Introduction
Think of a medical device sales representative presenting and educating optimal and innovative medical devices to the healthcare facilities. They are heading from one healthcare center to another to perform their responsibilities with due diligence and accountability.
Now picture the same thing for someone with a nursing background doing so. Surprised? Yes, these two professions can run parallel, and there is no obligation for any healthcare professional to become a medical sales representative. With a bachelor’s degree in hand, you can venture into the career pathway of a medical device sales representative.
Let’s see how.
Let’s Start with Medical Device Industry
Why opt for this industry? What are the potential benefits it has to offer? To whom is this industry open? Let’s sneak into the medical device sales industry.
Delve into the world of a vibrant industry that combines technology, innovation, and healthcare, an industry with a size of $512.29 billion in 2022. Furthermore, it will likely expand from $536.12 billion in 2023 to $799.67 billion by 2030. It shows an optimal CAGR of 5.9% amidst the forecast period. (CAGR means compound annual growth rate. It presents the average growth rate between two years.) The reason behind its expansion is the prevalence of chronic diseases and the shift towards early diagnosis and therapy.
Additionally, as advancements in medical technology continue to reshape the healthcare industry, medical device sales reps play a vital role in connecting healthcare professionals with life-saving devices, diagnostics, and equipment.
Are you wondering how to get started in the sales industry?
The answer is simple!
This industry is open to anyone with a healthcare background or a bachelor’s degree. If you are a nurse with a bachelor’s degree, the medical equipment sales industry is open to you.
Pro tip: Read our blog on Medical Device Sales Reps: How To Act Different Than A Pharmaceutical Reps. It will guide you on how the medical device sales industry differs from the pharmaceutical rep.
Understanding the Intriguing Role of a Medical Device Sales Rep
You might think we have mentioned the career transition facts about a medical device sales rep, but who is this professional? What are their roles and responsibilities, and what would the industry be without them?
A medical device sales representative bridges the gaps between a healthcare professional and the innovative technologies penetrating the healthcare industry. As a medical sales rep, you become an educator for innovative products for healthcare facilities and ensure the device is used as intended.
With practical strategies in place, like building strong relationships, employing effective sales strategies, and possessing excellent communication and negotiation skills, you can master this field. While specific requirements may vary, a solid foundation in healthcare and a passion for improving patient care are essential attributes.
Expediting the Extraordinary Career Journey of a Medical Sales Representative
Although challenging, pursuing a sales representative career for medical devices is easy ground. However, with a few high-notch strategies, you can excel in your healthcare career like no one else. Here’s a comprehensive road map from start to end to pursue this career:
Educational Requirement
With a bachelor’s degree, you can qualify as a suitable candidate for this profession. However, some professionals pursue a high school diploma or an equivalent. Additionally, a Master of Business Administration degree can uplift your chance of qualifying for a suitable job post.
The 2021 statistics report that around 82% of the medical sales representatives acquired a bachelor’s degree, while 1% had none. You can gain a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, communication, business, or biology. Masters and Associates degree account for 7% each.
Certifications
Although certifications are not a requisite, gaining one increases your chance of standing out in the industry. You can acquire certifications while acquiring the degree or after completion. Here are some options you can opt for:
- RMSR (Registered Medical Sales Representative) by NAMSR (National Association of Medical Sales Representatives)
- CSP (Certified Sales Professional) by MRERF (Manufacturers Research and Education Foundation)
- Medical Technician Certification
Gain knowledge
With a handful of knowledge, diving deep into your field gets easy. The ground beneath our feet offers little resistance. Having a comprehensive pool of knowledge, you can embark upon this journey successfully. Just acquire plentiful insights into medical devices and their applications in the healthcare industry. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the technologies paving their way into the industry. It helps you address the customer’s concerns and queries effectively and with supremacy.
Establishing robust connections with healthcare practitioners is vital for achieving your goals. According to the 2021 ZS Associates survey, 44% of doctors preferred sales representative engagements encompassing a blend of remote and face-to-face meetings. It highlights the significance of tailoring your approach to meet the requirements of every client.
Determine your goal: inbound sales or outbound?
As a medical sales representative, you should familiarize yourself with two terms: inbound and outbound sales. What are these two terms?
You can assume inbound sales as an online marketing strategy. You optimize the online resources to enlighten potential customers about what you are selling. The primary purpose is to guide the sales across your sales funnel. You should know the challenges and the optimal solutions to direct your prospects through the sales funnel.
On the other hand, outbound sales pose a more traditional way of reaching prospects.
Unleash a more profound potential and expertise.
Don’t be worried about not having prior exposure to the industry. According to reports, 68% of the associates required more exposure to the industry when they were starting. However, you can gain exposure to sales insights during your academic career by securing internships at several medical device companies.
A major advantage of the medical industry is if you have less expertise, even though the medical sales industry embraces you. Unlike other sales jobs that demand one to five years of sales experience, the medical industry will assimilate and teach you over time. Additionally, you can increase your professional networks and dig deeper into the medical device sales industry.
Search for the Optimal Job Positions
Start with an entry-level position. Taking baby steps will enable you to jump high later on. Seek entry-level positions in the industry. Where? Where to go to be exposed to the entire pool of talented professionals waiting for the optimal talent? HeallthCareTalentLink is the optimized solution for you to stop by, a platform that healthcare professionals prefer. In addition, you can search for top-notch healthcare job boards landing you healthcare opportunities entering the industry.
A Day in the Life of a Medical Device Sales Representative
Having a profusion of insights, let’s see what a typical day as a medical device sales rep looks like. As a sales rep for medical devices, you can embark upon productivity or get haunted by working hours.
Yes, working hours can be stressful at times, and by managing them, you can embrace efficient time management skills. However, no two days look the same. You will be stepping on the professional education journey some days while spending time in operation rooms (for device sales purposes) on other days. Some days will leave you frazzled with extended work hours, while others will gracefully alleviate your work routine. All in all, you can establish good relations with the clients, manage your stress routine and get relaxed about the job option you opted for.
From Caregivers to Catalysts: The Extraordinary Potential of Nurses as Medical Device Sales Reps
Why nurses? What are the advantages of switching from a practicing nurse to a medical sales rep? Imagine you have a lofty bag of expertise with a soaring healthcare background. You encompass critical thinking skills and viable communication abilities and adapt to rapid changes. Additionally, you know the healthcare industry better than most of the other medical sales reps that are up for the job. With these competencies, wouldn’t it be gratifying to excel in the sales industry too?
You can utilize more appropriate terminologies while working with surgeons. You will have deeper contacts in the healthcare industry, making you a reliable fit. Moreover, you better know how teamwork helps, and working with teammates can be rewarding.
Cracking the Code: Unveiling the Lucrative World of Medical Sales Reps’ Earnings
According to Glassdoor, the average pay for a medical sales rep is around $85K annually. However, some may make as high as $171K per year. It all depends on your exposure to the industry and the time you will put in. Additionally, it depends on your work ethic, streamlining your expertise to your job goals.
Conclusion
To conclude, medical sales representatives offer a viable career option. With a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences field, marketing, or business, you can benefit from this fruitful career option. Additionally, you can switch your career from a nurse to a medical device sales rep. It presents tangible advantages like likely exposure to the healthcare industry, deep-rooted networking, etc.
Are you searching for a viable job platform? HealthCareTalentLink is an exceptional platform to embark on your transformative journey with explicit purpose. It connects you with the pool of talent scattered globally. Not only in your region, but you can also get job opportunities across the globe.
