FAQ’s

At the Medical Sales College we emphasize the professional development of medical sales representatives. Our programs and curriculum are intended to provide reps with the specific training and tools that equip them for success in the medical device industry. More importantly, these programs prepare our graduates to represent their products with integrity and professionalism.

 

Why would I need to go to school to be considered for a medical device sales job?

Medical device sales requires that you be able to function in a hospital environment, that you receive the proper credentialing, that you are able to engage and converse with medical professionals, and that you understand how the devices you sell will impact a patient’s anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, and function.

Hiring managers are very cautious about hiring industry “outsiders” because they do not have the time to invest in training new sales reps. They want people who can produce and who can make an immediate contribution to their territory.

Another benefit to receiving education is that it speeds up the learning curve when you get into the field. Ultimately, you are able to be more productive much sooner than you would have otherwise. Everything is not so “foreign” and you can concentrate your efforts on the territory and the surgeons in your territory, rather than spending time and energy trying to figure out the “basics”.

 

Don’t orthopaedic companies offer product training?

Most companies do offer product training but it is often very short in duration – a few days long or, at most, a few weeks long. Also, you may not receive that training until you have been in the field for several months. In the meantime, you will be expected to sell.

When sales reps do go to product training, it can be as competitive as the selling environment itself. Again, if you already have a strong foundation relating to anatomy, physiology, pathology, and have been exposed to the products and the procedures those products are used in, you can concentrate on internalizing the information unique to your product line.

 

What will I learn at the Medical Sales College?

Graduates of the Medical Sales College are prepared to be productive members of the sales team from day one. By the end of a program, students will have acquired skills relating to:

• Vocabulary
• Anatomy
• Biomechanics
• Pathology
• O.R. Protocol
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Surgeon Profiling
• Product Differentiation
• Mapping the Sales Call
• Competitive Profiling
• Initiating Conversations
• Moving the Sales Forward
• 30-60-90 Day Business Plans
• Territory Development
• Repetitive Role-Play Scenarios

In just weeks, MSC graduates develop a comprehensive understanding of their specialization and what it takes to succeed in medical device sales. More importantly, they develop the confidence to have meaningful, high-value conversations with their surgeon customers.

 

What programs are available at the Medical Sales College?

Several different specialty programs are offered at MSC in a variety of formats. Our 340 hour courses are offered in 10 and 6 week formats. We also offer 8 week courses that range from 217.5-277 hours. The following specialties are offered in all of these formats:

• Orthopaedic Reconstruction & Trauma
• Spine
• Sports Medicine
• Orthopaedic Extremities
• Foot & Ankle

In addition, we offer a 10 Week Academy program that covers all of the specialties listed above.

To learn more about the programs offered visit our Programs Overview page.
 

How long are the programs?

Our 340 hour courses are offered in 10 and 6 week formats.

• 10 Week Program: 6 Weeks At-Home Study, 4 Weeks In-House Training
• 6 Week Program: 6 weeks In-House Training

We also offer 8 week courses that range from 217.5-277 hours. These programs consist of four weeks of at-home study followed by four weeks of in-house training at MSC’s world-class training facilities in Denver, CO.

Finally we offer a 10 Week Academy program that is 623 hours. This program incorporates all of the specialties offered in the other formats. All 10 weeks of training are in-house at MSC’s training facility in Denver, CO.

To learn more about the programs offered visit our Programs Overview page.

 

Can I work full-time while I’m studying at home?

Yes. We estimate that you will spend approximately 20-30 hours a week completing the “at-home” portion of your studies. However, this is considered a self-paced program so you have flexibility with when and how you complete this work. While challenging, it is manageable to continue working full-time until you come to Denver.

Obviously, we encourage all students to take the “at-home” portion very seriously. The more time you invest in your studies while at home, the more prepared you will be when you get to Denver.

 

How is the “at home” curriculum structured?

You will receive a curriculum that you will work on independently and at your own pace throughout the week. You will be required to “conference in” on once weekly conference calls (usually in the evening) with your instructor and classmates. We often invite guest surgeons, industry reps, or other experts to engage in these weekly discussions.

Additionally, there will be homework activities for you to complete and turn in on a weekly basis that consist of vocabulary, anatomy, research activities, essays, and surgeon profiling.

 

What is the cost of the program?

Tuition is determined by the type of class you elect to enroll in. Please see our Tuition and Admissions page to learn more.

 

Does tuition need to be paid up front?

A $500 deposit is needed to secure a spot in a particular course, and students should ideally be enrolled at least 14 days prior to their course’s start date. Tuition is due in full prior to us sending out the curriculum package. Students should allow at least five business days for the curriculum to be received, and this should be taken into account when scheduling final payments.

 

Where do I stay while studying in Denver?

Medical Sales College has an arrangement with the Staybridge Suites in Lone Tree, CO that allows discounted rates for students of the Medical Sales College.

SUITE ACCOMODATIONS
The Staybridge Suites offers suites with fully equipped kitchens, separate living and home office areas, as well as many other amenities to make your stay comfortable and home-like.
Through MSC’s agreement with the Staybridge Suites we have secured reduced rates for our students:
Studio Suite: $66.50
One Bedroom King Suite: $76.50
One Bedroom Queen/Queen Suite: $85.99
Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Suite: $119.99

COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES

• Daily HOT Breakfast Buffet
• Evening Sundowner Reception (T-TH) including Dinner, Beer, Wine & Sodas….Frequently Featuring Fare From Local Restaurants
• Daily “Light Touch” Housekeeping Service, Weekly Full- Service Housekeeping
• Courtesy Shuttle will take you to and from Medical Sales College’s facility, Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

*It is still every student’s responsibility to secure his or her own accommodations while here studying.
7820 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124
www.staybridge.com
(303) 649-1010

 

Do I have to have a Bachelor’s Degree to be accepted to the school?

We do not require a Bachelor’s Degree for acceptance into MSC. If you do not have a Bachelor’s Degree, your sales or clinical background and experience should be exceptionally strong, however.

 

Which specialty should I choose?

The course you elect to participate in is determined by a number of factors:

• Which specialization is of most interest to you?
• What is your background and experience?
• Where do you hope to work after graduating from MSC? (What geographical location?)
• What kinds of opportunities have historically been available to graduates in your territory of preference?
• What other graduate candidates are available in your territory of preference and how were they trained?
• When do you want to begin your program?

All of these things (and more) are taken into consideration when you make the determination of which program may be most appropriate.

We encourage you to speak with a student advisor at Medical Sales College to get more information about the programs that are enrolling and the specific areas where opportunities are currently available to graduates of MSC.

 

Which program (i.e. orthopaedic specialization) is most in demand for hiring and placement opportunities within the industry?

Each of the programs offered at MSC are in high demand. Unfortunately, there is no way to anticipate which opportunities will be available in your territory of preference at the time you graduate.

 

When do classes start?

Each specialization is usually offered several times each year. To view the current course schedule Click Here.

 

How many students are in each class?

Typically, there are 8-12 students in each class. We strive to keep the instructor to student ratio low, so that students can receive individual attention and feedback. However, we also believe that a generous class size allows for more interaction and a spirit of healthy competition.

 

Will I receive a degree when I graduate?

No. Students receive a “Certificate of Completion”. We would like to note that this document provides proof that a student has successfully completed a Medical Sales College program. There is no required “certification” to become a medical sales representative. Our programs, and graduates of our programs, are recognized by medical device hiring managers because of the skills they have developed and the level of preparation they receive while at MSC.

 

What must I bring with me when I come to Denver?

When you come to Denver, we recommend that you bring:

• Laptop computer
• Cell phone
• 2 pairs of scrubs (worn on Wednesday and Friday)
• Casual business attire (worn on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday)
• Business suit appropriate for interviewing
• Clothing appropriate for the time of year in a desert climate
• Course curriculum, notebooks, resources materials, etc.
• Extracurricular activity items (golf clubs, skis, snowboards, swimsuit, workout attire, etc.) – there won’t be a lot of “downtime” but there will be some!

 

What methods can I use to pay for the program?

We accept cash, check, or credit card payments made with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.

 

How many students do not make it through your program?

It is very rare that a student does not graduate from MSC. There is an academic standard of maintaining at least a 70% grade point average in order to successfully complete the program. If a student is unable to complete the program for personal reasons, they may be invited to return at a subsequent time to complete their training.

 

Are you approved and/or regulated?

Yes. The Medical Sales College is approved and regulated by the State of Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.

 

Are you bonded?

Yes. The Medical Sales College has provided bonding to the State of Colorado as part of our approval and regulation process.

 

Is there a placement guarantee?

No. The Medical Sales College has the mission of providing higher education opportunities that enable students to develop the knowledge and skill sets necessary to enter and succeed in the field of medical device sales. In other words, we provide educational opportunities – not jobs.

However, MSC does have an exclusive relationship with EliteMed Recruiting, which offers placement services free of charge to any MSC graduate who elects to work with them.

 

I have seen other training programs on the internet. What makes MSC different?

The Medical Sales College is the only school in the country that provides specialized training and preparation in orthopaedic medical device sales. Additionally, we are the only such school that has an exclusive relationship with a premier medical device sales recruiter. EliteMed Recruiting is the largest recruiter of orthopaedic and spine sales professionals, and has successfully assisted in the placement of hundreds of MSC graduates.

Finally, MSC’s training programs are 6-10 weeks long and cost between $5,000 and $11,250. As compared with other online schools or training programs, you are able to complete your education and prepare for the next step in your career in a reasonable amount of time and for a very reasonable cost.

 

How does the application process work?

If you are interested in attending a course at the Medical Sales College, we request that you first apply for the program. After receiving your application, you will be contacted by an admissions representative who will make arrangements for a phone interview. This interview is intended to give us some more information about you, but it is also your opportunity to ask questions that have not previously been answered about our programs and processes. If you are determined to be a qualified applicant, and if the admissions team believes this to be a good “fit” for you, then MSC will extend an invitation for you to attend a particular course.

 

How do I apply?

You can apply online at www.medicalsalescollege.com/apply. The application is quite brief, but we request that you also upload your resume and a current photograph. Additionally, there is a requirement for you complete a brief essay (500 words or less) describing why you wish to enroll in the program and what you hope to gain.

 

How many applicants do you usually accept?

Typically, about 25% of our applicants are invited into the program. Our goal is to provide access to higher educational opportunities that enable our students to enter and succeed in the field of medical device sales. With that said, the medical device industry is not for everyone. Our application process is designed to prepare prospective students for the demands associated with this industry and to be sure that their experience, presentation, and attitude are in line with industry expectations.

 

What are you looking for in an applicant?

Admission is based on a number of different criteria, including: an applicant’s performance on admission documents; their presentation in phone interviews; their prior education, experience, awards, and successes; military experience; participation in volunteer activities or competitive sporting endeavors. Ultimately, there is no one “formula” for gaining admission to MSC. Students with vastly different credentials come to MSC from all over the country and with many different backgrounds. The common thread is most often their passion for and commitment to succeeding in medical device sales.

 

Are placement services available after I graduate?

Yes. The Medical Sales College has an exclusive relationship with EliteMed Recruiting, the largest recruiter of orthopaedic and spine sales professionals in the U.S. EliteMed’s recruitment process has been responsible for the placement of hundreds of MSC graduates – most of whom had no prior medical sales experience.

 

It is important to note that current law prohibits any school from guaranteeing job placement as an inducement to enroll students.

While placement services are available, neither the Medical Sales College nor EliteMed Recruiting provides any guarantee of placement. It is incumbent upon our graduates to internalize the information presented and to adequately prepare for interview opportunities.

Also, while placement services are available through EliteMed Recruiting, this does not preclude you from actively investigating medical device sales opportunities in your area. We encourage you to continue networking, researching, and preparing for opportunities when you return home.

 

What will my EliteMed recruiter do for me?

Upon successful completion of your orthopaedic program at MSC, you will be matched with a Senior Regional Recruiter who specifically works with the hiring managers in your territory of preference. Your recruiter will aggressively seek employment opportunities and will make every effort to ensure that you are submitted for consideration for any open (or anticipated) position. However, this does not guarantee that you will be a good match for a prospective employer. Each hiring manager has their own hiring preferences and the recruitment team is obligated to respect those wishes.

 

Does EliteMed place internationally?

No. At this time, EliteMed’s relationships are primarily with those distributors and hiring managers who represent products in the U.S.

 

How long will it take to get a job?

This is a difficult question to answer. There have frequently been opportunities available to MSC students before they even graduate, while other students have had to wait several months for the “right” opportunity to present itself. With that said, it is the general goal of EliteMed recruiters to finalize employment opportunities for MSC graduates within 90 days of graduation.

 

Which jobs tend to be the most lucrative?

That is also a difficult question to answer. The bottom line is that the most lucrative position is the one you have! Traditionally, spine specialists are considered to have more earning potential because the implants they sell tend to have higher dollar values. However, you may be in a six hour spinal surgery and have the opportunity for just one sale, when an orthopaedic rep selling foot & ankle implants might be able to do several surgeries each day and make more money. Commissions may be less, but total earning potential may be greater. Likewise, you may have to work for many months (if not years) to convert a spinal surgeon, but a trauma rep may have the opportunity to connect with an orthopedic surgeon and have an easier time of converting them to other orthopaedic products. Regardless of your specialty, remember that you will have to earn it!

 

What kind of compensation can I expect when I get hired?

Compensation plans vary dramatically from territory to territory, and from company to company. Traditionally, medical device sales is heavily commission-based. You may have a minimal base (i.e. salary or guarantee) with generous commission structures. Larger distributors and corporate customers may offer benefit packages, but you should not anticipate that this will be the case. Ultimately, you should expect moderate earnings during your first year in the field. However, if you are not making $80,000 – $150,000 a year in subsequent years, you are likely not producing enough business to keep yourself employed.

 

What is a 1099 position?

Many distributors will offer positions to you as an independent subcontractor. In that case, you are not an employee of either the manufacturer or the distributor. Instead, you are “self-employed” though you still have obligations to the distributor (and product line) that you represent. As a result, you may or may not be offered traditional benefit packages. However, this can also present a great opportunity for people who want to be more independent and thrive in an environment where they control their own destiny.

 

Should I be concerned about my age? Am I too young (or too old) to get into this industry?

That is another difficult question to answer. Hiring managers have very different hiring preferences. One manager may want someone just out of school who they can “mold” into a great sales rep, while others prefer to hire sales reps that have a significant amount of prior sales experience and a demonstrated “track record” of success.

Ultimately, hiring managers are looking for professional, assertive sales reps who are not afraid to ask for the business and who will be well received by surgeon customers. They also want to be sure that their investment in you will provide them with returns. You don’t want to be perceived as a “short-term” hire – for any reason.