How To Become A Medical Device Sales Rep

Are you looking to begin a career in a fast-paced and profitable industry where you control your earning potential? Do you want to help others live healthier lives by promoting solutions to medical professionals? Are you ambitious and willing to work hard to achieve success and status? 

If so, a career in medical device sales is exactly what you are looking for. 

How do you get started on the career path of a medical device sales representative? Keep reading to find out. 

What Is a Medical Device Sales Rep? 

A medical device sales representative is a vital liaison between medical technology companies and the healthcare providers who use their products. 

As a medical device sales rep, your primary responsibility will be promoting and selling medical devices, equipment, and supplies to various markets, focusing primarily on doctors, clinics, healthcare facilities, and hospitals. 

How Can I Get Started in Medical Device Sales?

Although having a bachelor's degree can be beneficial, it's not a strict requirement for entering medical device sales, especially if you attend the Road to Medical Sales online coaching program. In 2021, nearly 82% of medical sales reps held a bachelor's degree, but you can still succeed in this field without one.

If you are considering pursuing a degree, here are some recommended majors:

• Life sciences
• Communications
• Business
• Biology

However, if you do not have a degree, don't count yourself out. To succeed in sales, you first need to sell yourself. The Road to Medical Sales online coaching program will provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to enter the industry.

Find a way to frame yourself as uniquely qualified for the position, bringing the company skills they may not have realized they needed until they met you. By attending the Road to Medical Sales online coaching program, you can gain valuable insights and training that will set you apart from the competition.

Enroll in the Road to Medical Sales online coaching program today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in medical device sales.

Learn About Medical Device Sales

To excel in medical device sales, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the devices and their applications within the healthcare industry is crucial.

Familiarize yourself with the latest technologies, trends, and regulatory requirements to address customers' concerns effectively and authoritatively.

Developing strong relationships with healthcare professionals is critical to your success. According to a 2021 survey by ZS Associates, 44% of physicians preferred sales rep interactions to be a mix of remote and in-person visits, highlighting the importance of adapting your approach to each client's needs.

Continual professional development through training and networking events is essential to stay current with industry advancements and expand your skill set. Engage in relevant workshops, webinars, and conferences to enhance your knowledge and credibility in the dynamic landscape of medical device sales.

Our online medical sales course The Road To Medical Sales provides you with the additional skills and training needed to land a career in medical sales. 

Determine If You Are Looking for Inbound or Outbound Sales

Understanding the two distinct sales strategies and their roles is essential when entering medical sales.

Inbound Sales: Inbound sales is more of a marketing strategy, using online resources to spread awareness about your brand and products. Inbound sales professionals are often more customer-service oriented, guiding prospects into the sales funnel, addressing challenges, and finding solutions quickly.

Outbound Sales: Outbound sales roles are the more traditional sales positions. These professionals initiate contact with prospects using a combination of communication methods, including cold calling and emailing. With a firm grasp on brand identity and the target customer, outbound sales roles can be highly lucrative.

Gain Experience in Sales

If you do not have experience in medical device sales, do not let this deter you—around 68% of associates had little medical sales experience before entering the industry.

For Students: Focus on securing an internship at a medical device company in its sales division.

For Career Changers: These companies often seek one to five years of experience in sales, marketing, or customer-facing roles, which do not necessarily have to be in medical sales.

A helpful tip is to gain one to three years of experience in a less competitive sales market, better preparing you to enter high-stakes medical device sales.

Consider joining the Road to Medical Sales online coaching program to gain the necessary knowledge and skills, making your transition into medical device sales smoother and more successful.

Seek Experience in the Medical Field

Gaining experience in sales is crucial, but remember that medical device sales is a niche market that requires specific knowledge. Before pitching a product, you need to learn the lingo and understand the workflow of clinics, medical care facilities, and hospitals to better relate to your prospects and colleagues.

Consider pursuing internships at medical device companies or shadowing an established medical device sales representative to gain valuable insights and experience.

Start in Entry-Level Positions and Aim Higher

Starting in an entry-level position is an intuitive and effective approach to entering the medical device sales field. Avoid the temptation to take shortcuts, as these often do not pay off in the long run. Instead, seek out entry-level opportunities with the intent to grow and develop your skills.

Most beginning medical sales reps spend an average of two years in entry-level positions before advancing to more senior roles. This progression allows you to build a strong foundation and prepares you for greater responsibilities and success in the industry.

Increase Your Online Presence

When starting out, building your network quickly is essential. One effective way to do this is through platforms like LinkedIn, where you can connect with companies, recruiters, and professionals whose career paths you admire.

Instead of sending quick, generic messages, take the time to define your conversation goals. Your intentions might include:

• Gaining insights into their career path
• Asking questions about specialties
• Seeking help understanding specific devices and promotional strategies

Once you've determined your goals, track your interactions, follow up, and send thank-you notes when appropriate. These connections might help introduce you to new opportunities and see you as someone who goes above and beyond. After all, you hope these individuals will eventually become your peers.

How to Prepare for Your Medical Sales Interview?

Congratulations on securing an interview! Opportunities in medical device sales are highly competitive, so take your preparation seriously. Before meeting the hiring manager, ensure you have:

• Researched the company thoroughly
• Understood the market and target audience
• Prepared questions about the product you will be selling
• Showcased your achievements and what you can offer the company
• Developed an action plan

Remember, starting a sales career requires first selling yourself. Highlight measurable accomplishments rather than listing responsibilities or tasks. Recruiters and hiring managers look for genuine, energetic, and ambitious individuals to add to their sales team.  For more tips on how to prep for the medical sales interview read Mastering the Final Stage in Medical Sales Job Interview: Strategies for Success.

Be Ready to Jump Right In

Although some medical device companies provide in-house training for new sales reps, many will expect you to start selling immediately. The pressure might feel intense, but remember that you've done the research and the work, and you are prepared to succeed.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most higher-ups will see this as taking the initiative and constantly working to improve yourself, which will help you establish more value in your position within the company.

Being a Good Sales Rep Is More Than Just Sales

While being outgoing, personable, and friendly is important, creating long-lasting relationships built on trust is key to being a successful sales representative. The best way to do this is to provide excellent customer care consistently.

Consider yourself more than a salesperson: you are a consultant working alongside customers to help them find solutions to their challenges with your product and beyond. While generating new revenue is important, maintaining current accounts will ultimately lead to a more stable income.

Conclusion

Though pressure and expectations are high in medical device sales, it is a gratifying career for those willing to put in the work. By seeking education, finding your specialty, networking, and conducting thorough research, you can find fulfillment in your career and improve your overall quality of life.

Ready to jumpstart your journey in medical sales? Sign up for the Road To Medical Sales Online Coaching Program today and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this competitive field. Don’t wait—transform your career and life now! Find why this online medical sales training school is the best program to help you get started with your career in medical sales by visiting theroadtomedicalsales.com.