How To Become A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
A pharmaceutical sales representative sells medicines to healthcare professionals and health clinics. You will be responsible for getting clients to purchase your products. If you are good at sales, being persuasive and convincing others to make a purchase, you will succeed in this position. You must be knowledgeable of the medicines that you are selling. Pharmaceutical sales representatives undergo extensive training and certification in their positions.
Why Become A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Medicines keep us healthy and prevent illnesses. New medicines are being discovered on a consistent basis by scientists. Pharmaceutical sales representatives work selling medicines. They travel to medical offices and pharmacies, showing their portfolio of products and explaining how they will be beneficial to the customers.
A pharmaceutical sales representative is a type of salesperson. They receive their pay based on how much product they are able to sell. A person in this position must be able to listen to a client’s needs and understand what they want. They must be good at the art of persuasion and convincing a medical professional to purchase medicines. They have to be educated and have vast product knowledge. They must be knowledgeable and be able to answer questions about medicines and guide medical professionals towards the right solutions for them.
A pharmaceutical sales representative is the first point of contact between healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies. This is a great job for somebody who loves medicine and health care, is persuasive, has experience in sales, and is good at convincing others to make a purchase.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives should possess the following qualities and skills:
- Persuasive
- Good Communicator
- Sales Experience
- Confident
- Good Listener
- Outgoing
- Product Knowledge
- Negotiator
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Work Environment
A pharmaceutical sales representative travels to their clients, who are physicians and pharmacists. They travel to companies, talking with medical professionals and explaining the newest medicines on the market. This job involves a lot of traveling. Sales representatives may have to travel a wide area. Their sales territory may include several states and they may be away from home for days at a time.
Sales representatives spend a lot of the time on the phone, taking orders, discussing their portfolio of products with clients, and trying to persuade clients to make a purchase. Pharmaceutical sales representatives may be under stress because their job is paid by commission and bonuses, and they get paid depending on how many sales they are able to do. Companies may set quotas or goals for their sales representatives.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Salary
The median annual salary for sales representatives was $60,530 in 2016, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There are many factors that may determine pay for a sales representative. Many sales representatives are paid a combination of salary and commission and bonuses. The commission and bonus structure will vary considerably, so some sales representatives will earn more than others. Salary may vary by years of experience. Sales representatives living in certain cities or states may earn more money. These are some of the factors that will determine salary.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Career Outlook
Employment for pharmaceutical sales representatives is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is average growth compared to other occupations in the United States.
The medical field continues to grow. Due to recent changes in health care, now more people than ever are receiving health care and going to the doctor. It is important for medical professionals to be updated on the latest medicines available to their patients. Pharmaceutical sales representatives are responsible for educating medical professionals on the latest drugs and selling them to the client. There will continue to be a need for people in this profession as the medical world expands. They will be needed to educate the world on new and exciting medicines that could help save lives and treat illnesses.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Degree
If you want to become a pharmaceutical sales representative, read below to find out how.
Step 1: Undergraduate school: A bachelor’s degree is generally recommended by many employers today for this field. There are several programs you can choose from, including sales, marketing, business administration, pharmacy, chemistry, healthcare sciences, or another related field. Be sure to take classes such as science, math, business, and public speaking. These will help you in your business career.
Step 2: Get trained. Once hired, most companies have training programs for new employees. You will be introduced to the products and instructed on how appropriately sell them to the clients. You may work alongside more experienced salespeople. On-the-job training can last up to a year. Once you feel comfortable, you are off on your own.
Step 3: Get certified. Certification is a great way to show your professional credentials. Through the National Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives (NAPR), you can earn the title of Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative.
