Description:

This nationally recognized Pharmaceutical Sales Representative online training course (CNPR) and program was developed in response to a rising need for entry-level certified pharmaceutical sales representatives. The program is designed for individuals who want to gain entry into the pharmaceutical industry but who lack the required pharmacology and medical education. This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges, universities, and other accredited education providers.

Goals:

Upon successful completion of the NAPSR course, students will: Understand all pharmaceutical terms, definitions, and abbreviations needed to sell pharmaceuticals. Have the necessary medical terminology required to sell to physicians and pharmacists. Know the pharmaceutical industry, major product lines, and therapeutic categories.

Understand the FDA's role in the industry, laws enforced by the FDA, Hatch-Waxman Act, and regulatory compliance in drug labeling and promotion Comprehend Medicare/Medicaid issues and how they affect the selling process. Understand research & development of new drugs, stages and timelines of new drug development, and clinical trials.

Know patent/patent extensions, generic drugs, US drug distribution channels, manufacture/distributor relationships, and distributor/retail relationships. Gain knowledge of government reimbursement programs, drug discount cards, major concepts and components managed care, main stakeholders in the managed-care marketplace, drug marketing and group purchasing organizations.

Grasp the concept of pharmaceutical sales territory planning and information gathering, importance of call planning and record keeping, appointment calls/impromptu calls, strategies for no see offices, and downtime strategies. Have the knowledge to effectively use sales brochures and support literature, how to sell new products versus established products, prepare for hospital calls, security concerns of a hospital, and sampling rules in hospitals.

Be prepared to properly comment on competing pharmaceutical products, effective drug sample positioning, citing clinical studies and trials, closing sales, exhibit preparation and to communicate with a district manager. Be prepared to take the CNPR certification exam.

Grading System:

Confirmation of Completion awarded with passing score.

School Description:

Offered in connection with a college or university near you, our self-paced, online career courses are designed to launch you into your dream job.

Begin your course anytime. Textbooks are included, and you will have access to student support via phone, email, and chat 24 hours a day.

Click "Enroll Now" to find the partner school for the career course you want to take.

Instructor Bio: Brad Sullivan

Brad Sullivan is the Education Director at NAPSR, the largest pharmaceutical sales rep association in the United States that provides training, continuing education and seminars to applicants pursuing a pharmaceutical sales career.

Mr. Sulllivan obtained his Bachelors in Management from the University of Illinois and his Master from Northwestern University. He has provided pharmaceutical education for the NAPSR for the past 7 years. Mr. Sullivan has also held sales positions with Sanofi and SmithKineBeecham Pharmaceuticals, and has been involved in publishing several textbooks on pharmaceutical marketing, pharmaceutical selling guidelines, and effective sales practices.

The pharmaceutical industry is changing rapidly and Mr. Sullivan provides a hands-on source of pharmaceutical product information and technical knowledge to the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives. The NAPSR is committed to providing the pharmaceutical industry high quality education, training and testing. Its commitment is unprecedented and the association continues to increase the services they provide.