Arthrex and Clemson partner to bolster medical sales workforce.

As the biomedical industry continues to expand in South Carolina, so does Arthrex's need for a specialized workforce.

Arthrex, a company engaged in the research, design and manufacture of minimally invasive surgical technology, announced in 2017 plans for its new $69 million facility and the creation of 1,000 new jobs in Sandy Springs. Kevin Grieff, Arthrex senior vice president of operations, said he expects to reach 1,000 employees by 2024.

A pair of programs with Clemson University helps bridge a divide between science and sales for the company's future workforce.

Students like T.J. 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," Biondolillo, a senior majoring in biological sciences, said in a news release. "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."

Soon after the expansion announcement, Arthrex approached Clemson University with an educational partnership opportunity to help students develop the interdisciplinary skills to position them for success in the fast-growing orthopedic medical device field. The result was an educational pilot program designed with the needs of the global medical device industry in mind.

Arthrex has since expanded its partnership with Clemson, which is just 10 miles from the Sandy Springs location.

Working with the academic leaders and the Clemson University Office of Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives, the company has created 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," Arthrex President and founder Reinhold Schmieding said in the release.

The Sales Innovation Certificate Program and Orthopedic Medical Device Product Specialist certificate programs are designed to enable students from any major to explore 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. The programs are intended to...