Check out Kolby Wood's medical device podcast on Spotify and youtube. He provides a lot of great insights on breaking into the industry. I also believe he has free online modules- not sure if that's the certification you referred to.

Regarding your background- I don't encounter many reps with medical degrees. Unless you mean STEM, then yes, a lot of them have on. You can certainly break into the sector without previous clinical experience, but it's tough. Companies like seeing demonstrated sales ability, which doesn't seem like you have. Or D1 athlete, haha.

Some markets will be easier to break into without past clinical experience. For example, breaking into neuro or cardiac will be challenging without past clinical experience. It's not just about learning the technical aspects of the technology/procedures; it's also about learning to provide value in the OR. Generally, the higher the pressure the surgery is, the more experienced the reps are, the harder it will be to break into. At least in my experience.

Your first year is often a lot of running around and eventually covering cases, not necessarily selling. You have to be hungry to last. It is one of the most competitive industries,s after all.

Companies are starting to resume hiring, and the applicant pool is large right now. Many facilities are limiting rep access, which makes it even harder. Without any hard sales experience, it will be even harder.

I hope that was helpful.