Are you a pharmacy technician in Kansas looking to increase your salary? Here are some tips to help you improve your chances:

Obtain Certification: Consider getting certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to showcase your knowledge and skills, potentially leading to a higher salary.

Gain Experience: Work towards gaining experience in different pharmacy settings such as retail, hospital, or specialty pharmacies. Institutions like the University of Kansas Health System or Stormont Vail Health in Topeka can provide valuable experience.

Continue Education: Pursue additional education such as an associate's degree or advanced certifications to increase your qualifications and potentially earn a higher salary. Schools like Washburn University in Topeka offer pharmacy technician programs.

Negotiate Salary: When applying for a new position or during performance reviews, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary based on your experience, certifications, and skills.

Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, technology, and medications to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and potentially earn a higher salary. Joining organizations like the Kansas Pharmacists Association can help you stay informed.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Kansas can be a fulfilling and exciting path. Success in this field requires a combination of correct training and certification. Let's guide you through the steps to becoming a proficient Pharmacy Technician in the Sunflower State.

High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or a GED is the first requirement for becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Kansas. It's the base for enrolling in a training program which will arm you with the needed knowledge and skills for this profession.

Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Next, enroll in a Pharmacy Technician training program. Several community colleges and technical schools in Kansas, like Johnson County Community College, offer these programs. These programs are designed to prepare you for the certification exam.

However, if traditional college isn't your cup of tea, Stepful provides an online Pharmacy Technician training program. This program is not only more cost-effective than traditional education but also offers a flexible learning schedule, perfect for those juggling between work and study.

Certification

>> Read More: How Much Do Pharmacy Technician School & Certification Cost?

Although certification isn't mandatory in Kansas, having one will definitely give you an edge in the job market. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification.

>> Read More: Pharmacy Technician Certification Options (PTCB, NHA, CPhT, & More)

To qualify for this certification, you need a high school diploma or a GED, and completion of a PTCB-recognized training program. Equally, relevant work experience can also make you eligible. Passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is the final requirement.

Pharmacy technicians are expected to see continued demand across the country over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033—faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to generate roughly 47,400 job openings each year, primarily due to retirements and workers changing careers.

In Kansas, pharmacy technicians contribute to patient care in a range of environments, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care settings. As of May 2023, the state employed approximately 4,260 pharmacy technicians. With an employment concentration of 3.019 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.00, Kansas mirrors the national average for pharmacy technician employment density.

Thanks to steady national trends and consistent local demand, Kansas is a strong place to start or grow a career as a pharmacy technician.