In this article, the author shares her experience as a recent student and graduate of the PrepMD training program.

PrepMD is a training program in Braintree, Massachusetts that prepares individuals for a career in the medical device industry. The focus of the program is Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) technology, with additional instruction in EP therapies, as well as business and sales training. 

The program is six months long, with classes starting in February, May, and September. I began my journey May 16th, 2011 and graduated November 4th, 2011.

As a cardiovascular professional with 12 years of clinical experience (including cath lab, EP lab, and echocardiography), I decided it was time for a change. While I enjoyed working in direct patient care, I felt I was ready for more challenges while still remaining in the cardiology field. Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune of interacting with many industry professionals from different companies and various backgrounds. Many of them graciously took time out of their busy schedules to speak with me about their experiences working in industry, which was invaluable in making an informed decision to pursue a career with a medical device company. It wasn’t until I started studying electrophysiology and implantable devices in preparation to take the RCES (Registered Cardiovascular Electrophysiology Specialist) exam that I began to think about a career in CRM and EP. Every company representative I spoke with in the EP lab had such great enthusiasm for the field — working with patients, partnering with physicians, and being a technical resource for their products — and while every job has its ups and downs, these dedicated professionals all loved their work. I knew this was the field for me. I could picture myself walking down a hospital hallway with my bag of supplies to cover an implant and visiting physician offices to check the devices of patients I knew by heart.

As an introduction to the business side of industry, I took classes on general business and value-based selling. I also wanted to obtain some formal education about CRM technologies in preparation for my transition to an industry position. I felt the need to separate myself from the clinical side, and dedicate time to focus on the industry representative’s role in device implants and follow-ups. PrepMD stood out for me because 20% of their curriculum is business oriented; as a person with no previous industry experience, that was a great incentive for me to enroll in the program. Plus, having the opportunity to learn from Tom Kenny, a device guru who has published numerous books on pacing and ICDs, was too good for me to pass up!