How to Become a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep

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How to Become a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep

1. Earn a bachelor's degree.
2. Enroll in a training program.
3. Get licensed or certified.

If you're interested in becoming a pharmaceutical sales rep, here are the steps that are specific to this role.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree.

Required education will vary by employer, but to become a pharmaceutical sales rep, you'll likely need a bachelor's degree. According to MedReps 2018 Pharmaceutical Sales Salary Report, 98% of the reps surveyed have a four-year college degree or higher.

Here are some of the degrees a pharma rep can earn:

• Pharmaceutical business
  Pharmacology
  Business and marketing

2. Enroll in a training program.

Before you start with any training program, determine how you learn best. For example, if you're a hands-on learner, spending hours online or in a classroom simply reading information won't help you fully grasp the concepts. On the other hand, if you prefer to learn through study guides and checklists, "learn by doing" programs aren't the best fit.

You'll also need to decide what kind of learning is best suited to your schedule and lifestyle. Online programs offer flexibility, however, on-site programs allow you to ask the instructor and classmates questions and receive immediate answers, rather than having to wait days for email responses.

The in-person nature of on-site learning also presents valuable networking opportunities. You'll be able to make contacts and begin building a professional network that can help you find and secure pharmaceutical sales jobs while continuing your development.

Once you're in a pharmaceutical sales role, as with any medical sales position, you'll want to stay on top of industry information and continue to expand your sales knowledge. Employers often provide on-the-job training, and likely have recommendations for continuing your education.

3. Get licensed or certified.

Certifications might not be required by all employers, but they can help with career advancement and improve your industry and sales knowledge. The National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Reps offers training courses and a certification to become a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR).

Before a pharmaceutical sales rep can begin, employers often want them to have an understanding of pharmacology, selling, and medical terminology -- and the CNPR Certification program teaches this information. And when you're ready, you'll take the CNPR Examination. It's a two-hour exam that requires a minimum score of 80% to pass.

Completion of the program helps current pharma sales reps stay up-to-date on the industry and selling techniques. And it gives individuals who'd like to break into pharmaceutical sales an introduction to sales, pharmacology, and industry guidelines and standards.

Medical sales is a thriving and exciting industry. And owing to continual progress in medical technology and a growing population's increased demand for healthcare products, there is great job security in the field and a promising future for anyone with the passion and drive for medical sales success.

Source: blog.hubspot.com