High School

To prepare for a job in sales, you should take courses in speech and English, to develop your communication skills. You should also take science courses, including biology and chemistry, so that youll have some insight into pharmaceutical research and development. If youre interested in a job as a production worker, select a vocational or technical school program that will give you some background in machine work and engineering. Computer science, database management, and artificial intelligence courses will also be useful. If you plan to become a sales worker, courses in marketing, sales, writing, and speech will be useful.

Postsecondary Education

Most employers offering production jobs require at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, with workers learning their skills via on-the-job training. Certain production positions require an associate’s degree in biotechnology, manufacturing, or a related field and one to three years of experience. Production managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business management. Individuals seeking a pharmaceutical sales job will need a four-year college degree in a major such as life sciences or business administration. Scientists need at least a bachelors degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology, or related majors. Aspiring managers will need degrees in business management.

Certification

NSF, a developer of public health standards and services, offers a certificate in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Courses include Analysis and Testing, General Drug or Pharmaceutical cGMP and Quality Systems, Process Validation and Equipment Qualification, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, and Sterile Manufacturing Practices. Visit https://www.nsf.org/training/area/health-sciences-training-solutions/pharmaceutical for more information. Colleges and universities also provide certificate programs in areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, sales, business management, and related fields.

Other Education or Training

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education, and other industry organizations—including those at the state and local levels—provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for pharmaceutical industry workers; however, pharmaceutical sales representatives can seek voluntary certification as a certified national pharmaceutical representative from the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSRx). The certification program consists of a home-based study program and an online exam. The Manufacturers’ Representatives Educational Research Foundation offers several certification designations for sales representatives who are employed by manufacturers. Contact these organizations for more information.

Other Requirements

Because they are expected to travel for meetings and sales calls, pharmaceutical sales representatives need to have a valid drivers license.

Pharmaceutical sales representatives must be outgoing, cheerful, and persuasive. They must be analytical, intelligent, and informed. They must continue to learn about new drugs and be quick to answer questions from potential customers, who are often doctors and other medical professionals. Representatives reflect the company and therefore are best served to dress well and make a good impression. Production workers must be physically fit, mentally alert to oversee production lines and processes, and have the temperament to work at sometimes repetitive tasks. Administrative and managerial workers must be decisive leaders with empathy for workers at all levels of education and responsibility.