I don't know how Michigan works. Either you get your intern license first year, or you have to complete a year of classes.
After I got my intern license, I had to reapply to be an intern (which took maybe four months), but I got intern back pay from the date I was licensed.
I think as long as you're a good employee, the bump is a formality, but if you're not pulling you're weight they may come up with a "we don't have the budget to pay you as an intern" and want to keep you as a tech.