Pharmacy Technician Training Program

The goal of the Michigan Medicine Pharmacy Technician Training Program (Training Program) is to prepare individuals for a successful career as a Pharmacy Technician with the Department of Pharmacy Services and beyond. The Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a paid, full-time training program where successful candidates will be hired into a Pharmacy Technician Trainee (Trainee) role. Trainees will complete a comprehensive online training program (see Curriculum section for more details) to prepare them for Michigan Medicine’s Board-approved examination while gaining valuable experience at University of Michigan (UM) Health Pharmacy locations under the supervision of licensed Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists.

Individuals who are accepted into this program will be hired as a full-time employee (Pharmacy Technician Trainee) with full benefits. Trainees will be expected to complete the didactic and experiential portions of this program over the course of approximately 2 months. Trainees who successfully complete the Training Program, including passing all coursework and examinations/assessments, and who meet all of our requirements and expectations, will be hired into an open Pharmacy Technician position with our team. New hires will have the opportunity to express preferences regarding their work area, as Michigan Medicine offers a multitude of opportunities across different pharmacy settings. Prior to successfully completing The Pharmacy Technician Training Program trainees shall pass Michigan Medicine State Board of Pharmacy Approved Examination. Trainees who pass this exam and successfully complete the Training Program will be eligible for their Full Michigan Pharmacy Technician License.

The Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a paid, full-time training program that will require approximately 2 months (~8 weeks) to complete. Trainees will have 1 week of orientation, followed by approximately 7 weeks of online, didactic coursework, paired with in-person hands-on externship. Online coursework will be completed through the Pharmacy Technician University (TRC) Learning Management System (LMS). Trainees will spend ~135 hours total on the online, didactic portion of the training program. Trainees will meet with the Training Program Supervisor and/or Director both virtually and onsite up to 8 hours (1 day) a week to participate in tutoring sessions, additional learning and for professional development courses. Trainees may also spend approximately one week (40 hours) on site for in-person Department training, which will include sterile compounding training. Trainees will complete approximately 64 hours of on-site externship rotations in a pharmacy operational area within Michigan Medicine. Trainees must complete and successfully pass a comprehensive Final Examination, administered by Pharmacy Technician University (TRC), as well as Michigan Medicine State Board of Pharmacy Approved Examination Board-approved examination.

Trainees will begin the online, didactic portion of the training program during Week 2, and will have approximately 7 weeks to complete the online, didactic coursework via the TRC. Trainees who experience any problems or barriers preventing successful completion of the required coursework by the due dates must contact the Pharmacy Technician Training Supervisor immediately for assistance and to discuss a possible correction plan. Trainees who fail to complete the online coursework by the listed due dates will not be allowed to proceed in the Training Program and are subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal from the Training Program/termination from Michigan Medicine.

Learners will also attend professional development seminars during the Training Program. Topics that will be covered during these seminars include, but will not be limited to teamwork, communication, service excellence, and conflict resolution.

Trainees must successfully complete the Department training component of this program in order to participate in externship rotations. The Department training will be held in-person and will include New Employee Aseptic Training (NEAT) and Media Fill Challenge for sterile compounding, as well as other Department-specific Pharmacy Technician training.

Following successful completion of the externship portion of the training program, all learners must take and pass an online program exam in order to successfully complete TRC online training program. In addition, the Pharmacy Technician Training Supervisor will review each Trainee’s assessments, evaluations, and checklists to determine if all requirements have been met. Trainees who successfully complete all required assignments and assessments, and who meet all expectations and requirements, will successfully graduate from the program and will be eligible for hire into a full-time Pharmacy Technician position within the Department of Pharmacy Services at Michigan Medicine.

Pharmacy Technician University (PTU) 101

 

Michigan Medicine Pharmacy Technician Training Program Application

Thank you for your interest in the Michigan Medicine Pharmacy Technician Training Program!

You will have the opportunity to learn about pharmacy practice in a large, academic medical center from an experienced team of leaders in health-system pharmacy.

Interested applicants can apply to one of our open pharmacy technician positions posted on UM Careers Website (https://careers.umich.edu/)

• We recommend narrowing your search when applying by selecting “Pharmacy” in the career interest field and by typing “Technician” in the keyword field.
• The job posting title will include one of our pharmacy locations and the words Pharmacy Technician. For example: Mott Pharmacy Technician, Infusion Pharmacy Technician.

Employment Requirements

Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and possess a high school diploma or GED or equivalent. Previous college level coursework, work experience, healthcare or pharmacy experience is desired but not a requirement. Candidates must also be eligible to work in the United States. Candidates must complete an online application and submit the required materials to be considered for this program. Applications will be reviewed by our hiring team, and if selected, candidates will be invited to a formal interview (either onsite or remotely via videoconference). Individuals who are accepted into the training program will be contacted by the Michigan Medicine HR team to start the hiring and onboarding process. Per University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide (SPG) 201.95, all employees must consent to a criminal background check in order to accept employment. Candidates will also be required to submit and successfully pass the pre-employment drug screening as part of our overall background screening and hiring process.

Thank you again for your interest!

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 

Q: What is the Pharmacy Technician Training Program?

A: This program is aimed at preparing individuals for a successful career as a Pharmacy Technician with the Department of Pharmacy Services. Successful candidates will be hired into a Pharmacy Technician Trainee role and then enrolled into Michigan Medicines Board of Pharmacy Technician Training Program.

Q: How long is this Pharmacy Technician Training Program?

A: The Training Program will require approximately 2 months to complete and will consist of department orientation, training, online didactic curriculum, assignments, experiential rotations, lectures and learning simulations.

Q: Is the application for this Training Program open year-round? Is it a “rolling” admissions process?

A:Yes! We will be reviewing applicants and offering positions in our training program on a rolling basis. If an individual is not offered a position, they are welcome to reapply at a future time.

Q: Will I be paid during the Training Program? Will I receive any benefits?

A: YES! Successful applicants who are selected will be hired as an employee with the Department of Pharmacy Services at UM Health. We offer extremely competitive compensation, and you will be paid full-time wages with benefits while you complete this Training Program. In addition, you will receive a very generous benefits package, including health care coverage, retirement plan, and more (when reviewing the Benefits website, for any benefits that differ between UM campus and Michigan Medicine will fall under Michigan Medicine).

Q: What equipment will I need?

A: All supplies required to complete the Pharmacy Technician University (TRC) program will be provided by Pharmacy Technician University (TRC). Any required demonstrations can be completed on-site.

The Department of Pharmacy Services will loan a laptop computer to all Trainees in order to support completion of the online curriculum. All provided laptops and devices are property of Michigan Medicine and must be returned upon completion of the Training Program. Trainees using Michigan Medicine laptops and devices must abide by the Michigan Medicine Security of Portable Electronic Devices and Removable Media Policy, 01-04-502 and are responsible for covering any damages incurred.

For more information regarding laptops, devices, remote access, software, and account access, please visit the HITS website.

Trainees must have reliable home internet access to complete the online coursework. If an individual does not have reliable home internet access, they should discuss this with the Pharmacy Technician Training Supervisor to arrange workspace on-site at the health system.

Q: Will I have to pay for the Training Program curriculum? Will I have to buy any equipment?

A: We will cover all costs of the online Training Program curriculum up-front. We will provide Trainees with a laptop to use while they are completing the training program (to be turned in upon completion of the program). All equipment and supplies required to complete the training program and demonstrations will be provided. Because Trainees will be able to complete the online modules from home, and we will have required online meetings with Trainees, individuals must have reliable internet access at home. If you do not have reliable internet access, we can arrange for a workspace at the UM Health campus with internet access.

Q: What other expenses will I be responsible for?

A: During the program Trainees will be required to attend on-site activities up to three days per week. Trainees will be responsible for their own transportation and parking. Trainees will be eligible to purchase a UM parking permit if they wish. We also have other lower-cost and free transportation and parking options available.

Q: Will I be required to work in the Department of Pharmacy Services while I am completing this Training Program?

A: NO! We want you to focus on the Training Program so you can be successful, so there are no work requirements or expectations outside of the Training Program.

Q: What are the schedule requirements and limitations during this Training Program? Can I work another job and/or take other classes while I am completing the program?

A: We are investing in you by paying you full-time wages with full benefits so you can focus on successfully completing this Training Program. However, we understand that individuals may have other commitments and/or want to further their education. These activities are allowed, but your primary commitment must be to the Training Program. You must be available for all required meetings and in-person activities, and you must meet all deadlines to remain on track to complete the Training Program. This Training Program is full-time, and it will be primarily Monday - Friday, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. However, there is some flexibility, so if you prefer to complete some coursework in the evenings and/or weekends, you would be allowed to do so with prior approval from the Supervisor. Again, you must be available and present for all meetings (including in-person meetings and online/remote meetings) and all in-person activities, and you must meet all deadlines.

Q: Will I be hired as a Pharmacy Technician after I complete the Training Program?

A: YES! Trainees who successfully complete the Training Program, including passing all coursework and examinations/assessments, and who meet all of our requirements and expectations, will be hired into an open Pharmacy Technician position with our team.

Q: Will I receive a pay increase after I complete the Training Program and begin working as a Pharmacy Technician with your team?

A: YES! Our compensation is extremely competitive, including a competitive pay wage and generous benefits package. Pay rates for Pharmacy Technicians are determined using a standard salary setting model (which takes into account any education, degrees, certifications, pharmacy technician training, relevant experience, etc.). After successfully completing the Training Program and meeting all expectations and requirements, individuals will be hired into an open Pharmacy Technician position along with a significant pay increase per our salary model.

Q: Are there any licensing and/or certification requirements?

A: Prior to successfully completing The Pharmacy Technician Training Program trainees shall pass Michigan Medicine State Board of Pharmacy Approved Examination. Trainees who pass this exam and successfully complete the Training Program will be eligible for their Full Michigan Pharmacy Technician License.

Q: Other questions?

A: Please refer to the MM Pharmacy Technician Training Program Manual (need link) or contact Kristina Mulzer, CPhT- Training Program Supervisor at [email protected]