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Medical sales representative

Alternative titles for this job include Medical sales rep

Medical sales representatives work for pharmaceutical companies, selling drugs, medicines and medical equipment to health professionals.

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a medical sales representative

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You can start by doing a degree in:

  • biology
  • pharmacy
  • biomedical sciences
  • medical engineering

It may be possible to get into this career with a non-science degree. For example, a business or marketing degree 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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a sales executive higher apprenticeship, or a business-to-business sales professional degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

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 or applied science, or a diploma in health and social care, may give you an advantage.

Other Routes

You could 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 or equivalent in science and a flair for sales.

More Information

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you will:

  • arrange appointments with clients and ‘cold call’ new contacts
  • give presentations and persuade clients to use or buy your company’s products
  • build strong relationships with medical staff
  • provide an after-sales service
  • plan work schedules
  • meet sales targets
  • organise and attend medical conferences
  • check competitors’ products and prices
  • keep records and reporting back to head office

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and a good track record in sales, you could become an area or regional manager, or move into marketing or product and account management.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Sales Executive Apprentice

  • Wage: £24,000.00 Annually
  • Location: LONDON

Sales Apprentice

  • Wage: £26,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Workplace Address:, Everbuild Building Products, 41 Knowsthorpe Way, Leeds

Courses In England

Medical Science

  • Provider: THE CROMPTON HOUSE CHURCH OF ENGLAND ACADEMY
  • Start date: 04 September 2024
  • Location: Oldham

Diploma in Medical Science

  • Provider: CHARLES DARWIN SCHOOL
  • Start date: 30 September 2024
  • Location: Westerham

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