification is also suggested and is coordinated by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). For more information on training and certification for pharmacy technicians, visit PTCB's Web site or call PTCB at (800) 363-8012.

MPA also offers several resources to help pharmacy technicians prepare for and excel in their careers. The Pharmacy Certified Technician Training Manual, currently in its 11th edition, seeks to address pharmacy technician practice and prepare technicians for everyday functions of their job in major practice settings. In addition, MPA offers a continuing education workbook, calculations workbook and various law resources. Visit the MPA Online Store for additional information.

Career Opportunities
For more information about the career opportunities available in pharmacy, download one of the following:

• Prescription for a Rewarding Career Brochure
  This brochure, created by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, covers the benefits of a career in pharmacy, the various practice setting options and provides resources for further information.

• Career Opportunities in Pharmacy Presentation
  This presentation covers pharmacy career options and educational requirements.

For additional information about health care careers, visit Michigan Health Opportunities for Today and Tomorrow. Or, visit the classifieds page on MPA's Web site. MPA also partners with JobTarget for state, regional and national job listings. Post your position and keep your resume on file for potential employers.