Pharmaceutical sales is a competitive industry with highly coveted career opportunities. Sales representatives in this field work for pharmaceutical companies and their primary responsibility is to keep doctors informed about products manufactured by the company. If you’re unfamiliar with the industry, the information below will provide helpful insights.

About Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives

There’s a reason why pharmaceutical sales representatives earn a six figure income. For starters, they have to become experts on the products offered by the company for which they work, while also having strong proficiency in sales and excellent interpersonal skills. Generally speaking, the people in pharmaceutical sales that achieve great success are adept at building and maintaining long-term business relationships.

Pharmaceutical sales reps play a critical role in deciding which medications are prescribed by doctors because they provide information about drug benefits. Although the physician will make the ultimate decision about what’s prescribed, it’s based to some degree on the information provided by the sales rep. It’s why the sales team must obtain and maintain keen knowledge of each product they sell.

Pharmaceutical sales reps are viewed as experts in the industry because it’s their job to understand how different drugs treat the conditions for which they were designed to treat. Sales reps typically have a lot of meetings with different physicians, which gives them the opportunity to both promote pharmaceuticals and educate healthcare personnel. This isn’t just about medications because they also sell equipment used in the industry. Subsequently, they must have deep knowledge of health conditions and understand medical terminology.

Selling Specialty Drugs

Sales reps in the pharmaceutical industry often have to be familiar with specialty drugs and the complex conditions they treat. This can include diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and so many other illnesses. Understanding rare conditions requires research to gain knowledge of how the medications should be administered. They are responsible for understanding the different formulations that are available and whether it’s consumed orally and through injectables.

Representing Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

As a representative of the company, the sales team of pharmaceutical manufacturers often deliver presentations based on current knowledge of the industry, including new medications and protocols. Part of the sales process includes sharing information that’s in the news and addressing any issues or concerns of patients.

There are many opportunities for growth in pharmaceutical sales and it’s the type of career that will always exist. To a large degree, sales reps in this industry contribute to the well-being of patients. They are often a valued resource to the physicians in their region. Many pharmaceutical sales reps work with the same group of physicians for years.