BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN KANSAS
The role of a pharmacy technician is an ideal one for people who have strong attention to detail and a desire to help others maintain their health. Work involves dispensing prescriptions, managing inventory, and taking on other tasks to assist pharmacists and patients.
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand across the country, making this an excellent time to consider this healthcare job for your next career move. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, and this guide will help you become a pharmacy technician in Kansas.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Pharmacy technicians must be at least 18 years old and register with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy before beginning work. This registration must be prominently displayed in the workplace and renewed every two years.
Within 30 days of registering, pharmacy technicians must take a Board-approved exam, which is administered by a licensed pharmacist and submitted to the Board, to demonstrate their knowledge.
They must also acquire job-specific training through either an accredited school or through on-the-job training administered by a licensed pharmacist.
A high school diploma or GED is not required to work as a pharmacy technician in Kansas, though it is a prerequisite for admission to most formal training programs.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN KANSAS
Community colleges and technical schools offer pharmacy technician programs that can last anywhere from a few months to two years. Before selecting a program, search for pharmacy technician programs that are approved by the state Board. The following are a few of the schools in Kansas that offer acceptable pharmacy technician programs:
Allen Community College
Allen Community College offers an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology, which includes coursework in pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and health science. Some courses are available online, allowing for more flexible scheduling.
Barton Community College
Barton’s two-semester pharmacy technician program consists of 29 credit hours, including an internship at a local pharmacy. The program is available on campus and online, and both options are designed to prepare students for national certification exams.
North Central Kansas Technical College
Students in North Central’s pharmacy technician program learn calculations, pharmacy practices and operations, and drug preparation techniques. They also have access to a simulation lab and hands-on training during the one-year certificate program.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR KANSAS
Pharmacy technicians in Kansas must pass a Board-approved exam shortly after beginning work. They may also choose to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam to become a certified pharmacy technician and qualify for higher-paying jobs. To take the exam, technicians must register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, have a high school diploma or GED, and pay a fee of $129.
After you have been awarded your certification, you will need to complete continuing education requirements and a renewal process every two years to keep the certification current.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and tests pharmacy technicians’ knowledge of pharmaceuticals, pharmacology, and related topics. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.
To prepare for the exam, study guides are available online or through the Kansas Board of Pharmacy.
Upon passing the exam, pharmacy technicians will receive a pharmacy technician certification card and be added to the PTCB’s National Certification Registry. In addition, they may apply for higher-paying jobs in various settings.
CAREER AND SALARY ESTIMATES
The Projections Managing Partnership estimates that jobs for pharmacy technicians in Kansas will grow by 8.6 percent during the 10 years to 2026, slightly slower growth than the national average of 12 percent during the same period.
Pharmacy technicians receive an average annual salary of $32,940 in the state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN KANSAS
As a pharmacy tech, you can expect to work in a hospital, independent or chain drugstore, nursing home, clinic, or another healthcare facility. Many of these locations are open late and on the weekends, so plan to have a nontraditional schedule. You will likely find both full-time and part-time roles available. While at work, you should also expect to stand for long periods and be comfortable carrying heavy loads on occasion. While cities like Wichita pay the highest salaries to compensate for the cost of urban living, you can find fulfilling careers as a pharmacy technician throughout the state
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Kansas?
- Wichita Technical Institute, Wichita
- Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson
- Pinnacle Career Institute, South Kansas City
- Rasmussen College, Topeka
- Allen County Community College, Iola
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Kansas?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Certification (PTCB) is not required but recommended as is passing the PTCE exam
- Apply to the Kansas Board of Pharmacy
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Kansas?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Kansas made an average of $32,940 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $22,780 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $45,360.
n Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Kansas may also wish to review their options in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado.