University of Texas to offer CNPR Certification for those seeking a career in pharmaceutical sales

Sept. 12, 2011 - PRLog -- The National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPRx) is happy to announce that it has reached an agreement to begin offering the NAPRx - Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative -CNPR (Pharmaceutical Sales Certification) training program through the University of Texas and Gatlin Education Services/E2Go.

Developed in response to a rising demand for trained entry level pharmaceutical sales representatives, the NAPRx nationally recognized online certification and CNPR sales training program will provide individuals with the tools to gain entry-level jobs in the industry. Upon registering for the course, students will automatically gain membership with NAPRx and will become eligible to sit for the CNPR national certification exam at no additional cost.

"There is a great demand for pharmaceutical sales reps, which means there is an equal need for solid training devices," said Stephen Gatlin. "In short order, this program will become one of our most popular offerings. Pharmaceutical sales can be a very rewarding career, and the first step toward realizing that is completing the CNPR entry level pharmaceutical sales course."

Even if students lack a formal pharmacology and medical education, the program can ready them for a long and successful career by imparting information regarding general medical terminology, clinical pharmacology, managed care, drug sampling rules, effective selling techniques and more.

Upon completing the course, National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representative students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry, including the role of the FDA, drug products and developments, and how to make an effective sales pitch. Students will also be prepared to take the CNPR certification exam.

"The field is adding thousands of new jobs this year, and obviously they can't all be filled by experienced reps," said Brad Sullivan of the NAPRx. "Companies will not only be looking to hire professionals who can sell and motivate physicians to buy their brand, but also for someone who can speak intelligently about the healthcare industry and its products. Gatlin's training is a great avenue to gain the knowledge of clinical pharmacology and medical terminology that is essential to success."

Established in 1989 Gatlin Education is the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported training to community colleges and universities. Gatlin's courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately. Gatlin's online career training courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.

NAPRx® is a trade association for the pharmaceutical, medical and biotech industry. NAPRx® represents sales representatives for these industries and is also a federally trademarked group. The National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives® was initiated to educate, train, create standards and provide current information for professional pharmaceutical sales representatives as well as for individuals who want to gain entry into the industry.

CNPR graduates should mention the training and post their CNPR on their resume. Pharmaceutical companies prefer to hire candidates who have received CNPR training as most companies prefer industry knowledge from their applicants. The CNPR program is also available by correspondence directly through the association.

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The largest association in the United States representing over 48,000 pharmaceutical sales representatives.