Medical sales representative

You can get into this career by doing a degree in:

• biology
• pharmacy
• biomedical sciences
• medical engineering

It may be possible to get in with a non-science degree. A business or marketing degree, for example, can be useful, especially if you have some knowledge of medical sales.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You may be able to start by completing an advanced apprenticeship in sales, or a business-to-business sales professional degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers will look for people with an understanding of what medical sales involves and have experience in nursing, healthcare, sales or marketing.

If you do not have a science or healthcare background, you'll need a lot of sales experience and the ability to learn about medicines and therapies in detail. An A level or equivalent in biology, general science, or health and social care, may be an advantage for this.

You may be able to join a medical sales company on a graduate training scheme if you have a degree. A science degree is very useful but employers will accept other subjects if you have A levels in science and a flair for sales.

Further information

You can find out more about working in medical sales from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

All medical sales representatives will need to take The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Medical Representatives Exam within 1 year of beginning employment, and pass all units within 2 years.

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• arranging appointments to see existing clients and ‘cold call’ new contacts
• making presentations and persuading clients to use or buy your company’s products
• building strong relationships with medical staff
• providing an after-sales service
• planning work schedules
• meeting sales targets
• organising and attending medical conferences
• checking competitors’ products and prices
• keeping records and reporting back to head office

You could work in an office or from home.