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Frequently Asked Questions
Most medical device companies prefer candidates with a clinical background, especially those with hands-on experience in healthcare settings. While a degree in nursing or as a radiology technologist is a great foundation, additional skills in sales, communication, and relationship management are also important. Explore NurseElevator and find a coach, resume writer, or recruiter that can help take you to the next level.
Sales experience is helpful but not always required. Many healthcare professionals enter the field as clinical support specialists, leveraging their clinical expertise while learning the business and sales side of the industry. From there, it's possible to transition into full sales roles with proper training and mentorship.
As a Clinical Support Specialist (CSS), your primary role is to provide technical support to healthcare providers, ensuring they know how to use the medical devices effectively and safely. You’ll often be in the operating room, cath lab, or radiology suite, assisting physicians during procedures and providing real-time troubleshooting.
While bedside care often involves long shifts and weekends, the hours in medical device sales can be more variable. Sales reps and clinical specialists may work irregular hours depending on procedure schedules, but they often have more control over their schedules. However, travel and being on-call for urgent cases can be common aspects of the job. Flexibility is required.
Earning potential can vary widely, depending on the role, company, and territory. Clinical support specialists may start with a salary similar to a healthcare professional's or more, but with opportunities for additional bonuses and other incentives like a company car, company cell phone, company credit card and expenses like home internet paid for. Sales representatives, especially those with successful track records, can earn significantly more through commissions, often making quite a high income, but there is a stress level involved. Be prepared to work hard, but be rewarded for it.
While the interaction with patients is less direct, you will still have opportunities to impact patient care. In clinical support roles, you’ll often work alongside healthcare providers during procedures, ensuring the equipment is used properly and safely, which directly affects patient outcomes. The way that I was able to cope with leaving the direct patient care aspect was that I knew I chose to work with devices that help patients. Sticking to my core of being a true patient advocate.
Visit NurseElevator and participate in the forum, connect with others that already left bedside care, and career coaches. You can also start by researching the medical device companies and products you're interested in. My NurseElevator handbook has a treasure hunt for your next shift. Pick up a copy here. Networking with current medical device professionals, attending industry-related conferences, and taking relevant courses can also help. Consider reaching out to career coaches or recruiters who specialize in placing healthcare professionals into medical device roles.
One of the biggest challenges is the shift from a clinical mindset to a business-oriented one. In sales, your success is often measured by numbers—quotas, sales targets, and market growth. It can also be an adjustment to move from a structured hospital environment to one where you are often working independently and managing your own time.
Absolutely! Your clinical expertise will be invaluable, especially when discussing products with healthcare professionals who trust that you understand their needs. You’ll also be able to grasp complex medical terminology and procedural workflows more easily than those without a healthcare background.
Yesssssssssss, there are plenty of opportunities for growth in the medical device industry. Many professionals start as clinical support specialists and later transition into full sales roles or management positions. Others may move into areas like product development, training, medical education or corporate leadership.
Start by saying hello and introducing yourself in our new NurseElevator community. Joining professional organizations, attending medical device conferences, and connecting with recruiters or others in the field through platforms like LinkedIn also work. NurseElevator is a great resource to connect with mentors, recruiters, and other professionals who have successfully made the transition.