Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative

The Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative Online Training Program will help you become an entry-level, certified pharmaceutical sales representative, even if you don't have pharmacology or medical education.

This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges, universities, and other accredited education providers.

The goal of the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) Online Training Program is to develop your knowledge in clinical pharmacology, physiology, and medical terminology. This knowledge will greatly enhance your understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and its selling process, and it will increase your hiring potential. The CNPR Program was developed in partnership with the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSR). This unique training program will prepare you for a new career as a pharmaceutical sales representative and for national certification through NAPSR. As a registered student of the CNPR program, you'll automatically become a member of NAPSR, and you'll be eligible to sit for the CNPR national certification exam at no additional cost. CNPR students must be willing to participate in continuing education and must agree to uphold the NAPSR Standards of Ethical Practices and Certification Program Rules. The certifying examination requires the candidate to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of both federal regulations and the pharmaceutical industry. The objective of the NAPSR is to set standards accepted within the profession and to assure the public that the organization acts in the best interests of the pharmaceutical sales industry and the public. The CNPR is a federally trademarked certification you can earn by demonstrating the necessary knowledge in pharmacology, medical terminology, physiology, and regulations for selling pharmaceuticals. The CNPR examination is dedicated to increasing the professional level of NAPSR members and to developing meaningful and ethical standards fully accepted by both its members and members of the pharmaceutical community. The goal of the CNPR Training Program is to prepare candidates for a career in pharmaceutical sales. All pharmaceutical sales representatives must be familiar with: General medical terminology Anatomy and physiology Clinical pharmacology Managed care Pharmaceutical terms, abbreviations, and definitions Drug sampling rules PI descriptions Effective pharmaceutical selling techniques Therapeutic classes and categories The CNPR Program's advisory board of pharmaceutical industry experts recognizes the challenges encountered in the day-to-day activity of selling to physicians, who expect sales representatives to know the clinical and pharmacology information about not only your product, but your competitors' products, too. The CNPR Training Program will prepare you for a career in pharmaceutical sales and make you a more attractive candidate to pharmaceutical companies. In addition to NAPSR certification, it's generally recommended for pharmaceutical sales representatives to have a Bachelor's degree. Some smaller- and medium-sized pharmaceutical sales companies don't require a college education; however, it's difficult for candidates to break into larger companies without acquiring some college hours. Students are encouraged to research the pharmaceutical job market in their area prior to taking the program. Upon registering, you're given an initial six months to complete the program. Should you need more time, you may request a six-month extension at no additional charge.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the NAPSR Program, you'll: Understand all pharmaceutical terms, definitions, and abbreviations needed to sell pharmaceuticals Know the pharmaceutical industry, major product lines, and therapeutic categories Understand the FDA's role in the industry, laws enforced by the FDA, the Hatch-Waxman Act, and regulatory compliance in drug labeling and promotion Comprehend Medicare and Medicaid issues and how they affect the selling process Understand research and development of new drugs, including stages and timelines of new drug development and clinical trials Gain knowledge of government reimbursement programs, drug discount cards, major concepts and components of 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 and learn the importance of call planning and record keeping, how to handle appointment calls and impromptu calls and strategies for no-see offices and downtime Have the knowledge to effectively use sales brochures and support literature and know how to sell new products versus established products Understand how to prepare for hospital calls, security concerns of a hospital, and sampling rules in hospitals Be prepared to take the CNPR certification exam

Outline:

So You Want to Be in Pharmaceutical Sales A Rewarding Career Enormous Impact The Industry Healthcare Demand Food and Drug Administration Compensation Bonus Commission Market Share Selling for Volume A Day in the Life of a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Marketing Products The District Sales Manager What makes a Successful Rep Setting Objectives Sales Process Staying Current Winning Confidence Product Samples Organization The Physician Physician Attitude Challenges New Medicines Mean Strength for U.S. Economy Terminology Research-based Major Activities Large Number of New Drugs New Medicines in Development Research and Development Boost the U.S. Economy Policy Implications The Anatomy and Clinical Pharmacology Terms and Abbreviations The Foundation What is a Drug? The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Mechanism of Action Formulation Excipient Classes Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics The Cell Classes of Nutrients Basic Clinical Pharmacology Drug Administration and Delivery Drug Distribution: the Supply Chain Terminology Licensing Wholesalers Distributors Package Insert Information The Purpose Sections Drug Patents Terms and Abbreviations Patent: Definition,Duration Marketing Exclusivity Generic Drugs FDA's Criteria for Equivalence FDA's Orange Book Single-and Multi-Source Drug Products Hatch-Waxman Act Drug Sampling Drug Sample Storage Techniques Federal Regulations Storage of Pharmaceutical Products Recalls on Drug Products The Research and Development Process Regulations Higher Research and Development & Costs Policy Implications Dynamic Growth Research Spending Government Partnerships Scientific Opportunities Drug Development and Preclinical Studies Pharmacodynamics Administering a Drug Transport Mechanisms Passive Diffusion Facilitative Diffusion Active Transport Pinocytosis Absorption Buccal and Sublingual Subcutaneous and Intermuscular Administration Blood-Brain Barrier Toxicology Carcinogenicity Animal Tests Clinical Trials Ethical Considerations Regulatory Requirements Clinical Papers Enhance Your Presentation Anticipate Questions Handle Objections Sell What's Meaningful Drug Discovery: Large Molecule Drugs Vaccines Toxoids Adjuvants Human Immune System Gene Therapy Stem Cells Bone Marrow Transplant Managed Care Formulary Basics Restrictive Strategies Understanding Cost Pharmacy Department Medical Education Brand Medicine Pharmaceutical Branding Brand Medicine Building Brands Brand Positioning DTC Advertising The Language Barrier Role of Research Types of Names Clinical Development and Pharmaceutical Marketing Environment and Trends DTC Branding OTC Availability AIDS Epidemic New Millennium Patient Communication Ethical Regulatory Guidelines AMA Guidelines PhRMA Code Pharmaceutical Sales Skills Relationships Sales Superstars Seeing the Physician Drug Formulary Sales Force

Prerequisites:

Students should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word recommended), and have a command of English grammar and punctuation. No healthcare or medical-office work experience is required. This program is for you if you're interested in learning job skills for pharmaceutical sales opportunities and if you're interested in becoming certified in this field.

Materials:

This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. There are no special computer requirements for this program other than Internet access and email capability. Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader are required for this program. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Flash Player. The official NAPSR Pharmaceutical Sales Training Manual will be provided to registered students by the NAPSR. As a CNPR Program student, you'll receive a membership to NAPSR, and you'll also be eligible to take the official NAPSR certification exam at no additional cost upon completion of your online training program.

FAQ

1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student? Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration. 2. How long does it take to complete a program? All of our programs are self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start them when you want and finish them at your own pace. Upon registering, you're given an initial six months to complete this program. Should you need more time beyond the six months, an extension of six months is available at no additional cost. 3. Is a college degree required for certification or employment? A degree is generally recommended, but it's not a strict requirement. Some smaller- and medium-sized pharmaceutical sales companies don’t require a college education; however, it's difficult for candidates to break into the larger companies without acquiring some college hours. Students are encouraged to research the pharmaceutical job market in their area prior to enrolling in this program. 4. Do I have to buy additional materials? All the materials you'll need are included, and their cost will be covered by your tuition. ed2go will ship all materials ground service upon enrollment. 5. Can I get financial assistance? ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. 6. What happens when I complete the program? Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll be awarded a certificate of completion. However, completion of the program doesn't guarantee certification through CNPR. Please refer to the following question for more information. 7. Am I guaranteed a job? After completing the program with a final passing grade of 70% or higher, you'll be eligible to sit for the CNPR exam. The goal of the training program is to develop knowledge to pass the certification exam. 8. Who will be my instructor? Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. 9. Can I use a Mac? Yes, you can use a Mac for this program. 10. How can I get more information about the program? If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button below). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Ask a question" button below. You may also call us at 1-877-221-5151. We will answer your questions promptly. 11. When can I start the program? Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.