Medical Device Sales Representative Career Profile
- Career Name - Medical Device Sales Representative
- Category - Health / Business / Farming and Livestock Management
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic School Subjects - Business Studies, Biology, Language
- Minimum Required Education - College Diploma
- Species Worked With - Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Indirect
Do you want to work as a medical device sales representative?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTOR
UPDATED:
5 August 2024
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What is a Medical Device Sales Representative?
A medical device sales representative is responsible for selling a company’s manufactured medical devices to potential customers.
Sales representatives are either inside or outside sales reps. Inside sales reps sell products over the phone and online, while outside sales reps sell products through face-to-face meetings.
The main customers of the products will be private practice veterinarians, animal hospitals, government and laboratories.
Other animal products sales reps you might be interested in:
Career Categories
The Animal Caretaker career can be found within the following OZT career categories:
- Health
- Business
- Farming and Livestock Management
What does a Medical Device Sales Representative do?
Groups of animals a Medical Device Sales Representative works with
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
With who does a Medical Device Sales Representative work?
Besides working with all of the animals, a Medical Device Sales Representative will need to interact with other people while doing their daily tasks. The people might include fellow staff members or the public.
Fellow staff might include:
- Supervisors/Managers
- Operational staff, such as Human Resources, Finance and Maintenance
- Veterinary staff
What does a Medical Device Sales Representative focus on?
The primary focus of a medical device sales rep is to meet with prospective buyers and to discuss the devices with them in the hope that they will purchase.
What are the daily tasks of a Medical Device Sales Representative?
- Discuss brief with supplier or pharmaceutical company
- Learn everything about the product to explain to buyers
- Prepare a working schedule for every day
- Call possible leads to book an appointment
- Meet with buyers and sell devices
- Write reports
- Administration and filing
Working conditions of a Medical Device Sales Representative
Where does a Medical Device Sales Representative work?
Environment –
Sales representatives spend most of their day either in their own office space, or in the offices of prospective buyers. This is mainly an indoor career.
Places of Employment –
Most medical device sales representative are self employed, working under contract. Some may be permanently employed by pharmaceutical companies.
What is the average annual salary of a Medical Device Sales Representative?
On average the income per year is around $50,000. This will differ from country to country.
Can a Medical Device Sales Representative be promoted?
The primary focus of a medical device sales rep is to meet with prospective buyers and to discuss the devices with them in the hope that they will purchase.
What kind of difficulties can a Medical Device Sales Representative face?
The most difficult part is to meet with difficult buyers, and the long hours on the road travelling between the supplier and buyers. They will also work long hours and over weekends
Future growth & possibilities
The industry will always keep on growing and show positive intake of new job seekers as it runs parallel with the growth in the pet supplies industry.
Which Skills are required by a Medical Device Sales Representative?
The skills required for a career as a medical device sales rep can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Good business knowledge
- Good customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
- Driver’s License
Which Subjects must I have at School to help prepare for this career?
Business studies as a subject will be a strong advantage when starting as a sales rep. Most of a reps day is all about managing resources and knowing how to sell products
Language is important to help you understand the importance and skills involved in good communication
Biology will be of tremendous help to make sure you understand the basics of the animals you will be working with, especially domesticated animals.
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Medical Device Sales Representative?
Minimum Requirements
The minimum educational requirement some had when entering this career was a High School certificate, with most of the skills learned while working. Most do study further for at least a College Diploma.
Study Focus
Major –
Possible studies in business management and marketing.
Short Courses –
Similar to the majors, short courses in marketing and sales could be completed.
Study Duration
The duration of College Diplomas can be up to 2 or 3 years. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
Here is a detailed career preparation path for a high school student aiming to become a Medical Device Sales Representative specialising in the veterinary market:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions:
Participate in school-offered career counselling to understand the role and responsibilities of a Medical Device Sales Representative. Attend career fairs and talks by professionals in the veterinary and medical device fields.
2. Research All Possible Careers:
Explore various careers related to veterinary science, sales, and medical devices to understand the industry landscape. Conduct informational interviews with professionals in the field.
3. Explore Educational Paths:
Research colleges and universities that offer relevant programmes such as Business, Marketing, Veterinary Science, or Biomedical Engineering. Look into dual-degree programs or minors that combine business with veterinary or medical studies.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path:
Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Business Studies. Take advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in these subjects if available.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent:
Complete high school with a strong GPA to qualify for competitive college programmes. Participate in science- and business-related clubs or competitions.
6. Learn About Animals:
Study animal biology, anatomy, and physiology to gain foundational knowledge. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow reputable online resources about veterinary medicine.
7. Align Post-School Path:
Decide whether to pursue further education, enter the job market directly, or start a business based on career goals and personal interests.
8. Gain Experience Through Volunteering, Internship, Mentorship, etc.:
Volunteer at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or animal hospitals to gain hands-on experience. Seek internships or part-time jobs in sales or customer service roles to develop relevant skills. Find a mentor in the veterinary or medical device sales field for guidance and networking.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities:
Join clubs and organisations related to business, science, and animal care. Participate in leadership roles to build soft skills like communication and teamwork.
10. Join Professional Associations:
Become a member of associations such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) or the Animal Health Sales Association (AHSA). Attend association events, conferences, and workshops.
11. Gain Specialised Skills:
Develop skills in sales techniques, customer relationship management, and technical knowledge of medical devices. Take online courses or certifications in sales, marketing, and veterinary technology.
12. Network with Professionals:
Attend industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows to meet professionals in the veterinary and medical device fields. Join online forums and social media groups related to veterinary sales.
13. Enter the Job Market, Finish Tertiary Studies, or Launch a Business:
Apply for entry-level sales positions in companies that specialise in veterinary medical devices. Consider further studies such as a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Veterinary Science for advanced knowledge and opportunities. If entrepreneurial, explore starting a business related to veterinary medical devices.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education:
Stay informed about the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and medical devices. Pursue continuing education opportunities through professional associations, online courses, and workshops. Obtain certifications or attend advanced training programmes to enhance expertise and career prospects.
By following this comprehensive preparation path, a high school student can systematically build the necessary foundation and skills to become a successful Medical Device Sales Representative in the veterinary market.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Stepping Stone Career
Being a medical device sales representative can also be used as a stepping stone career. A stepping stone career is one which is used to help you get to another career, normally because the other career is too difficult to reach (sometimes due to things like high fees etc).
You can begin as a junior rep after basic short courses and expert guidance (maybe working under a mentor). The money made can then be used to pay for studies towards a promotion or another career, and the experience helps in gaining knowledge. One paying to help get to the other.
Some of the possible paths:
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the skills you will need as a rep will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Join the Medical Device Sales Representatives Group to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of all the people who enter the career
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Although not required by law, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining the OZT Community.
Professional Associations
None added yet
Where can I study further?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards sales and marketing.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
COST; Free
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STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Members Only
But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
Join the OZT community & Career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a medical device sales representative.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
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