Can Women Succeed in Medical Device Sales?

Breaking into a Competitive Industry — and Thriving in It

The short answer? Absolutely.
But the real conversation is more nuanced.

Medical device sales — especially in procedural, hospital-based specialties — has long been perceived as a male-dominated field. And in some ways, it still is. But the landscape is shifting, and more women are not just breaking in — they're leading teams, owning territories, and excelling in high-pressure roles like cardiovascular, neurovascular, and structural heart.

If you're a woman considering this career path, here’s what you need to know — the challenges, the advantages, and how to set yourself up for success.

📊 More Women Are Entering the Field Than Ever Before

Historically, women were significantly underrepresented in device sales.

• In the early 2000s, less than 20% of medical device sales reps were women.

• As of MedReps’ 2023 industry report, that number has risen to 34% — and continues to grow, especially in clinical and procedural roles.

That’s progress — but there’s still room to grow.

🚀 Where Women Excel in Device Sales

Successful women in this field bring strengths that often translate into strong performance, including:

• High emotional intelligence and the ability to read a room

• Collaborative communication with physicians and staff

• Strong follow-through on clinical education and customer service

• Ability to balance both strategic and technical selling

In procedural specialties where reps are seen as clinical partners, these strengths are incredibly valuable.

⚠️ Challenges Still Exist

While the doors are open, there are still realities to navigate:

• Underrepresentation in some specialties may require pushing through biases

• You may need to work harder to establish clinical credibility

• Some companies or hospital systems are still catching up in terms of equity and mentorship

But many women in the field would tell you: once you prove your knowledge and presence, you earn respect quickly.

💡 How to Stand Out Early

Whether you're trying to land your first interview or build your brand in the field, here’s what can help:

• Build clinical confidence — the more you understand the anatomy, procedure, and product, the faster you'll earn trust

• Find a mentor — male or female — who understands the field and can provide feedback

• Choose a specialty that fits your long-term goals (cardiovascular is one of the few with high income potential andmore predictable schedules)

🎓 Your Experience Matters — And So Does the Right Training

At Device University, we’re committed to opening access to high-level training in one of the most respected areas of device sales: cardiovascular and endovascular specialties.

We help future reps — including women from diverse backgrounds — build the confidence and technical fluency needed to compete at the highest levels.

👉 Browse our training programs and take the next step toward your medical device sales career.