Medical devices-A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Medical Device Sales Rep
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Medical Device Sales Rep
Dreaming of a rewarding and challenging career in medical device sales? You should be! The medical device industry is poised to reach nearly $800 billion in global annual sales by 2030.
If you’re looking to cut yourself a piece of that pie, then you’re in for an exciting journey! In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of becoming a medical device sales rep, from the role itself to the essential skills and qualifications, as well as job search tips and resources to help you excel in the field.
Key Takeaways
Become a medical device sales rep and gain exposure to the healthcare industry.
Acquire experience, pursue certifications, network and use job boards for success in this field.
Build trust with customers through product knowledge & customer care while staying organized & informed of advancements in the field.
The Role of a Medical Device Sales Rep
Medical device sales representatives play a critical role in the healthcare industry, selling and promoting medical devices to healthcare professionals. They are responsible for:
Demonstrating the features and advantages of the product(s) to customers
Offering advice on how to best use the products
Answering queries
Introducing new items when released
The average yearly total compensation for a medical sales rep is around $111,303, making it a highly lucrative career choice.
A deep understanding of medical devices and their applications paves the way for success in medical device sales. Aligning your personal and professional interests with the medical devices you sell can help you excel in your role. Moreover, fostering solid relationships with healthcare professionals is pivotal in achieving success in this industry.
Types of Medical Devices
As a medical device sales rep, you’ll work with a variety of fascinating medical devices, such as:
Diagnostic equipment, including stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes, electrocardiographs, and thermometers, all essential for providing accurate diagnoses
Surgical instruments
Implantable devices
Surgical instruments like scalpels, scissors, forceps, clamps, and needles with sutures are commonly used in medical procedures. Implantable devices, such as cardiac defibrillators, cochlear implants, or neuromuscular micro stimulators, are designed to be placed inside the body to provide therapeutic or diagnostic benefits to the patient. Each type of medical device necessitates specialized knowledge and skills, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and current with evolving trends and advancements.
Medical device sales reps often work in a fast-paced and stimulating environment, interacting with healthcare providers at clinics and hospitals to promote and sell medical equipment. They may not have a fixed office, such as a field sales or outside sales rep, and can spend their days engaging with stakeholders in medical facilities. A career in medical device sales offers plenty of exciting opportunities for travel, such as spending two to three nights a week on the road or about four nights a month.
Frequent travel for a medical device sales rep offers plenty of thrilling advantages, such as:
Meeting customers face-to-face
Attending conferences
Receiving training and support
Exploring new regions
Gaining a profound knowledge of different healthcare systems
Honing strong communication and negotiation skills
Savoring the flexibility and diversity that comes with traveling for work.
Need to learn how to succeed on the road? Read our Field Sales Guide today!
Essential Skills and Qualifications
A successful medical device sales rep requires a blend of potent communication, sales acumen, and clinical knowledge. A solid sales background is undoubtedly the most critical part of a medical device sales resume, especially in cold outreach, as it demonstrates your ability to effectively promote and sell products in a competitive market.
Clinical knowledge provides you with the insight to understand the product you are selling and its ability to make a positive impact in healthcare. Essential communication skills necessary for a successful medical device sales rep include:
Interpersonal communication
Active listening
Powerful presentation abilities
Written communication
Negotiation skills
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in health science, sales, business, or life science disciplines is a great starting point to become a successful medical device sales rep. Some reps even pursue advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree, to give their resume an edge over the competition and showcase their commitment to the field.
Gaining a degree in technical fields like engineering or biology can give reps the insight they need to comprehend the practical applications of their products. Candidates without a degree in the recommended disciplines can still make a lasting impression by demonstrating their unique qualifications for the position.
The upcoming subsections delve into the nitty-gritty of subject line strategies, personalization techniques, and call-to-action essentials, facilitating the creation of distinctive InMails that yield results.
Professional Certifications
Reps can get certified by the National Association of Medical Device Representatives to showcase their knowledge and skills. Having a professional certification in medical device sales can provide the following benefits:
Give you a competitive edge
Broaden your knowledge and skills
Increase your credibility and trustworthiness
Open up career advancement opportunities
Provide you with networking and professional connections
Certifications, such as the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative, can help candidates stand out in the job market and demonstrate their commitment to the medical sales industry. Pursuing professional certifications is a smart investment in your career and can greatly contribute to your success as a medical device sales rep.
Dreaming of a rewarding and challenging career in medical device sales? You should be! The medical device industry is poised to reach nearly $800 billion in global annual sales by 2030.
If you’re looking to cut yourself a piece of that pie, then you’re in for an exciting journey! In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of becoming a medical device sales rep, from the role itself to the essential skills and qualifications, as well as job search tips and resources to help you excel in the field.
Key Takeaways
The Role of a Medical Device Sales Rep
Medical device sales representatives play a critical role in the healthcare industry, selling and promoting medical devices to healthcare professionals. They are responsible for:
The average yearly total compensation for a medical sales rep is around $111,303, making it a highly lucrative career choice.
A deep understanding of medical devices and their applications paves the way for success in medical device sales. Aligning your personal and professional interests with the medical devices you sell can help you excel in your role. Moreover, fostering solid relationships with healthcare professionals is pivotal in achieving success in this industry.
Types of Medical Devices
As a medical device sales rep, you’ll work with a variety of fascinating medical devices, such as:
Surgical instruments like scalpels, scissors, forceps, clamps, and needles with sutures are commonly used in medical procedures. Implantable devices, such as cardiac defibrillators, cochlear implants, or neuromuscular micro stimulators, are designed to be placed inside the body to provide therapeutic or diagnostic benefits to the patient. Each type of medical device necessitates specialized knowledge and skills, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and current with evolving trends and advancements.
Smart diabetes Blood glucose meter
Working Environment and Travel
Medical device sales reps often work in a fast-paced and stimulating environment, interacting with healthcare providers at clinics and hospitals to promote and sell medical equipment. They may not have a fixed office, such as a field sales or outside sales rep, and can spend their days engaging with stakeholders in medical facilities. A career in medical device sales offers plenty of exciting opportunities for travel, such as spending two to three nights a week on the road or about four nights a month.
Frequent travel for a medical device sales rep offers plenty of thrilling advantages, such as:
Need to learn how to succeed on the road? Read our Field Sales Guide today!
Essential Skills and Qualifications
A successful medical device sales rep requires a blend of potent communication, sales acumen, and clinical knowledge. A solid sales background is undoubtedly the most critical part of a medical device sales resume, especially in cold outreach, as it demonstrates your ability to effectively promote and sell products in a competitive market.
Clinical knowledge provides you with the insight to understand the product you are selling and its ability to make a positive impact in healthcare. Essential communication skills necessary for a successful medical device sales rep include:
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in health science, sales, business, or life science disciplines is a great starting point to become a successful medical device sales rep. Some reps even pursue advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree, to give their resume an edge over the competition and showcase their commitment to the field.
Gaining a degree in technical fields like engineering or biology can give reps the insight they need to comprehend the practical applications of their products. Candidates without a degree in the recommended disciplines can still make a lasting impression by demonstrating their unique qualifications for the position.
The upcoming subsections delve into the nitty-gritty of subject line strategies, personalization techniques, and call-to-action essentials, facilitating the creation of distinctive InMails that yield results.
Professional Certifications
Reps can get certified by the National Association of Medical Device Representatives to showcase their knowledge and skills. Having a professional certification in medical device sales can provide the following benefits:
Certifications, such as the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative, can help candidates stand out in the job market and demonstrate their commitment to the medical sales industry. Pursuing professional certifications is a smart investment in your career and can greatly contribute to your success as a medical device sales rep.