Breaking Into Medical Device Sales: How to Launch Your Career Without Experience

Breaking into medical device sales with no experience might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s way more doable than you think. The medical device sales world isn’t just for people with a healthcare background or years of experience—what it really takes is the right mindset, some hustle, and the ability to learn quickly. Whether you’re coming from a totally different industry, fresh out of school, or just looking to switch careers, there are plenty of ways to break into this field. Medical device sales is all about relationships, drive, and persistence, and those qualities are something anyone can develop with the right approach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get into medical device sales with no experience. From networking your way into the industry to getting the certifications that make you stand out, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need to know everything right away—what’s important is being proactive, building the right skills, and showing employers that you’ve got what it takes. Let’s dive in and break down the steps you can take to start your journey in medical device sales, even if you’re starting from scratch! Also read: How to Get Into Sales: A Guide to Selling Medical Devices and Tech What Is Medical Device Sales? Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “what.” Medical device sales is exactly what it sounds like—selling medical devices. These devices can range from surgical instruments to diagnostic tools to orthopedic implants. It’s a pretty high-stakes industry because the products you’re selling impact people’s lives and health, so the responsibility is huge. Medical device reps (that’s you, potentially!) work with hospitals, doctors, clinics, and other healthcare professionals to sell medical equipment. You might be selling products like heart stents, orthopedic implants, or diagnostic imaging systems. What makes this role unique is that it’s a mix of sales skills and medical knowledge—you need to understand the products deeply to talk to professionals who are using them in life-or-death situations. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding job. Here's what you can do: 1. Network Strategically to Build Connections Networking is probably one of the most important things you can do to break into medical device sales. Without any prior experience, your network is everything. First things first, figure out what area of medical devices you’re interested in—orthopedic, cardiovascular, surgical tools, diagnostic tech, etc. Once you’ve got that down, start researching the big players in that space. Find out which companies are leading the charge and which products are cutting-edge. Now, get out there and start connecting. You don’t need to be shy. Go to industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be afraid to message people directly. A lot of sales reps are willing to offer advice, and some might even offer to mentor you. When you’re just starting out, it’s all about building relationships and learning as much as you can from people who’ve been around the block. The more connections you make, the more opportunities you’ll have to learn about the industry and maybe even get referrals. 2. Attend Industry Conferences and Trade Shows You might not have a job yet, but you can still soak up a ton of knowledge and make valuable connections by attending industry events. Conferences and trade shows are filled with experts, hiring managers, doctors, and other key players in the medical device world. These events are your chance to meet people, get the scoop on the latest tech, and maybe even score an interview down the line. Look for conferences like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) or the North American Spine Society (NASS). These bring together the top minds in the medical field to showcase their latest innovations. Don’t just attend—introduce yourself to people in the industry. And when you’re applying for jobs later on, don’t forget to mention these events on your resume. It shows you’re serious and have taken the initiative to stay informed. 3. Educate Yourself on Sales Techniques and the Medical Industry You don’t need to have medical device sales experience right away, but you do need to show that you’re committed to learning. The best way to stand out is by knowing your stuff. Read up on sales strategies and techniques—sales is a skill, and the more you know, the better you’ll be at landing a job. There are plenty of books on sales tactics that will give you a solid foundation. These books will also help you talk intelligently about sales techniques during interviews. On top of that, it’s crucial to stay up to date with what’s going on in the medical device world. Subscribe to medical sales blogs, listen to podcasts, and read publications like MassDevice or Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry. If you can talk knowledgeably about the latest devices, industry trends, or even a competitor’s products, you’ll be more impressive to potential employers. Also read: Is Hirey legit? Here's what you need to know 4. Highlight Transferable Skills Even if you haven’t worked in medical device sales before, you’ve likely got skills that’ll help you stand out. Medical sales require emotional intelligence, the ability to build relationships, and strong communication. If you’ve worked in customer service, marketing, or another role that required you to engage with people, you’ve got the experience you need to succeed in sales. Be sure to highlight these transferable skills when talking to hiring managers. Also, think about other experiences that show your perseverance or ability to learn quickly. For example, if you’ve been involved in leadership roles or have done volunteer work, these can demonstrate your ability to manage complex situations and build rapport with others. Even hobbies like acting or running a marathon can be relevant. Acting shows you can adapt to different people and situations—important in sales. Marathon training shows you’ve got the perseverance to stick with goals and push through challenges—another big win for sales jobs. 5. Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile In the digital age, LinkedIn is a game-changer. A solid LinkedIn profile can set you apart from other candidates and help you get noticed by recruiters. Make sure your profile shows your interest in medical device sales. Use keywords like “medical sales,” “sales representative,” and “healthcare sales” in your summary and job experiences so recruiters can easily find you. Engage on LinkedIn by following industry leaders, joining groups related to medical device sales, and commenting on posts or sharing interesting articles. Not only does this show you’re active, but it also helps you stay up to date with what’s going on in the industry. If you’ve done any sales or medical device courses, make sure to add them to your profile to strengthen your credibility. By creating a strong LinkedIn presence, you’re not just waiting for opportunities—you’re actively making them. Also read: In the increasingly complex world of hiring platforms, here's why customers chose Hirey 6. Research Companies and Their Products To get hired in medical device sales, you need to show you’re knowledgeable about the industry—and that starts with understanding the companies you’re interested in. Do your homework on the major players like Medtronic, Stryker, and Johnson & Johnson. Learn what products they sell and how they differentiate themselves from the competition. Knowing about their product lines—whether it’s heart stents, joint implants, or diagnostic imaging equipment—will give you a big edge when you’re interviewing. If you can talk about how their products are used in hospitals or how they’re improving patient outcomes, you’ll impress hiring managers. It also helps to know what kind of innovation these companies are pursuing. Are they using robotics, AI, or virtual reality to improve the healthcare industry? The more you know about the companies you want to work for, the more prepared you’ll be. 7. Enroll in a Certification Course One of the fastest ways to boost your credibility in the medical device sales field is by getting a certification. Programs like the Medical Sales Institute (MSI) or Certified Sales Professional (CSP) can teach you the ins and outs of medical sales, give you hands-on training, and connect you with industry professionals. These programs cover things like product knowledge, sales techniques, and how to network with the right people. By completing a certification, you’re not only gaining the skills you need but also showing potential employers that you’re serious about the industry and willing to put in the effort to learn. How Much Do Medical Device Sales Reps Make? You might be wondering, “Is it worth it?” Well, medical device sales can be a very lucrative field, especially once you get your foot in the door. As a newbie, you might start out with a base salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 a year, depending on the company and your location. But here’s where it gets exciting: medical device sales often have commission-based structures, which means you can earn a lot more by hitting sales targets. The real earning potential in medical device sales comes from commissions. Successful sales reps can make anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000 a year, or even more in some cases. Your commission is usually tied to the products you sell, so the more high-ticket items you push, the bigger your paycheck. Also, many companies offer bonuses, incentives, and other perks to top performers. These can range from monthly or quarterly bonuses based on meeting sales goals to yearly trips or cash awards. On top of that, some companies offer stock options or profit-sharing, making the financial rewards of this career even more attractive. The great thing is that your income is often tied to your performance, so if you’re good at what you do, the sky’s the limit. Breaking into medical device sales without experience might take time, but with the right approach, you can absolutely make it happen. It’s all about being persistent, staying proactive, and continuously building your knowledge and network. Whether you’re learning about sales tactics, attending events, or connecting with industry professionals, each step you take brings you closer to your goal. Keep your eye on the prize and be patient with the process. With time, effort, and a bit of determination, you’ll be well on your way to landing your first job in medical device sales—and making a pretty nice paycheck along the way. Also read: App reviews can be manufactured and misleading. Here's what legit users have to say about Hirey.