About Student Michigan Pharmacists Association

Welcome to Student Michigan Pharmacists Association (SMPA)! We are glad you have joined the state’s professional association as you look to begin your pharmacy career. Be sure to connect with SMPA on Facebook to network with other student pharmacists in Michigan, and find the latest student events, opportunities and jobs. 

SMPA Benefits
You will receive e-news weekly each Wednesday, with the latest on pharmacy news and events to keep you up-to-date on important pharmacy issues. That also includes electronic versions of Michigan Pharmacist, the official journal of MPA, and the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Monitor.
Many MPA event registrations are complimentary for student pharmacists to attend throughout the year. SMPA members are encouraged to attend and participate in MPA Legislative Day in the spring, as well as Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, held in September of each year. Other special student events are held during the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting & Exposition as well as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Annual Meeting.

Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) also conducts an adopt-a-student program in conjunction with the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition. The purpose of the program is to have a an MPA pharmacist member adopt a student for the convention, allowing them to network and attend the Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony.

Available only to SMPA P4 students, MPA offers by invitation only the opportunity to attend an MPJE law review session at no cost during the convention. Participants are taken through a detailed review to assist them in preparing for this exam after graduation, and they also receive a copy of Michigan Pharmacy Law: A Guide to Statutes and Regulations.

Student MPA members also have the opportunity to form teams from their college to participate in the Self-Care Challenge each year during the convention. This is a new event as of 2010 that allows alumni to root for their college team while earning continuing education credit.

Student members are also encouraged to participate on MPA Committees. These committees allow the student to develop additional leadership skills and have a positive impact on the profession of pharmacy.

Career Information
Each year MPA publishes an annual economic survey. This report details pharmacy salaries throughout the state. You'll know exactly what you can expect to earn when you begin your career. MPA also publishes a special career opportunities section in the March or May issue of Michigan Pharmacist that includes feature articles on information relevant to student pharmacists and new practitioners.

Do you know how to become a licensed pharmacist? If not, explore this resource that gives reciprocation details and other important information every student looking into pharmacy licensure should know.

Also, explore MPA's online classifieds for current job opportunities. MPA also partners with JobTarget for state, national and regional job listings. Keep your resume on file for employers or browse posted positions online.