Sales & marketing

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can get into this career by doing a degree in:

• biology
• pharmacy
• biomedical sciences
• medical engineering

It may be possible to get in with a non-science degree. A business or marketing degree, for example, 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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by completing an advanced apprenticeship in sales, or a business-to-business sales professional degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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, general science, or health and social care, may be an advantage for this.

Other routes

You may be able to 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 in science and a flair for sales.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• All medical sales representatives will need to take The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Medical Representatives Exam within 1 year of beginning employment, and pass all units within 2 years.
• have a full driving licence

More information

Further information

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

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