Kansas Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Kansas

Step-by-step guide to meeting the Kansas pharmacy technician licensing requirements and starting your career.
If you’re looking for a rewarding healthcare career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great option. Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the medications they need accurately, safely, and on time.

In Kansas, the profession is regulated by the Kansas Board of Pharmacy, which means you’ll need to obtain a license before you can begin working. Understanding the state’s registration and certification requirements is the most important first step in your journey.

Kansas Board of Pharmacy
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Whether you’re new to the field and exploring how to become a certified pharmacy technician, or you’re relocating from another state, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From meeting education and training requirements to submitting your application, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step path to getting licensed and starting your career in pharmacy.

Table of Contents

  1. Kansas pharmacy technician licensing requirements
  2. Why certification is important for pharmacy technicians
  3. Understanding PTCB certification
  4. Step-by-step guide to getting licensed
  5. How high school students can start a pharmacy technician career
  6. Frequently asked questions about becoming a pharmacy technician in Kansas

Kansas Pharmacy Technician Requirements

To begin working as a pharmacy technician in Kansas, you must register with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy. Below are the requirements you must meet to qualify for registration.
  • Application and Fee
    • Submit the Pharmacy Technician Registration Application (Form LA-14).
    • First-time applicants must print and mail the completed form to the Kansas Board of Pharmacy.
    • Include a check or money order for the $77 application fee, payable to the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy (as of 2025).
  • Criminal Background Check
    • All applicants are required to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
    • The $57 fee (as of 2025) for this process is paid directly to the Board.
    • Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Each case is reviewed individually by the Board.
  • Minimum Age
    • The Kansas Board of Pharmacy does not have a minimum age for registration.
  • Education Requirements
    • Kansas does not require a high school diploma or GED for obtaining a pharmacy technician license.
    • This means that high school students who are under 18 are eligible to apply and start gaining pharmacy experience before graduation.
  • Training and certification requirement
    • In Kansas, you can register as a pharmacy technician without being nationally certified.
    • However, you are required to obtain national certification before your first license renewal.
    • Additionally, earning certification offers important benefits:
      —Certified pharmacy technicians are authorized to transfer eligible prescriptions between pharmacies.
      —Pharmacies can operate with higher technician-to-pharmacist ratios when certified technicians are present, allowing for greater staffing flexibility.
For complete details and official forms, visit the Kansas Pharmacy Technician Licensing and Registration Portal.
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Pharmacy Technician Certification in Kansas: Why it Matters

If you’re planning to become a pharmacy technician in Kansas, it’s important to understand the role of certification. While the Kansas Board of Pharmacy does not require certification to initially register, it does require you to become certified before your first license renewal. That means certification isn’t just a bonus, it’s something you’ll need to continue working in the field.

Because certification is ultimately required, most individuals choose to get certified early, usually before applying for their license. And for good reason. Earning your PTCB certification can open doors to better job opportunities, higher pay, and a more fulfilling role in the pharmacy.

Certification Benefits You and the Pharmacy You Work For

Pharmacy technicians who are certified are trusted with more responsibilities and can perform tasks that uncertified technicians cannot. For example, certified pharmacy technicians in Kansas are permitted to transfer prescriptions between pharmacies, which is not allowed for non-certified techs.

In addition, pharmacies can increase their technician-to-pharmacist ratio when employing certified staff. A pharmacist can supervise up to four certified technicians, compared to only two uncertified ones. This means pharmacies can utilize larger, more efficient teams and delegate more work to qualified technicians, saving on pharmacist staffing costs and improving workflow.

Because of these advantages, many Kansas pharmacies prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians, or offer higher starting salaries or raises to those who are certified.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Pharmacy Technicians in Kansas

Here’s a quick comparison of certified and non-certified pharmacy technicians:

Pharmacy Technician

  • Enter patient and prescription information into the pharmacy system
  • Assist with prescription preparation, such as counting, measuring, and labeling medications
  • May receive a refill or renewal for a prescription as long as there are no changes to the prescription.
  • Not allowed to transfer prescriptions to or from another pharmacy
  • A single pharmacist may supervise up to two uncertified pharmacy technicians 

Certified Pharmacy Technician

  • Enter patient and prescription information into the pharmacy system
  • Assist with prescription preparation, such as counting, measuring, and labeling medications
  • May receive a refill or renewal for a prescription as long as there are no changes to the prescription.
  • Permitted to transfer prescriptions between pharmacies
  • A single pharmacist may supervise up to four certified pharmacy technicians

Pharmacist-to-Technician Ratio Explained

To help protect patient safety and ensure high standards in the workplace, the Kansas Board of Pharmacy sets clear supervision limits for pharmacy technicians. In most settings, a single pharmacist can supervise up to four certified pharmacy technicians. However, if the technicians are not certified, that number is reduced—only two uncertified pharmacy technicians may be supervised at a time.

This policy highlights one of the key advantages of becoming certified. Certified pharmacy technicians in Kansas can take on more responsibilities and be part of a larger pharmacy team, which improves efficiency and helps the pharmacy run more smoothly.

Because certified pharmacy technicians contribute more to daily workflow and efficiency, many pharmacies in Kansas offer higher starting pay to those who are certified. Earning your certification not only helps you meet state requirements but also gives you a competitive edge when it comes to landing a better starting position.
Regulation References:
Prescription transfers: Kan. Admin. Regs. § 68-7-19
Pharmacist-to-technician ratio: Kan. Admin. Regs. § 68-5-16
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

What is a PTCB Certification?

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a nationally recognized organization that certifies pharmacy technicians in the United States. Earning your PTCB certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills needed to work in a pharmacy setting.

To become PTCB certified you need to complete a PTCB-recognized training program, or have equivalent work experience, and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Both the training and the exam are available online, making the certification process very flexible.
Once you pass the PTCE, you’ll receive the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential and will be able to use “CPhT” after your name (e.g., Alex Jones, CPhT). In Kansas, passing the PTCB exam also means you’ve met the state’s certification requirement for license renewal and qualify for expanded responsibilities in the pharmacy.

What’s on the PTCB Certification Exam?

The PTCE tests your pharmacy knowledge across four key areas:
  • Medications
    Drug classifications, brand and generic names, indications, common side effects, and proper storage.
  • Pharmacy laws and regulations
    Federal regulations, legal requirements, and standards that govern pharmacy practice.
  • Patient safety and quality assurance
    Best practices for medication safety, error prevention, and maintaining a high standard of care.
  • Order entry and processing
    Read and interpret prescriptions, input medication orders, and carry out other essential pharmacy tasks.
PTCB-recognized courses cover all of this material to ensure that you are ready to succeed on your certification exam and excel in your career. 

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician

Becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Kansas sooner can lead to more responsibilities, better pay, and greater career opportunities. Below is the quickest and most straightforward path to earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
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Step 1: Enroll in a PTCB-Recognized Training Program

If you do not have prior pharmacy experience, you’ll need to complete a training program approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
You can choose from:
  • In-person programs at local community colleges, or
  • A flexible online course offered by a PTCB-recognized provider like Pharmacy Technician Academy

Step 2: Pass the PTCB Certification Exam (PTCE)

After completing your training, you’ll be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
  • The exam can be taken either online with remote proctoring or in person at an authorized testing center.
  • Once you pass, you will earn the nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.

Step 3: Register as a Pharmacy Technician and Start Working

Once you have earned your CPhT credential, you can apply for your certified pharmacy technician license in Kansas.
  • To register:
    —Complete the online Kansas pharmacy technician registration application
    —Complete a background check
  • When applying for positions, be sure to highlight that you are already fully certified and licensed. Employers value candidates who are already qualified, which will help you stand out, get hired faster, and earn a higher starting salary.

How High School Students Can Become Pharmacy Technicians in Kansas

If you’re a high school student in Kansas who’s interested in a future in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great way to start gaining hands-on experience. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside pharmacists and other healthcare professionals while building valuable skills and exploring potential career paths in pharmacy, nursing, medicine, and more.

No Age or Diploma Requirement in Kansas

The Kansas Board of Pharmacy makes it easy for motivated students to get a head start in healthcare. There’s no minimum age or high school diploma required to register as a pharmacy technician, which means even students under 18 can apply and begin gaining real-world experience in a pharmacy setting.

Plus, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) doesn’t require a diploma or minimum age to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). That means driven students can earn their Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential before graduation.

Why It’s a Smart Move for Your Future

Starting your healthcare career while still in high school can help you:
  • Build real-world experience in a professional setting
  • Develop clinical and customer service skills that transfer to many healthcare roles
  • Explore your interest in pharmacy, nursing, or medicine
  • Strengthen college and scholarship applications with relevant experience and credentials

High school teen working in a pharmacy.

How PTCB Certification Can Strengthen College Applications

Earning your PTCB certification in high school demonstrates initiative, discipline, and a clear career focus. These are qualities that stand out on college applications, especially if you’re applying to programs in pharmacy, pre-med, nursing, or health sciences.

Certification gives you more than a resume line. It provides a story to tell in your essays and interviews, showing you’re already taking meaningful steps toward a career in healthcare.

How to Get Started in Kansas

Some Kansas high schools offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to help students explore pharmacy or other healthcare careers. Even if your school doesn’t offer a formal program, you can still become certified on your own.

Many students in Kansas have successfully completed our self-paced, online pharmacy technician course while balancing school, work, and extracurricular activities. With flexible access 24/7, you can study whenever it works for you, after school, on weekends, or during breaks.

To get started:
  • Talk to your high school guidance counselor about available resources
  • Enroll in a PTCB-recognized training program like the 1st Pass CPhT Course to start preparing for your certification exam

How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re committed to helping you earn your certification and launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program specifically designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you have no prior pharmacy experience.

The course is self-paced, fully online, and built to fit your schedule. You’ll learn everything tested on the PTCE, including medication fundamentals, pharmacy law, order processing, and patient safety. With clear instruction and real-world examples, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pass the exam on your first try.

We’re here to support aspiring pharmacy technicians with everything they need to achieve certification and thrive in their careers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to go to school to become a pharmacy technician in Kansas?

No college degree or traditional classroom program is required to become a pharmacy technician in Kansas. However, if you don't have any pharmacy experience and want to become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), you’ll need to complete a PTCB-recognized training program.

Is certification required to work as a pharmacy technician?

Certification is not required to initially register and start working as a pharmacy technician in Kansas. However, you are required to become certified before your first license renewal. That said, most employers prefer to hire certified technicians due to the added responsibilities they can be given and staffing flexibility they bring to the team.

What’s the difference between being certified and non-certified in Kansas?

Certified pharmacy technicians can take on more responsibilities (like transferring prescriptions) and may be supervised at a higher ratio (1 pharmacist to 4 techs).

Non-certified technicians have a more limited role and must be supervised more closely (1 pharmacist to 2 techs). This makes certification a valuable advantage in the workplace.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn in Kansas?

As of the most recent data, pharmacy technicians in Kansas earn an average of $18.00 to $19.00 per hour. However, certified pharmacy technicians typically earn more—ranging from $21 to $25 per hour. The exact salary will depend on experience, location, and work setting.

How old do you have to be to register as a pharmacy technician in KS?

Kansas does not set a minimum age to register as a pharmacy technician. As long as you meet the registration requirements, you’re eligible to apply, even if you’re under 18. 

Can high school students work as pharmacy technicians?

Yes! Kansas allows high school students to become pharmacy technicians, even if they’re under 18. As long as you are currently enrolled in high school and meet the other requirements, you are eligible for a license.

Ready to Get Started?

Enroll today and start your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Kansas.

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