Arthrex expands Clemson partnership through new certificate program for medical device sales

As the biomedical industry continues to expand, so does Arthrex Inc. and its need for a specialized workforce. Students like TJ Biondolillo are also recognizing the need for more specialized education, especially when it comes to blending science and business.

“Both of the programs have helped my education immensely,” shared TJ Biondolillo, a senior majoring in biological sciences. “As a biology student, who for the first two years of college had the goal of one day attending dental school, until I shadowed a neighbor who does medical device sales, I had pretty much no selling experience.”

Arthrex has since expanded its Clemson partnership. Working closely with External Affairs’ Office of Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives (OCPSI) and academic leadership, it has created additional scholarships and two certificate programs. “Arthrex takes great pride in its commitment to education and we are pleased to help develop the next generation of highly skilled professionals like Arthrex Technology Consultants who work with orthopedic surgeons to provide trustworthy technical product support,” said Arthrex President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding.

The Sales Innovation Certificate Program (SIP) and Orthopedic Medical Device Product Specialist certificate programs are designed to enable students from any major to explore and succeed in medical device technology consulting. Through the programs, students gain knowledge of medical devices and techniques, and gain an introduction to the sales and marketing aspects of medical products. This, in turn, creates a strong pipeline to help support Arthrex’s growing needs in this area and is a direct result of the partnership developed by Clemson’s Office of Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives.

“Through the strategic partnership with Arthrex, we have worked together to develop one-of-a-kind workforce development programs to support an integral partner need,” said Angie Leidinger, vice president of External Affairs for Clemson. “The success of the pilot programs has showcased the talent of our faculty and students, and we’re excited about the opportunity to continue engaging with Arthrex in mutually beneficial ways that will strengthen educational outcomes while providing them with top-tier talent.”

Certificate Programs

After learning about the certificate program, Biondolillo jumped at the opportunity to gain the targeted knowledge in medical device sales.

“The Sales Innovation Program has improved my selling skills and taught me the principles of being a great salesperson and the Orthopedic Device Product Specialist Program has improved my product knowledge from materials used in devices to diagnosing issues and being able to properly convey product benefits,” said Biondolillo”

The Sales Innovation Program coursework is tailored to develop students’ business acumen, selling frameworks and presentation ability in order to equip them for influential roles in health care and medical device sales or related positions. Through the program, students also partake in real-world challenges, foundational role-play exercises and leadership opportunities.

The Orthopedic Medical Device Product Specialist Certificate provides students with core competencies in the orthopedic medical device industry with a focus on managing a product throughout its life cycle, including product development and performance relevant to clinical use, and communication of its commercial value.

Arthrex Scholars

In addition to the certificate programs that provide students a pathway to learning about medical device sales, the Arthrex Scholars program will continue to provide scholarships to those same students.

The Arthrex Scholars program was announced in 2019 as a two-year pilot program, with the first scholarships awarded in 2020. For the second year, 15 students pursuing medical device sales careers will each receive $5,000 scholarships and a potential foot-in-the-door to a summer internship.

“Under the direction of Ryan Mullins, our Sales Innovation Program has shown an ability to connect students with companies like Arthrex that can potentially lead to sales careers with those organizations,” said Jennifer Siemens, Department of Marketing chair. “Arthrex’s investment as an Innovation Partner in our Sales Innovation Program helps students financially and potentially creates a pipeline to our best and brightest as their next generation of employees.”

“I wouldn’t be in the position that I am in without Arthrex’s involvement in the Sales Innovation Program and the Orthopedic Medical Device Product Specialist Certificate Program. Being able to talk about my experiences in both SIP and the orthopedic device program gave me a huge leg up during the job interview process. I owe so much gratitude to Arthrex and Clemson for putting me in the best position to begin my career in the medical device industry.”

Arthrex also works with Clemson on several research projects, including a NanoScope^TM Surgical Imaging System Reprocessing Assessment with Bioengineering Associate Professor Melinda Harman. Student engagement goes beyond the certificate programs with internships and co-op placements for Clemson students. 

Arthrex continues to build partnerships with local educational institutions in the South Carolina upstate region to help grow an advanced medical device manufacturing workforce. “With the successful recruitment of South Carolina talent we have achieved over the last two years we will continue to seek qualified personnel bringing our total employment to more than 1,000 by 2024,” said Kevin Grieff, Arthrex senior vice president of operations.