How To Become a Medical Sales Representative
Medical sales jobs will always be in demand. The job of a medical sales representative is to supply the medical field with medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. In this article, we discuss what a medical sales representative does, how to become one and answers to frequently asked questions about this role.
What does a medical sales representative do?
A medical sales representative sells medical supplies to doctors, clinics, facilities and hospitals. The job includes contacting potential customers, explaining the features and benefits of the product, answering questions about the product and negotiating the final deal.
How to become a medical sales representative
If you are interested in becoming a medical sales representative, consider following these steps:
1. Pursue an education
Medical sales representatives need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, but most have bachelor's degrees. A Master's of Business Administration will make you an attractive candidate in this demanding and competitive field. Your major may determine what you specialize in.
2. Consider earning certifications
In addition to a degree, you can increase your employment prospects by getting certified by the National Association of Medical Sales Representatives or the Independent Medical Distributors Association.
To specialize in pharmaceutical sales, you will need to contact the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives to become a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative or CNPR. This will give you the medical terminology background you'll need. The certification exam is two hours long and requires a minimum score of 80 percent to pass.
3. Choose a specialization
First, ask yourself what you're interested in. If you're interested in mental health, a pharmaceutical sales job might be right for you. If you're into sports medicine, then medical device sales might be your chosen career path. You should have a personal and professional interest in your specialization and a passion for the field. You have the potential for a highly-rewarding career if you follow your passion and do what you love.
4. Gain field experience
Once you've decided on a specialty, find a way to gain relevant experience. If you're going to specialize in psychiatric pharmaceutical sales, you may want to volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. If possible, you should shadow a medical sales representative in your niche, or get an internship with a medical sales company. Volunteer work at a hospital or doctor's office can also be invaluable.
5. Complete training
Before you begin training, identify what your learning style is. If you learn by doing something, sitting in a classroom will not be the best way to gain knowledge. If you learn best through lectures, on-the-job experience is not the best option for you. Find a medical sales training program that fits your lifestyle. In-person learning has the advantage of networking, while online learning is more flexible when it comes to your schedule.
Regardless of which decisions you make, employers will expect you to be able to sell within your first week, so you must be able to absorb a large amount of information and understand it quickly. Consequently, experience doing this is helpful in obtaining your first medical sales job.
Employers sometimes provide on-the-job training and frequently have recommendations for continuing education.
6. Network
Professional networking is important in any field, but essential to success in medical sales. You can start networking while in college by getting to know your professors, working in relevant jobs, asking your employers for recommendations, attending networking events and using online professional profiles. You should get to know people and network whenever possible.
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