Catalyzes the phosphorylation of pantothenate (Pan), the first step in CoA biosynthesis. Can utilize a wide range of phosphoryl donors other than ATP, and does not discriminate between purine- and pyrimidine-based nucleotides or deoxynucleotides. Is responsible for the resistance of P.aeruginosa to the pantothenamide antibiotics, since it cannot bind and phosphorylate these pantothenate analogs. (R)-pantothenate + ATP = (R)-4'-phosphopantothenate + ADP + H(+) Monovalent cations. Strong preference for ammonium over potassium. kcat is 12.5 min(-1) for the phosphorylation of pantothenate in the absence of ammonium. kcat is 25 min(-1) for the phosphorylation of pantothenate in the presence of ammonium. Cofactor biosynthesis; coenzyme A biosynthesis; CoA from (R)-pantothenate: step 1/5. Homodimer. Belongs to the type III pantothenate kinase family.