How do you become a specialty pharmaceutical representative?

1 Education and certification

To become a specialty pharmaceutical representative, you usually need to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or business. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or a professional certification, such as the Certified Professional Salesperson (CPSP) or the Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist (CPSS). These certifications can demonstrate your commitment, competence, and credibility in the industry. You can obtain them by passing exams and completing courses offered by various organizations, such as the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSR) or the Pharmaceutical Sales Training Institute (PSTI).

2 Experience and training

In addition to education and certification, you also need to have some experience and training in medical sales. This can help you develop your sales skills, product knowledge, and industry insights. You can gain experience by working as a general pharmaceutical representative, selling drugs that are widely used for common ailments, such as painkillers, antibiotics, or antihistamines. This can help you learn the basics of the sales process, such as prospecting, presenting, negotiating, and closing. You can also gain experience by working in a related field, such as medical device sales, biotechnology sales, or healthcare consulting. This can help you expand your network, understand the needs and challenges of your customers, and familiarize yourself with the medical terminology and regulations. To become a specialty pharmaceutical representative, you may need to undergo additional training on the specific drugs that you will sell, their benefits, side effects, interactions, and clinical trials. You may also need to learn about the diseases or conditions that they treat, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

4 Responsibilities and expectations

As a specialty pharmaceutical representative, you will have various responsibilities and expectations, depending on your employer, territory, and product. These may include researching and identifying potential customers, contacting and visiting them to introduce yourself and your products, educating them about the features, benefits, and advantages of your products over competitors', answering any questions or concerns they may have, persuading and influencing them to buy or recommend your products, following up with them to ensure their satisfaction and loyalty, recording and reporting your sales activities and results using various tools, meeting and exceeding your sales targets and quotas, and attending meetings, events, and training sessions. Becoming a specialty pharmaceutical representative requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning; however, it can be a rewarding career choice for those passionate about medical sales. If you think you have what it takes to become a specialty pharmaceutical representative, you can start by pursuing the opportunities that match your skills, qualifications, and interests.