Becoming a medical device representative requires experience in the field, a bachelor’s degree, and specialized knowledge. Entry-level positions in medical device manufacturing or distribution companies can lead to advancement, and certifications in sales and sales representation can be helpful. Training is necessary before working as a medical device representative.
Medical devices are not – for the most part – sophisticated, rare and difficult to understand high-tech tools. Indeed, it would be difficult to locate a Western household without at least one of these devices in their home. The term medical device refers to objects as varied as contact lenses, blood glucose monitors, total knee replacements, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. A medical device representative can therefore sell a variety of medical devices to very different types of customers ranging from durable medical equipment companies, hospitals, different surgeons in the same hospitals or ophthalmology offices. Therefore, one of the first suggested recommendations for becoming a medical device representative is to get an entry-level position in a medical device manufacturing or distribution company.
Reviewing online classified ads will show that almost all employers require a minimum of two years of experience in the field to become a medical device representative. As in other fields, this experience requirement before one can acquire the position to gain the experience presents a conundrum best avoided by accepting an entry-level position with the company under any reasonable title. By demonstrating enthusiasm, hard work, and initiative, an employee of a medical device company may eventually be considered for a position as a medical device representative.
Unlike most sales representative positions, positions related to medicine and science generally require a bachelor’s degree. At a minimum, a career in this field requires the ability to quickly learn specialized information and highly technical vocabulary. Previous sales experience in any field can help a candidate become a medical device representative, especially if they have earned a bachelor’s degree in a medical or scientific field.
Additional consideration may be given to those who have worked in the medical field as nurses, technicians or other professionals. Certifications in the field of sales and sales representation can be helpful and are available from the Manufacturers’ Representatives Education Research Foundation after a course of study and successful completion of an exam. Experience as a pharmaceutical sales representative would also enhance a candidate’s CV as the positions are similar. In some cases, a career change from a pharmaceutical sales representative to becoming a medical device representative can be completed within the same company.
If a candidate is able to offer this position, it is usually necessary to complete an established training course before being able to work as a medical device representative. The training intensifies along the technical aspects of the medical device to prepare the sales representative for accurate and informed sales presentations with the healthcare professionals to whom the products are marketed.
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