A Brief Introduction
Doctors are the first thing that comes to our mind when discussing a rewarding career for students in a Science stream. However, not many people know that there are many careers apart from Doctors that can also be explored.
Medical Representative (MR) is one such lucrative career.
Who is a Medical Representative?
Medical Representatives (MR) are professionals who work for pharmaceutical companies to promote and sell their products, such as medicines and medical devices, to healthcare professionals like doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals.
They provide information about the products, answer questions, and sometimes offer samples of their company’s products.Medical Representatives have a significant impact on the healthcare industry. They serve as mediators between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, educating them on new drugs and providing information on product benefits and uses to ensure effective prescription practices.
Career Scope as Medical Representative
According to the BLS, Medical Representatives can anticipate a 4% growth in job opportunities until 2029, consistent with the national average for job growth.
You can start your career as a Medical Representative (MR), then climb up the ladder as a Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Product Manager, or Marketing Manager.
Some Medical Representative (MR) also choose to specialize in their area of expertise such as oncology, neurology, cardiovascular diseases, etc. This can lead them to further career advancement opportunities.
Role & Responsibilities of a Medical Representative (MR)
The role of Medical Representatives (MR) is varied and depends upon the designation.
The responsibilities include:
- Using product information to educate healthcare professionals on the benefits of a company’s medication or equipment to encourage its use.
- Staying informed about developments in the medical field.
- Following up with doctors to review their feedback on companies medical products.
- Managing sales contracts and deeds.
- Conducting market analyses to identify opportunities and develop strategic sales plans.
- Apart from fieldwork, Medical Representatives are responsible for administrative tasks such as record-keeping, sales reports, inventory management, and staying informed about product knowledge and industry regulations.
Employment Scope Career Options for Medical Representative (MR)
The role of Medical Representatives (MR) is varied and depends upon the designation.
The responsibilities include:
- Using product information to educate healthcare professionals on the benefits of a company’s medication or equipment to encourage its use.
- Staying informed about developments in the medical field.
- Following up with doctors to review their feedback on companies medical products.
- Managing sales contracts and deeds.
- Conducting market analyses to identify opportunities and develop strategic sales plans.
- Apart from fieldwork, Medical Representatives are responsible for administrative tasks such as record-keeping, sales reports, inventory management, and staying informed about product knowledge and industry regulations.
Employment Scope Career Options for Medical Representative (MR)
The employment scope for Medical Representatives (MR) is immense. They can work in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare product firms, and medical device manufacturers.
Some of the top pharma companies that recruit Medical Representatives (MR) are Sun Pharmaceuticals, Cipla, Lupin, GlaxoSmithKline, Cadila, Emcure, Pfizer, Blue Cross, Torent, Biocon, Wockhardt, Abbot, Novartis, etc.
Salary Range
The salary of Medical Representatives depends upon the designation, qualification, location, company they work for, and their overall experience.
In India, Medical Representatives can earn a package of around 5 lacs per annum at the starting level. Further, other benefits like additional incentives, travel allowances, and performance bonuses also add to the overall attractiveness of the package.
Skills Required for Medical Representative (MR)
The Medical Representative job is demanding due to frequent travel and long working hours. So, one should be prepared to manage a busy schedule.
Some of the other key skills required are good communication, active listening, excellent product knowledge, organisational skills, sales skills, relationship-building, persuasion skills, and time management.
How to Become a Medical Representative (MR)
The first and foremost requirement is to complete grade 12 from the science stream and a recognised board.
Candidates need to follow the below steps to become a Medical Representative (MR).
- Complete Formal Education: After completing grade 12, you can take admission for a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, life sciences, biology, nursing, or a related field and complete the course. Some companies also recruit candidates with a degree in business or marketing. Such companies train the candidates on their products.
- Choose Specialisation: After earning a Bachelor’s degree, you can choose to specialise in any one area depending upon your interest and expertise. You can be a specialist in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical equipment, or biotechnology.
- Develop Skills: Medical Representatives need various skills to excel in the workplace. So, you need to be good at soft skills and have the requisite product knowledge.
- Training: Many pharmaceutical companies offer on-the-job training for new Medical Representatives to familiarise them with their products and the industry. This training usually includes learning about the products, understanding the market, sales techniques, and communication skills.
Apply for Jobs: Once you acquire the necessary skills and qualifications, you can start applying for Medical Representative positions at various pharmaceutical companies
Top Colleges for Medical Representative (MR) Course
In India, many institutes offer diploma and certificate courses in Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing for non-science graduates.Some top institutes are Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, IGMPI, PharmaState Academy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, ICT Mumbai, Royed Training Services, etc.
Fees for Medical Representative (MR) Course
The fee for a Medical Representative (MR) course in India is around 35,000 to 60,000 depending on the course duration, institution, and mode of the course (whether online or offline).
Conclusion
Medical Representatives facilitate communication between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. This role requires a combination of scientific knowledge, sales proficiency, and interpersonal skills to navigate the changing landscape of the healthcare industry effectively.
However, the role goes beyond sales to include building trust, educating healthcare providers on product efficacy and safety, and nurturing professional relationships. The healthcare sector is constantly changing, so staying informed about medical technology, regulations, and market trends is important for success.