Pharmacist License in Michigan 2026: NAPLEX, MPJE, Board Requirements

Michigan's healthcare market is among the largest in the Midwest, anchored by Henry Ford Health, Beaumont Health (now Corewell Health), Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan, and Trinity Health Michigan across Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Michigan

All pharmacists licensed in Michigan must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the MPJE jurisprudence examination. The Michigan Board of Pharmacy, administered through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), requires 1,500 verified intern hours prior to licensure.

Step-by-Step: Michigan Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile, Register at nabp.pharmacy ($35). LARA requires your NABP e-Profile number on the Michigan pharmacist licensure application to retrieve exam scores.
2. Complete 1,500 intern hours, Hours must be supervised by a Michigan-licensed pharmacist in a LARA-approved practice setting. Both APPE rotations and pre-APPE intern positions qualify toward the 1,500-hour requirement.
3. Pass the NAPLEX, Register through NABP ($695). The adaptive examination is 250 questions covering pharmaceutical sciences, drug therapy, and pharmacist-patient interaction. Minimum passing score: 75.
4. Pass the MPJE, Register through NABP (~$150). The Michigan MPJE covers the Michigan Public Health Code Part 177, the Michigan Controlled Substances Act, and applicable federal DEA regulations.
5. Submit the Michigan LARA application, Apply online through LARA's online licensing portal (michigan.gov/lara). Pay the ~$140 application fee. Upload official PharmD transcripts, NABP exam score reports, and certified intern hour documentation from your pharmacy school.
6. Complete a background check, Submit fingerprints through an approved Michigan Live Scan vendor or the Michigan State Police ICHAT system (~$50-75). Criminal records are reviewed by LARA Board staff before license approval.
7. Receive your Michigan pharmacist license, LARA issues licenses within 2-4 weeks of a complete application. Michigan pharmacist licenses expire October 31 every 2 years. Renewal requires CE completion prior to the expiration date.
8. Register with the DEA, Apply for DEA registration (~$888 for 3 years) after licensure. Michigan pharmacists must query MAPS before dispensing Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances. Michigan's MAPS is one of the more complete PMP systems in the Midwest.

Fees and Timeline

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Michigan accepts NABP score transfers for pharmacists currently licensed in another state who passed the NAPLEX within the past 3 years. Submit the $50 transfer request through your NABP e-Profile. Score transfers still require completion and passage of the Michigan MPJE before LARA will issue a Michigan license.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Michigan pharmacist license, apply for DEA registration (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense controlled substances. Michigan pharmacists must check MAPS before dispensing any Schedule II-V controlled substance. Michigan's opioid prescribing laws impose strict quantity and duration limits on opioid prescriptions, which pharmacists must understand to identify prescriptions requiring additional verification.

Continuing Education Requirements

Michigan requires 30 contact hours of ACPE-accredited CE per biennial renewal period. Pharmacists must complete at least 1 hour on pain and symptom management and 1 hour on identifying and assisting patients with substance use disorders. CE is tracked through CPE Monitor and Michigan LARA conducts random CE compliance audits.

Top Michigan Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• Henry Ford Health: Major Detroit-area system with pharmacist openings across 6 hospitals and multiple specialty pharmacy and ambulatory care sites.
• Beaumont Health / Corewell Health: Michigan's largest health system (post-merger), hiring pharmacists across Royal Oak, Troy, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, and Grand Rapids campuses.
• Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan Health): Ann Arbor-based academic medical center with clinical pharmacy specialist, oncology, critical care, and pharmacy residency positions.
• Trinity Health Michigan: Multi-hospital Catholic system with pharmacist roles in Grand Rapids (Mercy Health), Livonia (St. Mary Mercy), and Muskegon.
• McLaren Health Care: Mid-Michigan system with hospital pharmacist openings in Flint, Lansing, Bay City, and northern Michigan campuses.

Pharmacist Salary in Michigan (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $122,000-$135,000
• Clinical pharmacist: $130,000-$142,000
• Pharmacy manager: $138,000-$148,000

Related: Pharmacist Salary Guide 2026, Hospital vs Retail Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist Salary Guide, Florida Pharmacist License Guide.